Fahim hopes of further Strengthening of Pak-China Trade Relations

Islamabad, June 05, 2012 (PPI-OT): Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Senior Federal Minister for Commerce has hoped that Pakistan and China will further strengthen their trade and economic relationships as Pakistan is also looking for expansion in the regional trade. The Senior Minister was delivering a keynote speech at the inaugural session of 7th China-South Asia Business Forum, held today in Kunming, China.

Makhdoom Amin Fahim stated that 21st century is the Asian Century. Pakistan and China has very close historical ties, and therefore special focus is needed in enhancing trade and investment between the two nations.

The Minister pointed out that Pakistan has a huge potential for foreign investors and we are trying to ensure maximum facilitation through supportive investment policies. The World Bank, he said, had ranked Pakistan No.1 overall, in South Asia in comparison to other countries including India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in “ease of doing business”. This higher ranking indicates better and stronger regulation for business and better protection of property rights and it also highlights Pakistan’s openness for trade and investment.

The inaugural session of the Business Forum, which was attended by top Chinese leadership of Yunnan province and dignitaries of South Asian countries, was moderated by Mr. Tariq Puri, Chief Executive TDAP.

The theme of this year’s forum is “Building Bridges through Socio-Economic Cooperation”. Mr. Puri stressed that Pakistan is playing a key role in bridging the gap and is strategically positioned to increased economic cooperation among the regional hubs and China.

Later on, Governor of Yunnan Province Mr. Li Jiheng along with local leadership of Communist Party called on Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce and briefed him about the Chinese Government policies for economic development especially in the Western region of China.

They also apprised him of the fact that China gave great importance to increase trade and investment among the regional countries and especially with the South Asia countries. Pak Minister stated that Pakistan offered investment opportunities especially in mineral, hydropower and renewable energy sectors. Governor Yunnan Province also hosted a dinner in honour for Minister of Commerce and visiting Pakistani delegation.

Chairman/President of Yunnan Metallurgical Company; Yunnan Nanpian Electronic Information Company; and Yunnan Coal Chemical Company also called on Minister of Commerce and showed keen interest in investment in Pakistan, especially in the energy sector. The meeting was also attended by Consul General and Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan at Chengdu.

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