Islamabad : China on Tuesday assured it’s full support and cooperation to give maximum concessions to Pakistan to increase its export to China through renegotiations in Free Trade Agreement.
This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing while addressing a press conference along with Minister for Commerce Muhammad Pervaiz Malik following talks to promote trade between two countries here at Ministry of Commerce.
The Chinese ambassador said FTA between two countries is being renegotiated and expressed the hope that these talks will be positive and Pakistan’s exports to China will be improved.
He said China is a great market and Pakistan can get full benefit from this market. The Chinese ambassador said Pakistan is very friendly country and China never wants to cause any damage to any industry of Pakistan He said, “We never want to hurt or damage Pakistan ‘s industry.
“The Chinese envoy said China wanted to help Pakistan and also ready to encourage it’s industry. He said China is ready to open any door for improving trade with Pakistan. He said presently the trade balance is in favour of China but it is mainly due to import of machinery from China for CPEC projects, and other technical help and investment in Pakistan.
He said there is penalty of scope for increasing trade of many products to China including sugar, maize, vegetables, textile products and sea food.
He said two to three delegations of Pakistan exporters will visit China this year to further promote export from Pakistan.
Referring to setting up Special Economic Zones in Pakistan by China along CPEC route, the Chinese ambassador said suggestions, proposals and advice from Pakistani businessmen, representatives of chambers of Commerce and industries and government will be accommodated in setting up industries in these zones.
He said completion of CPEC projects and construction of Special Economic Zones in Pakistan with Chinese cooperation will improve capability, reduce cost of production in Pakistan of various goods, and improve Pakistan’s export.
He said that China has also assured to further relaxation for business visa for Pakistani businessmen and recommendations and suggestions of chambers of Commerce will be welcomed in this regard.
The Chinese ambassador also invited Pakistan to participate in week long China International Export being held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10 this year.
The ambassador said it will be a great opportunity for Pakistani exporters to display their products in this Expo as it is an international event.
He said Pakistan will be guest of honour in this International Import Expo.Minister for Commerce Muhammad Pervaiz Malik speaking on this occasion said that he and the Chinese ambassador had very fruitful discussion.
He said China has assured it’s full support to review FTA so that trade balance presently in favour of China could be reduced.
He said that Secretary Commerce Muhammad Younus Dhaga will be visiting China next month to negotiate with Chinese authorities for making FTA more balance .
