PM’s visit to boost Pakistan-China trade
The Nation, Pakistan
PM’s visit to boost Pakistan-China trade
23 May 2011
LAHORE (APP) - The representatives of business community Sunday said that Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s visit to China would further boost trade and strengthen economic relations between the private sectors of two countries.
Commenting on the state visit of Prime Minister to China, Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an apex body of chambers in the country and all VPs Khalid Tawab, Dawood Usman Jakhura, Fazal Elahi, Muhammad Tariq Shafi, Ch Aamer Ata Bajwa, Muhammad Akbar Khan, said both the countries have agreed, in principle, to encourage private sectors to come forward and explore and exploit the vast opportunities that exist in the region in the realm of trade and investment.
He said that previously Pakistan and China had already singed a Free Trade Agreement designed for accelerating the bilateral trade to $ 15 billion.
He said that frequent exchange of visits of Pak-China traders will help promote bilateral trade and economic ties between the two friendly countries.
Another veteran trader leader and VP SAARC CCI Pakistan chapter Iftikhar Ali Malik said that in the prevailing scenario worldwide, Gilani’s visit proved successful because Pakistan always attached great importance to the strengthening of bilateral relations, especially the trade ties between the two countries.
There is vast scope for Chinese private sector to invest in Textile and heavy mechanical industries in Pakistan.
Iftikhar said Pakistan is receptive and supportive of foreign investment. He said Chinese private sector must take optimum advantage of an excellent package of incentives offered by Pakistan to attract investors in all fields. Malik said Pak traders look forward to building strong and vibrant economic ties with their counterparts in China.
President LCCI Shahzad Ali Malik said that both countries agreed to further intensify co-operation in infrastructure development, energy and agriculture on priority basis.
He said the establishment of the China-Pakistan Entrepreneurs Forum will further strengthen exchanges between their business communities.
Shahzad praised China’s strong support and selfless assistance in its economic and social development and in relief efforts during last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan. He said that entire Pakistan nation is proud that China is all weather and time tested friend of Pakistan since last 60 years.
He stressed the need for working together for the development in every sphere of life mainly aimed at welfare of the people of the both countries besides promoting peace and stability in the region.
