China will do everything in its power to support Pakistan in its bid to become a strong, stable and prosperous nation by promoting cooperation in every field including trade. It is committed to a positive role in development of Pakistan as there is no limit to Beijing’s unconditional support for Islamabad. Deputy DG of Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Muhametmin Yashen was speaking to members of the business community at the residence of FPCCI Coordination Chairman Raza Khan. China is developing one of the largest and potentially lucrative economic zones in the world in Kashi (Kashgar) which will bring enormous benefit to Pakistan, he revealed.
Yashen added that in the east of the country, China has developed economic powerhouse like Shenzhen and in west it is developing the Kashi Special Economic Zone. This is the only region sharing a border with Pakistan, he noted. He went on to say that all necessary materials for developing the multi trillion-dollar project will pass through Pakistan and almost all subsequent exports will be transported through Pakistan as part of efforts to boost the economy of the brotherly country, he told businessmen. Yashen, who is leading a 50-member delegation, said that Kashi economic zone would help bring prices of hundreds of items down and bring people of two countries closer.
Pakistan will be able to raise lucrative transit fees as many countries that rely on supplies from China would prefer shipment of goods through Pakistan, he claimed. Chinese Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Huang Xilian said that he was new to the country but felt at home while the First Secretary of Chinese Embassy Askar Tursun said that Pakistani people were extremely warm and welcoming. On the occasion Raza Khan said that visit of Yashen would further strengthen the bilateral ties.
He said that Chinese investors should explore opportunities in sectors like finance, banking, power, alternative energy, IT, engineering goods, textile machinery, agriculture, agro-based industry, food, fruit processing, packaging, livestock and dairy farming. Khan also used the opportunity to call for special packages and incentives for Pakistani business community in the Kashi Special Economic Zone. He also assured the participation of the business community in the first ever China Asia-Europe Expo in Urumqi to be held from September 1-5.
