FPCCI, Hunan Chamber ink MoU to strengthen trade, economic ties

LAHORE: A high-level Chinese business delegation, led by Hu Zhuling, president of the Hunan Chamber of Commerce (HCC), held a strategic meeting with office-bearers of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Lahore.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the FPCCI and HCC to enhance bilateral trade, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen industrial and cultural ties between the two regions. The MoU was signed by Zain Iftikhar Ch on behalf of the FPCCI and Hu Zhuling on behalf of the HCC.

Regional Chairman and Vice President of FPCCI Zain Iftikhar Ch, Patron-in-Chief of UBG SM Tanveer, and other senior members addressed the session, emphasising the need to deepen trade and investment relations between Pakistan and China, particularly with Hunan.

The MoU outlines several key objectives that will serve as the foundation for long-term strategic cooperation. One of its primary aims is to establish a comprehensive platform for bilateral exchange, fostering closer relationships among enterprises, institutions and civil society organisations in both countries.

The agreement also seeks to promote investment and facilitate the formation of joint ventures. This will include organising project matchmaking events and supporting the establishment of representative offices across regions, further enhancing two-way investment flows.

A notable aspect of the cooperation is the commitment to enhance the export potential of high-quality Pakistani products by improving access to the Hunan market. This initiative is expected to boost Pakistan’s export volume and elevate the global visibility of its brands.

In alignment with the FPCCI’s Pakistan-China Women’s Development and Employment Initiative, the MoU also focuses on empowering young Pakistani women entrepreneurs. It includes provisions for short-term technical and vocational training programmes designed to promote economic independence, improve living standards, and reduce poverty among women.

To support industry-specific collaboration, regular trade forums, investment briefings and product promotion events will be held. A dedicated liaison mechanism will be established to facilitate the exchange of market intelligence, policy updates and investment opportunities between the two sides.

The MoU also highlights the importance of cultural and educational cooperation. It will encourage partnerships between universities, promote student exchange programmes, and introduce innovative training modules such as ‘Chinese language plus vocational skills’. These initiatives aim to build a skilled workforce in areas like production, quality control and management, thereby contributing to Pakistan’s industrial growth and global competitiveness.