ISLAMABAD, JUL 22 (DNA) – Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry has appreciated the Chinese role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan which further strengthens the tested relationship between two countries.This was stated by Vice President FPCCI Riaz Khattak at a reception in the honor of Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong.

He said the cordial ties between two countries have reached new heights with the launch of CPEC, as for the very first time, the economic relations have gained more importance than the political ties.

Khattak said that friendship with China is our most precious asset, and the CPEC is a game changer project, which cannot be compromised at any cost. “He said that the project would be completed well in time and also be kept safe as the COAS General Raheel Sharif is taking a personal interest in it”.

He believed that time has now come for the private sector of both countries to use each other’s expertise to excel in various fields, which include energy, infrastructure, tourism and mining etc.

“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for Pakistan is the strongest pillar of economic, commercial and cultural connectivity between Pakistan and China which will create a positive impact on the region.

FPCCI Vice President also said that Chinese Embassy may relax the requirements of getting visit visa for Pakistani businessmen, so that business to business interaction further enrich which is very much required at this time.

Similarly, Chairman Regional Standing Committee of FPCCI, “Ahmad Jawad highlight that Pakistan needs Chinese expertise in the post harvest technology to transform our agriculture sector”.

About 20 agricultural commodities are grown in the different agro-ecologies along the CPEC route, Jawad also stated that with the setting up of agro business development centers, “we would be able to enter the Chinese market with finished agriculture products, besides adding more value to its own commodities” As Chinese businessmen already started negotiation with the Pakistani counterparts to execute the horticulture trade from 2017 onwards; he added.

Chinese ambassador appreciated the proposals of FPCCI and said we would like to strengthen the working with the FPCCI in all economic sectors. He also said we would also look into it how we further relaxing the visa requirements for Pakistani businesses to tap the economic opportunities..=DNA