CPEC will strengthen Pakistan economy:Brazilian ambassador

Islamabad

Brazilian Ambassador Claudio Lins has said China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will rapidly modernise Pakistani infrastructure and strengthen its economy by the construction of modern transportation networks, numerous energy projects, and special economic zones.

While giving interview to ‘The News’ Ambassador has said that next 15 years are highly important as it is the duration in which Pakistan by utilizing all of its resources and manpower could bring Pakistan into global economic mainstream. It has been said that if CPEC utilised properly would rebound the economy of Pakistan three to four times.

He said CPEC is a futuristic economic dimension of Pakistan in the 21st century. This multi-dimensional project has opened Pakistan’s rebalancing options from geopolitics to geo-economics.

Talking about relation between Brazil and Pakistan Claudio Lins said that bilateral political relations are excellent; both countries have very similar positions in most international themes and share the same challenges: the fight against poverty, economic inequalities and climate change. Both Pakistani and Brazilian peoples are warm, hospitable, friendly and religious peoples. It is a pity that the geographical distant means we still have to know each other better.

Ambassador told that trade volume with Pakistan is around 478 million US$, which is not so low considering geographic distance and language barriers. It’s true that we are not utilizing the latent potential in our economies. But still Brazil is the biggest trading partner of Pakistan in the whole of Latin America. We need to do a lot to enhance this volume of trade.

He said both countries have very friendly ties. But people in general and business communities in particular don’t really know each other. Experience shows that even with modern means of travelling, people feel reluctant to travel to far away countries.  However, especially in the case of business, distance doesn’t matter that much. Businesspeople can travel to remote parts of the world if they see profitable opportunities. Pakistani businessmen more and more often travel to Brazil and we receive them frequently in our Consular sector.

“We also have to profit from the fact that Brazil’s trade with Pakistan’s neighbouring countries is huge. For example, Brazil also has very good relations with China. Our trade volume with China is around $58 billion. With India our trade reached $6 billion. The Embassy will also stimulate Brazilian businessmen who travel to these countries to extend their journey to Pakistan,” he said.

Ambassador said that Brazil and Pakistan need to contact more and more on the official level and on people-to-people level. The Embassy is here to assist the relations between Pakistan and Brazil in all possible ways. Our Commercial section routinely provides information to Pakistani business communities about important business developments, industry information, contacts of Brazilian companies, and information about fairs and exhibitions in Brazil.

“During the year 2016 about 1,300 visas were granted to Pakistanis. Among them 30 were students visas, 306 were business, 962 were tourists,” the ambassador said and added that they are trying to establish 'Brazil Pakistan Business Council', which will help the business community of both countries to know new trade opportunities and to establish good relations.

Talking about visit of legend of Brazilian football player Ronaldinho to Pakistan, the Brazilian ambassador told that the Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad is excited at the prospect of Ronaldinho and friends coming to Pakistan for exhibition game. He is expected to arrive in Pakistan probably in July this year.

The ambassador appreciated the role of Leisure Leagues – world largest provider of 5, 6, and 7 a side of football is doing a great job in Pakistan by empowering one football culture.