Pakistan and China discussed proposals for enhancing bilateral trade ties with special emphasis on textile sector. Matters pertaining to such co-operation were discussed at a meeting between Abid Javed Akbar, Vice Chairman, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Du Yuzhou, Chairman China National Textile Industry Council, in Beijing on Thursday.
According to official sources, the two parties discussed various proposals for enhancing co-operation in the textile sector with a view to promote overall trade links.
During the talks, EPB Vice Chairman sought Chinese co-operation in the establishment of garment cities in Pakistan and mentioned that these cities would be set up by the government and managed by private sector.
He observed that China could provide the necessary expertise and consultation for transfer of technology and requested for identifying top ranking business and commercial enterprises that could be the potential future investors in various Pakistan sectors.
Abid Javed said that there was a need of enhanced co-operation between the two countries for joint manufacturing and marketing of textile products at international level. Textile was the major industry in Pakistan and more co-operation in this sector would have a positive impact on the overall trade relations, he added.
In response, Du Yuzhou expressed willingness to extend all possible co-operation to Pakistan pertaining to the proposed garment cities and joint marketing of textile products. He said that Chinese companies would be encouraged to invest in the textile sector in Pakistan and requested specific proposals from the Pakistani side in this regard.
Later, with a view to share Chinese experience of setting up garment cities, the EPB vice chairman accompanied by the commercial counsellor also held detailed discussions with officials of the China Institute of Textile Promotion and sought possibility of technology transfer to Pakistan in the apparel sector.