Islamabad (TDI): A high-level delegation from the China Asia Economic Development Association (CAEDA) led by Mr. Qian Qiu Zhu and Mr. Jian Jun Guo met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.
The meeting explored new economies between Pakistan and China. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties through new initiatives, including the establishment of a “Pakistan Zero-Tariff Trade Zone,” a Chinese import service center.
However, this will explore opportunities in agriculture, livestock, export projects, and business-to-business (B2B) investments.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasized the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. He referred to both countries as Iron Brothers.
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He also addressed the recent terrorist attack in Karachi, which occurred just two days earlier, reassuring the delegation that the government of Pakistan is committed to safeguarding Chinese citizens.
Pakistan ensures that such incidents do not hinder the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese nationals working in Pakistan are national guests and contributors to the country’s development.
The Minister emphasized that CPEC is now entering a new phase. This moves from government-to-government cooperation to a stronger focus on B2B partnerships. He called on both Pakistani and Chinese enterprises to seize the opportunity to deepen their collaboration in sectors such as livestock, agriculture, minerals, textiles, and fisheries.
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Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s Economic Transformation Plan aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and bolstering exports. It reallocated Chinese industries that can take advantage of Pakistan’s lower labor and production costs.
He encouraged Chinese businesses to consider investing in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and outlined the availability of comprehensive advantages, including access to European and U.S. markets without facing the high tariffs currently imposed on Chinese exports.
Moreover, the Minister also stressed Pakistan’s agricultural potential in Gilgit-Baltistan where products like cherries could be exported to China at competitive prices.
Minister Iqbal also endorsed the idea of establishing a one-stop service center for Chinese investors. It ensured that matchmaking between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises was smooth and efficient. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support to Chinese companies looking to expand their investments in Pakistan.
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Mr. Qian Qiu Zhu and Mr. Jian Jun Guo expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s commitment to fostering deeper economic ties. He also reaffirmed CAEDA’s interest in contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth and development.
Thus, the meeting remarks another milestone in Pakistan-China relations further reinforcing the longstanding friendship and opening new avenues for economic cooperation.
