FPCCI appreciates Chinese role in socioeconomic development

ISLAMABAD: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) appreciated the Chinese role in the socioeconomic development of Pakistan, which further strengthens the tested relationship between the two countries.

This was stated by FPCCI Vice President Riaz Khattak, while hosted a reception in honour of Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong.

He said the cordial ties between the two countries have reached new heights with the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as for the very first time, the economic relations have gained more importance than the political ties.

Khattak said that friendship with China is the most precious asset and the CPEC is a game changer project, which cannot be compromised at any cost.

The project would be completed well on time and also be kept safe, as the COAS General Raheel Sharif is taking personal interest in it, he said.

He believed that time has come for the private sector of the two countries to use each other's expertise to excel in various fields, which include energy, infrastructure, tourism, mining, etc.

"The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the strongest pillar of economic, commercial and cultural connectivities between Pakistan and China and will create a positive impact on the region.

The FPCCI vice president also said that the Chinese Embassy may relax the requirements of getting visit visa for Pakistani businessmen, so that business-to-business interaction further enrich, which is very much required at this time.

Similarly, Regional Standing Committee of FPCCI Chairman Ahmad Jawad said, “Pakistan needs Chinese expertise in the post-harvest technology to transform our agriculture sector.”

He said the Chinese Embassy may utilise its due role and encourage Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture sector in the field of infrastructure like setting up hot water treatment plants, setting up modern cold storages and processing units in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.”

“This will help the Chinese buyers once the CPEC route gets operational to tap the Japanese and other markets.”

Jawad also said that there is a tremendous potential for the development of an agro-based industry along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and “we have identified at least eight agro-business centers along the corridor's route, which also required Chinese support”.

About 20 agricultural commodities are grown in different agro-ecologies along the CPEC route, Jawad said, adding that with the setting up of agro-business development centres, "we would be able to enter the Chinese market with finished agriculture products, besides adding more value to its own commodities".

Chinese businessmen had already started negotiations with the Pakistani counterparts to execute the horticulture trade from 2017 onwards.

The Chinese ambassador appreciated the FPCCI proposals and said: “We would like to strengthen working with the FPCCI in all the economic sectors.”  He also said, “We would also look into it that how we can relax the visa requirements for Pakistani businesses to tap the economic opportunities.”

FPCCI former president Senator Ghulam Ali thanked the Chinese ambassador to be part of this august gathering and looking forward to strengthen Pakistan as an important friend in all sectors, including defence.

Former vice presidents Adnan Jalil, Fazal Elahi and presidents of Mardan, Haripur, DI Khan, Tribal Area Chambers of Commerce and Industry were also present on the occasion.