Pak-China Business Forum to create new opportunities

Pakistan China Forum to be jointly organised by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in China on June 8, 2011 will open new avenues for promotion of bilateral trade and economic relations between the two nations.

This was stated by China Business Council Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Tariq Sayeed, in a meeting with TDAP Chief Executive Tairq Iqbal Puri, in his office. He appreciated the initiative taken by TDAP for organizing the Pakistan China Forum which is considered as an immediate follow-up of the decision taken to enhance Sino-Pak bilateral trade during the visit of Prime Minister Gillani to China.

Sayeed also discussed the forthcoming Trade and Investment Forum being organized by CCPIT on June 5-7, 2011 in Kunming, Yunnan province, China and other mutually beneficial areas for promotion of Pak-China economic relations.

It was also decided that Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and TDAP will make a combined effort in exploring the emerging Chinese market, particularly by increasing Pakistan’s participation in Chinese exhibitions, which serves as a useful tool for delving into potential markets. Having had a long association with China, Sayeed stated that his dialogue with CCPIT in the Sichuan and Yunnan province has resulted in vast opportunities for Pakistani exporters and manufacturers of various sectors in terms of participation in the International Commodities Fair, such as the Kunming ( June 6-10, 2011) and Chengdu Western Fair 2011. Consequently, the share of FPCCI representation in fairs and forums has increased manifold as well. Complimenting the offer made by Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to Pakistan China Business Council of FPCCI, Sayeed expressed the strengthening of economic ties with China, particularly with these two provinces. Sayeed, who had also the privilege of being the Founder and President of SAARC CCI said that China and South Asian Countries are emerging markets with immeasurable potential and that it is the right time for Pakistan to maximise its use of these markets, develop a strong foothold and a large share by aggressive promotion of its products.

He was assured by Puri that TDAP would continue extending its support to FPCCI for measures, promoting business activities in China. Sayeed also held a detailed discussion with Board of Investments Chairman Saleem Mandviwala and discussed the investment possibilities in Pakistan, while assuring an emphasis on the investment opportunities in potential sectors of Pakistan to Chinese firms at the forthcoming forums. For this purpose, a profile of the potential areas will be distributed during the forums.

Sayeed further said that the success of the 2nd South Asia-Sichuan Business promotion seminar organized by CCPIT and Sichuan Provincial People’s government of which he is the Advisor, turned out to be a success story of economic cooperation.
He further informed the Chairman that Pakistan China Business Council of FPCCI has succeeded in motivating 65 business houses to participate with 120 representatives in the Kunming Commodities Fair 2011.

A large delegation consisting of businessmen from diversified sectors will also signify the active participation of FPCCI in the Trade and Investment Forums to be held on June 5-7, 2011.