Naqvi meets Chinese consul general, discusses bilateral cooperation

Interior minister also holds talks with Sindh CM Murad on law and order amid regional tensions

KARACHI:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong at the Chinese Consulate on Wednesday, discussing bilateral cooperation, facilities for Chinese investors, and security-related matters.

The interior minister assured Yundong that issues faced by Chinese businessmen would be resolved on a priority basis, adding that a conference would soon be held in Islamabad for this purpose.

He also extended an invitation to Yundong, along with Chinese businessmen in Karachi, to participate in the conference.

Naqvi was also briefed on the measures taken for the protection of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

Naqvi said that Chinese investors were playing an important role in the construction and development of Pakistan. Chinese investors would be provided facilities at all levels, he said, adding that attracting maximum Chinese investment in Pakistan was a key goal.

The interior minister also assured the consul general that providing a business-friendly environment to Chinese businessmen remains a priority.

Yundong thanked Naqvi for his active role in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the countries.

Read: Naqvi urges return of offshore wealth

Separately, Naqvi also met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, holding discussions regarding law and order in the country and the ongoing tensions in the region. Matters of mutual interest and security issues were also discussed.

The chief minister noted that national unity remains indispensable in the current regional situation, adding that the political and military leadership was making full efforts to reduce regional tensions.

Naqvi said during the meeting that necessary measures were being taken to maintain law and order in the country.

Read More: China backs Pakistan's regional diplomacy

A day earlier, Naqvi urged the business community to repatriate a portion of overseas-held wealth, estimating that nearly $100 billion has been moved out of the country over the past three to four years.

Addressing business leaders in Karachi, the minister said that if traders act decisively, up to $10b could return to Pakistan before the upcoming budget.

He encouraged investors to utilise existing financial channels, including Roshan Digital Accounts, to bring back between 20-30% of their offshore funds.

Naqvi assured the business community that the government would provide a more conducive and business-friendly environment, emphasising that Pakistan offered some of the highest returns on investment globally.

“If you invest in Pakistan, the level of profit available here is unmatched anywhere in the world,” he said.

The minister revealed that a proposal was being prepared to introduce a special passport for genuine businesspersons, similar to official and diplomatic passports. The proposal would soon be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

"The initiative aims to ease visa-related challenges faced by legitimate traders, particularly for travel to countries such as China, the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom," he added.