ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong has emphasized that Pakistan is not producing the goods needed in China, which is a reason behind the trade imbalance, but the situation will change when Chinese companies start producing such products.
“Pakistan can enhance its exports to $35 billion for which serious efforts are needed,” he said while talking to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Zubair Tufail and Coordination Committee Chairman Malik Sohail Hussain
The ambassador described the reservations expressed by the business community and others about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as speculation, saying time would tell the reality.
He clarified that not a single Chinese company would be allowed to install used machinery in Pakistan and transfer of technology would be a prerequisite.
“Settling energy crisis in Pakistan is our top priority and we will add 11,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid as soon as possible through highly efficient power plants,” he said.
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“After overcoming the energy crisis, we will develop infrastructure and in the last leg initiate the process of industrialization.”
Sun emphasized that the security of economic zones must be ensured so that Chinese experts working in Pakistan could feel safe.
He revealed that visa procedure was being improved for Pakistani businessmen and the business community should participate in exhibitions and seminars in China to improve the understanding and trade.
The ambassador was of the view that growing relations between Pakistan and China were not only mutually beneficial, but they would have a positive impression in the entire region.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 30th, 2017.
