Business Press Archives

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2023 and Wishing President Xi Jinping a Happy New Year

As we celebrate the Chinese New Year of 2023, the year of the rabbit, we at China Pakistan Economic Corridor Business (CPECB) would like to express our deep appreciation and admiration for the progress that has been made under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and extend our warmest New Year greetings to His Excellency President Xi Jinping of China and the people of China, Friends and Family .

The BRI, of which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a key component, is a visionary initiative that has greatly benefited both China and Pakistan. We have been fortunate to be a part of this initiative and have played an active role in driving economic growth and development in both countries.

One of the most notable achievements of the BRI has been the completion of several key infrastructure projects in Pakistan under the CPEC umbrella, including the construction of highways, railways, and power plants. These projects have greatly improved connectivity between China and Pakistan and have opened up new opportunities for trade and investment.

Another important achievement has been the increase in bilateral trade between China and Pakistan. The CPEC has played a vital role in this, providing new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate. The increase in trade has not only benefited businesses but also the overall economic growth of both countries.

As we look forward to the future, we are excited about the potential for further growth and development under the BRI. The initiative has the potential to greatly benefit not only China and Pakistan but also other countries along the Belt and Road.

On this special occasion of Chinese New Year, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their leadership and support in the implementation of the BRI. We look forward to continuing our close partnership in the years to come and working together to drive economic growth and development.

As we welcome in the Chinese New Year of 2023, the year of the rabbit, we at CPECB would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our members, partners, and friends a prosperous and successful year ahead. We are confident that with the continued support of the BRI, we will achieve even greater success in the future. We wish especially His Excellency President Xi Jinping and the people of China a happy and prosperous New Year.

Exploring China: A Guide to Travel Restrictions and Advisories

China will open again on January 8, 2023, after being closed for three years. People can go to China without going through quarantine.

You only need a negative PCR result within 48 hours of your flight. A health code is not something you have to apply for.

The Chinese mainland is becoming more open. Between Hong Kong and Macau, there is no quarantine for people going to the mainland. See Hong Kong/Macau Travel Restrictions for more information.

Tourists and people with 10-year visas may have to wait until the second quarter of this year for more doors to open.

What to Do When You Get the Entry Permission

From January 8th, 2023, for all travelers, whether you are vaccinated or not, you’re suggested to take one PCR test within 48 hours before departurea and only board the flight when your nucleic acid result is negtive. There is no need to apply for a health code anymore.

If you transfer through a third country to China, you can take one PCR test at the city of departure OR at your transfer airport/city.

Here is a brief summary for getting to China:

1. Make sure you have permission to enter China (valid permit, visa, or ID card).

2. Book a flight to China (taking direct flights or transfering to China is allowed).

3. Do one PCR test within 48 hours before departure and only board the flight when your nucleic acid result is negative.

4. Board the plane. Prepare your ID card or passport with permit/visa

FAQs about Traveling to China

1. Can tourists go to China for travel after January 8?

If you want to enter China on a tourist visa after January 8, it is still not available. Z-, M-, R-, X1, Q-, and S-visas are possible.

2. If I hold a (long-term) L or 10-year, can I enter China now?

No. Those holding certain visas (L or 10-year visas) issued before March 28th, 2020 may not enter China (even if vaccinated).

3. My family members (wife/husband, fiancée/fiancé…) are Chinese citizens and now in China. Can I enter China to visit them?

Probably yes. From June 20, 2022, Chinese embassies begin to accept Q and S visas’ applications. You can check the latest and detailed information with the Chinese embassy of your country.

4. Can international students return to China yet?

Yes. International students can now return to China.

5. I am from the USA/UK, and I have already been inoculated with a Chinese vaccine and hold a valid residence permit. I need to go back to the USA/UK and return to China. Is that ok?

Yes. But we strongly suggest double checking with the Chinese embassy of the country you are returning to.

2. Hong Kong / Macau Travel Restrictions

Who can enter Hong Kong?

Hong Kong residents
Non-HKRs who now reside in the Chinese mainland or Macau
Non-HKRs from overseas

Hong Kong Entry Requirement

Travelers from overseas, Chinese Mainland, Macau, and Taiwan will need a negative PCR test result before departure within 48 hours. Quarantine is not required.

Can foreign nationals in Hong Kong enter Chinese Mainland?

Yes, but you need to apply for a visa to enter Chinese Mainland. See below for application requirements.

You will need a negative PCR test result before departure within 48 hours when entering Chinese Mainland from Hong Kong.

Quarantine will not be required when you come to Chinese Mainland from Hong Kong after January 8th, 2023.

