FCPPI Business Networking: A New Era of Cooperation

October 28,2016

The Embassy of Pakistan hosted an FPCCI delegation on October 28, 2016. The delegation is on a visit to China for Business Networking with Chinese companies. Thus the event was rightfully named as “Net Working Event”. The delegation consisted of eight members, headed by Vice President and Regional Chairman FPCCI, Mr. Rehman Aziz. 44 Chinese companies with 57 participants were in the attendance.
 
The Commercial Counsellor Dr. Erfa Iqbal made the opening remarks, and invited Ambassador Masood Khalid to speak.
 
The Ambassador said that an FPCCI delegation visit has been long overdue and the timing is perfect as there is an increase in interaction between the two countries.
 
The Ambassador talked about a new era of cooperation between China and Pakistan in the wake of CPEC which is creating new opportunities for China to explore the untapped commercial and business potential of Pakistan.
 
He said that a viable political platform was available on both sides ideal for nurturing private sectors of both countries.
 
Speaking about the trade volume, he said that the current trade of 19 billion dollars is heavily tilted in favor of China but both countries have to join mutual interest ventures in business to increase the volume of Pakistan exports.
 
The Ambassador highlighted the geographical importance of Pakistan as being on the confluence of Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia, the Gwadar Kashghar connectivity is not only beneficial for China and Pakistan, but also for the whole region. This route will be shorter and cost effective for Chinese trade and energy supplies.
 
The Ambassador also said that Pakistan has many positives like it is rich in agriculture and minerals etc, and the labor cost is low, thus it is ideal for China to establish business ventures in Pakistan. But in order to do so, there is a need to create awareness about the untapped potential.
 
The Ambassador urged the Pakistani business community to have a focused approach in highlighting the market potential of Pakistan and Pakistani products.
 
The Commercial Counsellor mentioned a few major projects – where there can be cooperation like establishing SEZs, QAAP (Quaid-e-Azam Apparel Park), Health sector, Vocational Training Institute and Safe City Project. A question-answer session followed the presentation.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rehman Aziz, leader of the delegation, introduced his delegation members, thanked the Chinese guests and the Embassy of Pakistan for arranging this fruitful event on such a short notice.