Chinese envoy discusses economic cooperation

Ejaz urges Chinese investment to focus on SEZs in Lahore, Karachi

ISLAMABAD:

In a meeting between Dr Gohar Ejaz, the Minister of Commerce & Industry, and Jiang Zaidong, the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, discussions cantered around the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), now entering its second stage.

Ejaz emphasised the advanced development in infrastructure, road networks, and power plants achieved in CPEC’s first phase. He called upon the private sectors of both countries to capitalise on the groundwork laid by the governments. The minister highlighted a new phase of Pak-China relations initiated by consensus between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar.

Ejaz urged Chinese private sector investment in Pakistan, focusing on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Lahore and Karachi. He revealed plans for a Northern SEZ linking Urumqi with Pakistan, emphasising the need for private sector collaboration to strengthen bilateral ties.

As part of his “Vision Pakistan: Road to $100 billion Exports,” Ejaz established Export Advisory Councils for Textile and Non-Textile Sectors. The councils, comprising notable figures from various industries, will provide recommendations on export-related matters.

“SMEs and non-textile sectors are key to Pakistan’s prosperity,” said Ejaz. The Non-Textile Export Advisory Council includes figures from agriculture, fruit & vegetable, processed chicken, sports, jewellery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, IT, engineering, marble, leather, glass, and food sectors. The Textile Export Advisory Council comprises leading exporters.

Read: Experts stress need for opening up CPEC

In a follow-up to the prime minister’s visit to China, Ejaz will lead a delegation to China in December, including members from Export Advisory Councils and CEOs of major industrial groups. The delegation aims to foster trade, investment, and joint ventures.

The Chinese Ambassador acknowledged the commerce ministry’s role in promoting Pak-China trade and discussed key projects, emphasising the importance of SEZs, Gwadar Port, and developments in the northern region, including the Khunjerab Pass.

The commerce minister stressed the ministry’s role in developing SEZs and the production of value-added goods. The meeting highlighted the strategic economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, especially in the context of the CPEC’s ongoing second stage.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2023.

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