Who can enter Macau?

Macau residents
Residents of Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
Non-Macau-residents

Macau Entry Requirement

Travelers entering Macau from overseas will need to show a negtive PCR test or rapid antigen detection test result within 48 hours. Quarantine is not required.

Travelers entering Macau from Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, or Taiwan don’t need any test results. Quarantine is also not required. Nucleic acid test results are also not required for travel to the mainland from Macau (If you haven’t been outside Macau and Chinese Mailand in 7 days).

Macau resumes international transfer services. Foreign nationals who enter Macau and leave for Chinese Mainland within 7 days after their entry are required to show a negative PCR test within 48 hours before departure.

Foreigners in Macau can enter Chinese Mainland by applying for a visa for business, work, travel, a family visit, etc. Quarantine is not required.

Any new visa may only be valid for a month or 3 months. Upon arrival, it may only have a 30-day validity, during which time you need to apply for a residence permit.

The information we list below is for reference only. Because visa application requirements may change quickly and vary. As a travel agent, we only operate sightseeing tours in China. As for detailed visa information and application service, please contact your consulate/embassy/VAC.

You may apply for a new visa (your current visa will not be cancelled) at your nearest Chinese consulate/embassy/VAC (Visa Application Center) to enter China for the following purposes:

1. For Work (Z Visa)

Applying for a work visa is by far the most popular way to come to China (currently). Dependents (spouse and children under the age of 18) may come on the same visa.

To apply for a Z visa, you will need:

A “Foreigners Work Permit” (is handled by your company/organization in China) + a WHO-approved vaccination certificate

Some WHO-approved vaccines include:

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (2 doses)
Moderna (mRNA-1273) COVID-19 Vaccine (2 doses)
J&J COVID-19 vaccine (1 doses)
Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (2 doses)
Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine (2 doses)
Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine (2 doses)

2. For Family Reunion (S or Q Visa)

This applies to family members of Chinese citizens and family members of foreign people who are going to work in China (or already working in China).

To apply for an S or Q visa, you will need:

Relationship certification + WHO-approved vaccination certificate

3. For Business

Method one: applying an M visa

To apply an M visa, you will need:

A company invitation letter (to be handled by your business partner) + WHO-approved vaccination certificate

Method two: by APEC cards

If you hold a valid APEC business travel card, you can enter China with the card directly without applying a new visa.

4. For Study (X1 Visa)

For 2022 school year student: JW201 or JW202 form + admission notice + vaccination certificate
For 2020-2021 school year student: JW201 or JW202 form + admission notice + return school certificate + vaccination certificate
For 2019 or before school year student: return school certificate + vaccination certificate
If you hold a valid student residence permit, you can enter China without applying a new visa.

We provide you with the phone numbers of frontier inspection stations in major Chinese cities. If you have some questions about entry visa, you can call for inquiry:

Beijing General Station of Border Inspection: 010-56095400
Shanghai General Station of Border Inspection: 021-51105100
Guangzhou General Station of Border Inspection: 020-32090088

4. China Quarantine Rules (Quaratine Free after January 8th, 2023)

From January 8th, 2023, passengers (whether vaccinated or not) are no longer required to quarantine upon arriving in China.

What if the City I Enter Is Not My Final Destination?

Passengers are required to be quarantined in their entry city. Generally, you can head to your final destination after a centralized quarantine (if your quarantine test results are normal) at your first city of entry.

Usually, you wouldn’t need to do a centralized quarantine again when you arrive at your final destination, but a home quarantine or health monitoring may be required.

Here is an example. If you land in Shanghai and your final destination is Chengdu, you will first do a 5-day centralized quarantine in Shanghai. After that, you can head to Chengdu. When you arrive in Chengdu, you will usually do a 3-day home quarantine.

Quarantine Tips:

The expenses during the quarantine period are normally about CN¥400–600 (for board and lodging) per day in the hotel, which you must pay.
Quarantine hotels are assigned by the government. In general, you can’t choose from among the designated quarantine hotels.
Normally, each person stays in a single room. Children under the age of 14 can be quarantined with a parent.

If you have other needs, you can ask the staff for help. The information we provide is for reference only. You can only know the specific requirements when you arrive at the hotel.

5. International Flights to China

China adjusted the restrictions on international flights to China. Passengers can take direct flights or transfer to China. Multiple-transit flights are allowed. There are no requirements for the transfer route. Passengers can make their own choices according to their own situation and flight situation.

Where Can I Fly to China?

