Spain sees CPEC as a game-changer: envoy

Islamabad

Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan Carlos Morales has termed the China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game changer, adding the project will usher in new era of development.

The Spanish ambassador expressed these views while giving an exclusive interview to DNA.

He further said the Chinese investments of 45 billion dollars in fact have put Pakistan back on the investment map. The visit of the Chinese president last year, I think, further increased the importance and significance of the project.

The ambassador talking about the cultural relations said, “As you know the artistes performed in three cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi. The purpose of such cultural activities is, of course, to promote and strengthen bilateral relations.”

Giving a brief account of business relations the ambassador said trade and economic relations between Spain and Pakistan will be the main mission and focus of my stay here so that we greatly enhance the trade volume with Pakistan.

Pakistan being a 200 million people country has tremendous economic potential which in my opinion is grossly underutilised. There is surely so much that we can do together in trade and for each other’s economy, and my special focus is to encourage more and more exports from Pakistan to Spain and other European Union countries.

“With regards to Spanish exports to Pakistan they are showing a gradual increase. Ostensibly we need to do much more to attract more and more Spanish companies to come to Pakistan. However, we must bear in the in mind that image and perception of a country is the sine qua non to attract foreign investments.”

Replying a question about Pakistan’s image abroad the ambassador said, “I must share with you that I have received many enquiries from Spanish companies about the business prospects in Pakistan, though security is their primary concern.”  Legal security may not be an important issue which relates to corruption because you have to deal with such issues in many countries of the world. Nevertheless, the businessmen are more concerned about their physical security and political stability.

Pakistan also needs to improve its soft image and one way of doing it is to empower women of Pakistan. Women need to occupy the public space. You need to see women in all fields including politics, parliament, media, business etc. I do agree with the quota system especially for women they now have a sufficient representation in all fields.