LAHORE: The industrial and trade associations have expressed serious concerns over the postponement of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan reportedly due to security reasons and the current political situation in Islamabad.
The representatives of traders were of the view that the country could not afford politics of protests and sit-ins, as the protests were not only damaging the country’s image but also its economy.
All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association former chairman Aizaz Mansoor Sheikh believed that the latest development had saddened all Pakistanis, who had hopes from this visit. He said that the ongoing political crisis had given rise to worries and apprehensions among the business people. He said that present situation might result in restraining Pakistan’s exports and other countries could take advantage of it.
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries standing committee on internal trade’s former chairman and IHA director Sardar Usman Ghani said that the delay of the Chinese President’s visit was a setback to economic development.
He said that the political crisis was causing serious damages to the national economy and it had become necessary for all the stakeholders to throw out their differences and resolve the issue at the earliest.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association Punjab Chairman SM Tanveer said that the postponement of the Chinese President’s visit had put on hold an agreement worth $32 billion. He said that the country was already facing energy crisis and needed huge investment.
He said that many textile mills have been closing due to 10 hours load shedding while whole government is engaged in political affairs. He demanded the government to solve the political impasse as soon as possible.
Vice President SAARC CCI Pak chapter Iftikhar Ali Malik said all parties should resolve political issues and differences strictly in accordance with democratic values.
He said that entire business community irrespective of any political affiliation, always attaches importance to supreme national interest.
LCCI vice president Kashif Anwar said that sit-ins, marches have been causing huge financial and trade loss to the traders of the country. He said that delay in Chinese President’s visit should be reviewed to set good example of Pak-China friendship.