Flights are available to China from Los Angeles, New York, London, Vancouver, Paris, Frankfurt, Sydney, and over 20 other cities, but they are very limited, for example:

New York has flights to Beijing and Shanghai from October.
Los Angeles has flights to Beijing and Shenzhen from September and to Guangzhou from August.
San Francisco has flights to Shanghai from July.
Dallas has flights to Shanghai from June.
Seattle has flights to Shanghai from June.
Detroit has flights to Shanghai from July.
London has flights to Shanghai from July.
Vancouver has flights to Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen, and Chengdu from April, and to Guangzhou from May.
Toronto has flights to Xiamen and Chengdu from April, and to Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou from May.
Paris has flights to Shanghai from September.
Milan has flights to Tianjin from July.
Frankfurt has flights to Jinan in August and to Shanghai from September.
Sydney has flights to Shanghai from August and to Guangzhou from September.
Amsterdam has flights to Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai from July.
Helsinki has flights to Shanghai from August.
Kuala Lumpur has flights to Guangzhou from June.
Singapore has flights to to Xiamen in April and May, to Guangzhou from June, and to Shanghai from September.

The above information is for reference only. Flights may change depending on updated policies of the various countries and airlines.

You can find more information about flights to China and book tickets on the websites of China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, United Airlines, British Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Air France, or other relevant airlines.

Transfers in a Third Country

Tranferring in one or more countries is allowed.

For transfer passengers, you will only need to do one PRC test at your departure city or at the transfer airport/city and apply for a health code. (No health code will be needed after January 8th, 2023.)

For example, if you departure from New York and will transfer through Bangkok to China, you can choose to do a PCR test at New York and apply for a helath code within 48 hours before departure.

When you arrive at Bangkok airport, you don’t need to do another test. You can board with the health code you applied for in New York. But you need to make sure your health code is valid.

Or you can choose to do the PCR test when you arrive in Bangkok and apply for a health code there. That way, you won’t need to do the test and get a health code in New York.

Note: If you choose to do the PCR test at the transfer airport, please contact the airport in advance to confirm whether there are facilities for PCR testing.

If you have any concerns, you should get in touch with the embassy in your home country before you travel.

The future of great Pakistan’s industrialization seen in the world

The future of Pakistan’s industrialization is facing a variety of obstacles, including the shutdown of certain businesses as a result of a prohibition on imports and a lack of natural gas this winter. Among these challenges is the potential for Pakistan to run out of natural gas. Concerns have been voiced concerning the future of the country’s industrial sector and the influence that this will have on the economy as a whole as a result of these difficulties.

A lack of United States dollars has resulted in the imposition of a prohibition on imports, which is one of the most significant issues that Pakistan’s manufacturing sector must contend with. Certain industries, particularly those that rely on imported raw materials or equipment, have been significantly impacted as a result of this development. The embargo has made it challenging for certain sectors to continue operating, which has led to the failure of numerous companies.

This winter, there is a lack of natural gas, which presents another another obstacle for Pakistan’s efforts to industrialise. Because of the country’s substantial reliance on natural gas for heating and energy, many industries are susceptible to shortages, particularly during the cold winter months. This is especially true when the temperatures drop below freezing. The inability of some companies to obtain natural gas has resulted in the termination of their operations, which in turn has had a severe effect on the economy as a whole.

In spite of these obstacles, there are still a great number of reasons to have an optimistic outlook towards the future of industry in Pakistan. The ongoing expansion and modernization of existing industries is one important trend that is projected to have a significant impact on the industrial sector of the country. There are a variety of well-established industries in Pakistan, such as the textiles industry, the automotive industry, and the pharmaceutical industry, all of which have the potential to continue expanding and modernising in the years to come in Pakistan.

A further movement that is anticipated to have a significant impact on the future of Pakistan’s manufacturing is the intensifying focus on technological advancement and creative endeavours. There is a good chance that the adoption and development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, will receive more attention as the economy of the country continues to evolve into a more developed state. This could result in the development of brand-new products and services, as well as enhanced manufacturing methods that are both more productive and more cost-effective.

In spite of the difficulties that Pakistan is now experiencing, the nation is in an excellent position to profit from the expansion of international trade. The nation is already a significant participant in the economy of the entire world, and it has a wide variety of goods and services that are in high demand both within the region and all over the world. As a result of the ongoing expansion and development of the global economy, it is quite likely that this pattern will carry on into the foreseeable future.

