ISLAMABAD: The Pak-China Business Forum provides businessmen from the two countries the opportunity to improve bilateral trade relations and boost economic activities between the two countries.
This was stated by President of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Main Muhamamd Adrees, while addressing the inaugural session of a 4-day Pak-China Business Forum organised by Comsats Institute of Information Technology. Minister for Science and Technology, Rana Tanveer Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion.
Mian Adrees said this forum would prove as a catalyst for promoting bilateral trade relations.He said Pakistan’s top leadership has given high priority to boosting good relations with China and the mega project of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) was reflective of the government’s commitment.
He said that trade volume between the two countries has increased manifold after the signing of Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
“Current trade volume of trade between the two countries stands at $15 billion which is much higher that of $5 billion before signing of Free TradeAgreement around 8 years ago”, the FPCCI President added.
“It is a better way to arrange such types of forums where businessmen from both the countries can meet with each other and discuss various relevant issues so that they can develop mutual trust”, he said adding once the mutual trust develops, the trade activities increase.
He also underlined the need for enhancing Pakistan’s exports to China as balance of trade between the two countries was much in favor of China. He also proposed the Pakistan’s business community to take benefit from the opportunities offered by the Chinese government in its country.
On the occasion, Secretary Board of Investment (BOI) Iftikhar Hussain Babar said the forum has proved to be a valuable platform to promote bilateral business opportunities. He said China is true and trusted friend of Pakistan who has helped Pakistan on number of critical issues.
He said the BOI is committed to provide all possible facilities to resolve various issues relating to Chinese investment in the Pakistan. He also invited the Chinese investors to come to Pakistan and invest in different sectors including energy and infrastructure sectors.
He said number of foreign companies is increasing which show their trust on Pakistan. He said that the $46 billion China-Pak Economic Corridor is a great gift from China for which Pakistan is grateful to China.
Ambassador of China to Pakistan Sun Weidong said on the occasion “We are enjoying all weather friendship and all weather good mutual relationship”.He said China welcomes Pakistan businessmen to come to China and explore business opportunities in China.
He termed the year 2015 as year of friendship between China andPakistan as during the year, the two countries are committed to push their bilateral relations to a new height.
