FPCCI’s ex-president hails arrival of 1st Chinese trade convoy through CPEC

• WCCI rejects the Indian media notion that CPEC is in trouble

Former Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and and founding President of Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Quetta, Fehmida Jamali hailed the arrival of first Chinese trade convoy of 85 containers carrying export goods at Gwadar Port through the western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In a statement issued on Saturday, Fehmida Jamali said that the project will not only benefit China and Pakistan but will have positive impact on Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asian Republic, and the region.

About $4.5 billion of the planned investment in the corridor will go towards road infrastructure, with two-thirds of the total $46 billion investment funneled towards energy projects.

She said that Pakistan and China have successfully established sea and road links with the deep seaport Gwadar during the last month and it is expected that the trading activity on the CPEC and Gwadar Port will be more flourish in the coming weeks.

The former VP FPCCI also said that the opening of CPEC and operationalising Gwadar Port would attract foreign direct investment.

The FDI has touched rock bottom during the last few years due to militancy and terrorism but a very successful military operation has nearly ended the militancy and terrorism perpetrators.

The improvement in law and order, infrastructure and reducing the energy crisis would help increase the GDP at least by 2 percent per annum and because of CPEC, FDI would at least push up GDP by another two percent points. Hopefully, the GDP would rise to 8 percent in the next few years, Fehmida added

Senior Vice President of WCCI Quetta, Ambreen Aftab Sheikh said Pakistan is now emerging economy and under CPEC its importance has been increased. Central Asian countries have a shortest access to sea via Gawadar Port which is a unique opportunity for us to tap these markets which was much needed for us.

She urged trade and business community of Pakistan should come forward and take benefit of the emerging opportunities. In this regard Planning Commission should keep close liaison with FPCCI being an apex trade body of the country to materialise the opportunities timely.

Ambreen further said that for sustained growth, Pakistan must implement structural reforms and improve wellbeing for all. The government has continued to deliver on its structural reform program, although challenges remain.

Senior Vice President of WCCI Quetta also rejected the notion of Indian media that CPEC is in danger due to some reservations on western routes. It may be the wish of Indian government for this great project but all wishes may not come true, she clarified.

“We are optimistic that the reservation of western route will be resolve amicably,” she remarked.