In general, Pakistan’s future industrialisation is going to have to contend with a variety of obstacles, the most significant of which being the prohibition on imports and the lack of natural gas this winter. However, there are still many reasons to be optimistic about the future of the country’s industrial sector. Some of these reasons include the potential for existing industries to continue growing and modernising, the increasing emphasis on technology and innovation, and the possibility of continued growth in international trade. In spite of the obstacles, it appears that Pakistan’s industrialization will have a successful future.

Recognition Award bestowed by the Hon. Consul General People’s Republic of China Li Bijian

KARACHI: Honorable his excellency Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi Li Bijian awarded the certificate recognizing the contribution to promoting China and Pakistan, to Mr . Sami Vohra Founder of CPECB in an Awarding Ceremony held at the Chinese Consulate here Friday.

Mr Sami Vohra mentioned China and Pakistan are two great nations with vibrant cultures and rich traditions. From the Great Wall to the Himalayas, from the bustling streets of Beijing to the Himalayas, China is a land of beauty and diversity. The towering peaks of Karakoram, China, and Pakistan are a sight to behold. A land of endless wonders, With their people and customs, China and Pakistan are a treasure, a place to explore and learn, A world of endless possibilities

Prospects for China-Arab ties were boosted by the signing of 34 investment agreements during President Xi’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi and Chinese companies have signed 34 investment agreements during the start of Chinese President Xi Jinping three-day visit to the Kingdom, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.

Xi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday. It marks his third overseas journey since the coronavirus pandemic began.

On Wednesday evening dozens of agreements were signed between Saudi and China covering several sectors in the fields of green energy, green hydrogen, photovoltaic energy, information technology, cloud services, transportation, logistics, medical industries, housing and construction factories.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz al-Falih confirmed that the agreements reflect the Kingdom’s keenness under the leadership of the King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to develop the Kingdom’s relations in all fields including economic and investment with China.

Eng. al-Falih said that this visit reflects the keenness of the leaderships of the two countries to develop and strengthen relations and partnership between the two countries in all fields, including economic and investment, adding that the visit will contribute to raising the pace of economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

He also explained that the Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China have solid relations and a close partnership that witnessed comprehensive development over the past years, especially after the mutual visits between the leaderships of the two countries, which resulted in fruitful cooperation that included various fields.

He further said that the Kingdom, in light of Vision 2030, offers unprecedented investment opportunities in various sectors including renewable energy, industry, communications, information technology, biotechnology, tourism, building and construction, and others, expressing his aspiration to enhance investments between the Kingdom and China.

The volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounted to SAR304 billion ($80 billion) in 2021, and trade exchange in the third quarter of 2022 recorded SAR103 billion ($270 million).

Xi’s visit to the Kingdom will run until December 9 during which a Saudi-China summit headed by King Salman and the Chinese president, with the participation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will be held.Xi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday. It marks his third overseas journey since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounted to SAR304 billion ($80 billion) in 2021, and trade exchange in the third quarter of 2022 recorded SAR103 billion ($270 million).

The first ever Grimaldi automobile transporter has arrived at King Abdulaziz Port from China

RIYADH: The Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, has reported the arrival of the 4,250-vehicle MSC Cristiana to Dammam’s King Abdulaziz Port from the Chinese port of MCID. MSC Cristiana is owned by the automobile transport giant Grimaldi Group.

With major shipping lines approaching Saudi waters, the national maritime authority has reached a new milestone in its quest to improve the Kingdom’s connectivity with the rest of the world via passenger liners. In accordance with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, it also aspires to strengthen its position as a worldwide competitive force, as well as boost national economic growth and international trade.

Due to its proximity to Jubail’s ports and industrial complex, as well as its rail connections to Riyadh Dry Port and the Saudi railway network, King Abdulaziz Port is a highly regarded commerce and investment centre in the Arabian Gulf.

The port was ranked fourteenth on the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index for 2021 due to its portfolio of world-class operating capabilities and best-in-class infrastructure, including 43 berths.

Recent additions to the port’s roster of shipping services include the Jebel Ali Bahrain Shuwaikh Service by Emirates Shipping Line, the Far East to Middle East service by Sea Lead Shipping in conjunction with Saudi Global Ports, and the Gulf-India Express 2 service by Aladin Express. In addition to the most recent expansion of the Gulf China Service by Pacific International Lines, Shanghai and Singapore have been added as new ports of call.

In addition to positioning King Abdulaziz Port as a global destination, the shipping services contribute to enabling a larger share of the regional maritime freight market and positioning the port as a global destination.

Emerging Denmark Ambassador Visited Valdetron Group CPECB Member.

