The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Najam Rehan has urged for a valuable increase in the trade and economic relations of China and Pakistan saying it was imperative for the economic development for the two sides, besides improving the trade volume. He said this while addressing the business delegation from Kashgar China here on Sunday at the 6th Pakistan Industrial Fair that was here to participate in the RCCI exhibition from 16 to 18th of this month.
The businessmen of Rawalpindi region largely attended the meeting from different sectors. Najam Rehan, in his address, mentioned that China's trade with South Asian countries including Pakistan had reached up to dollars 20 billion, and Pakistan shares 20 percent of it which was not satisfactory.
He was of the view that trade between the two sides must be balanced as it was always in the favour of China. He told the delegation the business and investment environment in Pakistan was conducive and the government was taking steps to increase business activities in the country by giving incentives to local as well as the foreign investors.
He hoped that exchange of trade delegations would help to explore and understand markets of both the sides. He said both the sides could share their experience with each other for mutual benefits.
The RCCI chief assured the Chinese delegation of all-possible support and cooperation to enhance bilateral trade between the two brotherly countries.
The head of Chinese delegation, in his views, said they considered Pakistan as their second homeland and wished for its development and prosperity. Therefore, he said they wanted to enhance trade relations with Pakistan and looking for more business with Pakistani counterparts. "We are interested to enhance cooperation in different sectors", he added.
Extending proposals in this regard, he said they were planning to develop Kashghargan dry port for trade with Pakistan from where they could make trade through out the year.
Existing dry port remained close for four months form January to April because of bad weather and snowfall, he said adding that Kashghargan dry port would help in smooth trade for the whole year. He further said by the establishment of Free Zone in Hunza and Kashghargan the bilateral trade between Pakistan and China would be improved.
Collector Nasiruddin Mehboob, who was invited by the RCCI as special guest on this occasion, briefed the Chinese businessmen about the customs laws and procedures and said the government was planning to simplify the procedures.