A delegation of 176 businessmen from Pakistan, led by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive Tariq Puri, is attending the 6th South Asia Business Forum and the 4th South Asia Trade Fair in Kunming, China from 5 -10 June, 2011.
The delegation aims to enhance Pak-China bilateral trade by the formation of a Pak-China Business Forum.
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest for the Forum. According to a statement by TDAP on Tuesday, it is collaborating with its Chinese counterpart the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to organize a Pakistan-China Business Forum on 8 June, 2011 along with 20 trade fairs around China to attract trade and investment from South West China to Pakistan.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 6th South Asia Business Forum, Tariq Puri said that Pakistan’s policy for liberalization has encouraged the private sector to play a key role in economic activities.
The Chinese government has always encouraged its private sector to invest in Pakistan as evident from the involvement of the Chinese private sector in over 250 projects in Pakistan.
Puri informed the participants at the forum that TDAP has declared China as the focus country for its trade initiatives in 2011–2012. He added that through this outreach program, TDAP intends to access different regions of China to establish Pakistan as a country which can be relied on for quality and competitive products in various sectors like textiles, leather, fisheries, edibles, marble and minerals.
TDAP is looking to organize seminars and conferences with a view to identify new areas of trade and investment. Currently it has 10 product specific delegations planned for China.
He apprised the audience that Pakistan has increased its trade balance with China to $8.6 billion in 2010, showing a growth of 28 per cent. Pakistan’s exports exceeded US $1.7 billion showing a growth of 37 per cent.
He extended an invitation to the Chinese and South Asian businessmen to visit EXPO Pakistan in October this year. TDAP also offered to host a Pakistan China Entrepreneurs Forum during the EXPO.
The 4th South Asia Trade Fair was jointly opened by the Governor of the Yunnan Province, Tariq Puri and other guests. After the opening ceremony the Chief Guest and other dignitaries took a round of Pakistani stalls and appreciated the quality of products displayed. The visitors especially appreciated leather, textiles, carpets, jewelery, kitchen ware, brass and herbal products.
Puri stressed upon the Pakistani exhibitors to take full advantage of TDAP’s initiatives for large scale participation in trade fairs in China and enhance their exports to China.
On 6th June 2011, Tariq, held detailed meeting with Yunan Vice Governor Mr. Gao Feng who is responsible for economy, education and culture. He appreciated the development of China’s southern region and the opportunities it has offered to Pakistan.