The Honorable Jakob Linulf, Danish Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan… To Pay a Visit to the Valdetron Group’s Office in Karachi He assured us that he would assist us with some good business to/from Denmark, and we had briefed him about the Valdetron Group while our Group CEO Mr. Mike was there virtually. We had a discussion about the development of business between Pakistan and Denmark, as well as the challenges posed by the current economic situation.

Companies and businesses that are interested in expanding their operations in Denmark and would like to share their proposal should email it to CPECB at info@cpecb.com. Before doing so, however, they should make sure they are current members of CPECB who have had their memberships verified.

Kazakhstan to Launch Flights from Almaty to Pakistan’s Karachi and Lahore

ASTANA – SCAT Airlines will launch regular flights between Almaty and Karachi, Lahore, said Kazakh Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Kairbek Uskenbayev during a Nov. 11 meeting with a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, reported the ministry’s press service.

Both the Federal Minister for Investment Chaudhry Salik Hussain and the Minister of Energy Musadiq Masood Malik were in charge of leading Pakistan’s negotiating team. During the conference, the parties addressed ways in which they could collaborate on the development of infrastructure, as well as multimodal transportation, air communication, international road transport corridors, and railway communication. They also talked about the military-industrial complex.

Hussain and Malik told Uskenbayev of the possibilities of the Pakistani ports. These ports include the seaport of Karachi on the Arabian Sea coast and the dry dock of Lahore, both of which are connected by highways and railroads to key towns such as Peshawar and Islamabad.

With the help of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Business (CPECB), Kazakh businesspeople can meet and do business with reputable and successful Pakistani corporations. Our Digital PR club and certified business directory will facilitate the development of robust and long-lasting commercial ties between the two countries.

Port Qasim coal-fired power plant: Chinese propose use of RMB

ISLAMABAD: Chinese coal power producers have shared their concerns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and proposed use of RMB by Port Qasim coal-fired power plant to buy coal to release pressure on dollar, well informed sources told Business Recorder.

The overdue amount of Chinese coal-fired power plants is over Rs 350 billion due to which they are unable to buy coal – a commodity whose price has increased manifold.

According to sources, Prime Minster has been informed that as a huge overdue amount is owed by CPPA (G) and with exchange restrictions implemented by SBP, three coal power plants do not have enough funds/ US dollars to purchase coal.

Due to insufficient coal inventory, all these Chinese coal power plants are unable to run at full load. Chinese have claimed that all the coal power plants cannot generate electricity at full load due to less supply of coal but CPPA-G is deducting capacity payments, unreasonably.

Power Purchase Agreement, (CPPA -G) has been requested to at least pay tariff in full and on time to procure the coal purchase funds, debt service repayment and other fixed cost every month.

As per Implementation Agreement (IA), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been requested to meet exchange demand of each power plant on time to ensure that each power plant has enough foreign exchange to import coal. Chinese coal producers have requested Ministry of Energy that as per meeting of 30 May, presided over by the Prime Minister, CPPA-G be instructed to exempt the deduction of capacity payments and return the deducted part if the power plants are unable to purchase coal and generate electricity due to tariff payment problems and foreign exchange.

Prime Minister has also been informed that Port Qasim project is able to use RMB to buy coal to support Pakistan’s pressure due to a shortage of US dollars, requesting SBP to support Port Qasim to exchange RMB.

Chinese coal power plants have also requested Ministry of Energy and NEPRA to allow the additional cost of exchanging RMB to be passed through to CPPA-G.

Zhang Jun, Chairman Energy Investment of All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association (APCEAP), in a letter to top government authorities, also accused the CCPA-G of breaching the provisions of agreements. Chinese power sector investors, saying huge amount of arrears, coupled with the accelerated depreciation of the PKR in recent years, has significantly reduced the nominal return on investment, which has exposed such Chinese enterprises to high audit risks in the future, besides greatly dampening the enthusiasm of other Chinese investors to invest in Pakistan.

More than ten Chinese investors, who have invested in power projects in Pakistan, have established an Association, i.e., Energy Enterprise Association (EEA) on the pattern of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and have shared their issues, concerns, demands and future proposals.

Recently, Chinese investors, who invested in Gwadar, requested the government to allow them to maintain their bank account in RMB due to frequent depreciation of Pak Rupee.

The EEA, in its letter stated that since 2014, the total investment made by Chinese enterprises in power projects under CPEC has reached $19.961 billion, with a total installed capacity of 10,876 MW of which 5,887 MW has already been put into operation. The annual power generation capacity of these power projects is 35.86 billion kWh, which accounts for one-third of the total power generation (about 130 billion kWh) of Pakistan’s main grid in recent years.