Cooperation with China, Arab states in BRI sought
A man walks past the China National Convention Center, a venue of the upcoming Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, May 12, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
The Sixth China-Arab States Expo is promoting high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) and making greater contributions to south-south cooperation, said Shaikh Muhammad Shariq, Vice President of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP).
Addressing a conference with the theme “High-Quality Development and Cooperation of Modern Agriculture at The Sixth China-Arab States Expo,” he noted that Pakistan’s fertile land and agricultural potential offer opportunities for cooperation in agribusiness and food processing.
“The China-Arab Expo serves as an essential platform for showcasing construction innovations under the BRI. For countries like Pakistan, where agriculture is a critical component of the economy, the Expo offers opportunities to adopt cutting-edge construction techniques to enhance infrastructure development in rural areas, thus boosting agricultural productivity and economic growth,” Shariq added.
He further emphasised that the synergy between construction innovations and agriculture exemplifies the transformative potential of the BRI and its collaborative endeavours with Arab states, reinforcing the Expo’s significance on the global stage.
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“The Expo encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing between experts, policymakers, and businesses from China, Arab countries, and Pakistan. This facilitates the transfer of knowledge and expertise in construction and infrastructure development, which is instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s agricultural sector.”
Shariq told the audience that Pakistan is committed to providing an investor-friendly environment. The government has introduced several incentives to attract foreign investment, such as tax breaks and exemptions available in specific sectors, he said adding that streamlined processes and a one-window operation have been implemented to facilitate ease of doing business. “CPEC has not only transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure but has also opened up immense opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth.
THE ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON THE CHINA ECONOMIC NET
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2023.
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