Chinese firms willing to invest in Pakistan

[Salman]

RAWALPINDI: The Chinese Ambassador Li Jian has said Chinese companies are wiling to invest in private sector of Pakistan and it is time for Pakistan’s private sector to come forward and join hands with Chinese counterparts for joint ventures to bring foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country. He said enhancing bilateral trade is the common goal of both sides and the business communities of the two countries were serious in boosting bilateral trade relations. The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry was playing a proactive role in strengthening trade ties and Chinese Embassy will cooperate with the chamber to arrange business-to-business meetings. He was exchanging these views in a meeting with a delegation of the RCCI led by the Acting President Ch Nadeem A Rauf while Commercial Counselor Li Shoatong, executive members Raja Amer Iqbal, Malik Shahid Saleem and Bilal Maqbool were also present on the occasion. The ambassador said Chinese investors were eager to explore the trade market of 200 million and through Pakistan China can enhance its market to Middle East, India and Gulf countries. He said that Pakistani mango and rice were in high demand in China; business community must focus on these products to extend the exports volume of their country. Speaking on the occasion, Rauf said that China is known for its technology, while Pakistan has skilled manpower but lacks technology. “China must provide first hand technology to Pakistan to further endorse bilateral trade relations,” he said. He further said that trade volume between two countries is $10.6 billion and in the next three years this figure should be increased to $15 billion. The ambassador appreciated the vision of RCCI and ensured his full cooperation in this regard