Islamabad: Pakistan and China have agreed to move on industrial cooperation on fast track basis under CPEC.
This was decided in the first meeting of Joint Expert Working Group (JEWG) on industrial cooperation, held on Tuesday in Islamabad.
The Pakistan side was led by Secretary BoI, Azher Ali Choudhry and the Chinese delegation was led by Director China International Engineering Consulting Corporation, Du Zhenli.
Members and Officials from line ministers and provincial governments were also present on the occasion.
In his opening remarks, Secretary BoI Azher Ali Choudhry expressed that the main gain from the CPEC is the industrial cooperation which will not only provide a win-win situation for both countries but will ensure sustainability of this multi-billion dollar project
He said that the Chinese experience regarding establishment of Industrial Parks will be instrumental for Pakistan by using it as a tool for economic and social development of the country.
Du Zhenli, head of the Chinese delegation mentioned that the entire visit remained highly productive and would go a long way to frame the future plans of industrial development in Pakistan.
Both sides had a detailed discussionon relocation of industry from China, incentive package for relocation of industry, opportunities available under export promotion zones, identification of industry to be parked in special economic zones, terms of engagements (ToE) for establishment of SEZs and up-gradation of human resource development through promotion of technical education.
Both sides agreed to ensure finalization of feasibilities and other codal formalities of prioritized SEZs before 7th Joint Cooperation Committee meeting, expected to be held by the end of this year. Chinese side expressed their satisfaction over the incentive package announced by Pakistani side and informed that a number of Chinese developers and enterprises are willing to invest in these SEZs.
Both sides agreed that SEZs under CPEC are open for all foreign and local Pakistani investors. Chinese developers and enterprises could enter into joint ventures with local developers and investors to ensure successful cooperation in this important sector of CPEC.