Chinese entrepreneurs explore business opportunities

LAHORE: A delegation of entrepreneurs from China, headed by Liu Jiang (Michal), CEO, ST Fulin Group Co Ltd, project head of Sino-Pak international logistic complex, visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Tuesday.

“Both Countries are strongly associated together and have mutual relations based on solid foundations. Pakistan is an ideal destination of foreign investment and top priority of the Chinese investors,” Liu added. He was visiting to FPCCI to discuss business opportunities.

The leader of the Chinese delegation said economic globalisation and regional integration has provided enormous opportunities for further cooperation between China and Pakistan.

The delegation met FPCCI Regional Standing Committee on Mines and Mineral Chairman Raja Hassan Akhtar and proposed backup solutions and the solar PV systems to run small and medium enterprises and industries in Pakistan.

Hassan said China had played a significant role in the economic development of Pakistan. "Lahore has a special significance being the hub of business activities in Punjab. Both public and private sector organisations are striving hard to fully exploit the trade and investment potential of Punjab in collaboration with foreign investors,” he added.

China would be our first choice for joint ventures, he said, adding, "We do hope that state level cooperation between the two countries will bring greater fortune to both of us. In the present economic scenario, when Pakistan is facing an acute energy crisis, and desperately needs foreign investment to get out of this situation, the need and importance of high-level meetings between the heads of states cannot be underestimated."

The FPCCI regional chair on mines and minerals reiterated the importance of China as a trading partner. “It is the second largest importing country after United Arab Emirates and regarding top exporting countries of Pakistan, China comes at second place after the United States. Through developing private to private contacts, we can further strengthen our trade relations. Private sectors of both countries need to interact on a regular basis for exploring more avenues for trade expansion and opportunities for investments,” he added.

Muhammad Yaseen, Chairman, FPCCI Regional Standing Committee on Cottage Industry, highlighted the various investment and joint venture opportunities. He said joint ventures with Chinese enterprises would facilitate vital transfer of technology as Pakistan direly needed to upgrade the value-addition process. He said China was one of the leading trade partners of Pakistan and has been playing a significant role in the economic development of the country. The trade delegations not only enhance trade and economic ties between the two countries, but also were a source of gauging investment opportunities to focus on the most important and right sector.