In an exclusive interview with CPECB the President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), it was highlighted the crucial role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in regional connectivity and economic growth. The President emphasized the significance of CPEC as a game-changer in the region with far-reaching economic and strategic implications but noted that in order to fully realize the benefits of the project, equal attention must be given to the concerns of the business community.
- We are aware of the immense importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a framework of regional connectivity. CPEC will not only benefit China and Pakistan but will have positive impact on Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asian Republic, and the region. CPEC can be a game-changer in the region, with far-reaching economic and strategic implications.
- I completely acknowledge the fact that CPEC holds the key to bring industrial and economic growth in our country but it would only be possible if the policy makers pay equal attention on the issues being faced by the business community.
- I would say that there should be a level playing field for both the Chinese and local investors. Any disparity in this connection, may cause lack of trust on government’s policies that would discourage the local business community to become the active part of this project.
- It has been observed that many products for CPEC projects are being imported under exemption from duties and taxes even though these products are manufactured locally.
- In order to make sure that our industrial sector and economy benefit through CPEC, local raw materials should be given preference in CPEC projects and only those raw materials which NOT manufactured locally should be zero rated.
- On the model of automobile industry in Pakistan, the Chinese investors should also be encouraged to develop local vendor industry in Pakistan for the supply of raw materials for the CPEC projects. This will especially help to boost the SME sector in Pakistan.
- While many energy and road infrastructure projects have been completed under the CPEC, the progress on the completion of Special Economic Zones planned under CPEC is relatively slow. We recommend that the pace of development activities on Special Economic Zones should be really expedited.
- Last but not the least, there is a need of establishing Joint Technical/Testing Labs in SEZs being developed under CPEC to serve the requirements of export oriented industries and for assistance in Chinese standards conformance and certification.
- I would like to share some of the key areas which require immediate attention of the government for ensuring joint ventures with Chinese companies and transfer of technology from China. These are as follows:
- Potential Areas for Joint Ventures (JVs) with Chinese Companies under CPEC
- Engineering Goods
- Food Processing
- Plastic Industry
- Logistics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Transport
- Warehousing
- Construction
- ICT & allied services
- Apparel
- Cold Storage
- Supply Chain etc.
Potential Areas for Technology Transfer from China
- Energy: Surface Coal gasification, Coal plants.
- Agro-Chemicals
- Hybrid Seeds
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Latest irrigation techniques
- Renewable Energy production
- Minerals Extraction and Processing
- Maritime Industry
- Railway Engineering
Potential Areas for Scientific and Technology Cooperation under CPEC
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Space Satellite Technology
- Information and Communications Technology
- Artificial Intelligence in Health Sciences