KARACHI:Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF) on Monday welcomed the newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong and hoped that he will boost mutual cooperation between the two friendly nations.
Pakistan and China have remained closely connected with through thick and thin and the newly-appointed Ambassador who is a trade and commerce expert will take these ties to new heights.
PBF Vice President and FPCCI former Chairman Standing Committee on Agriculture, Jawad hoped that Ambassador Nong Rong will not only boost bilateral trade and strategic relations but will also play a central role in improving work on developmental projects backed by China as he has all the required expertise and motivation and he has a great track record of achievements.
“There is a long history of interactions between people living in China and Pakistan. So after our two countries became independent, this history and cultural affinity brought them closer and closer to each other, he said, mentioning the two sides signed their first cultural cooperation agreement in 1965”
He assured that PBF will join hands with Ambassador Nong Rong to enhance the momentum of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China in the area of promotion of Pakistani handicrafts, Horticulture, embroidery and traditional jewellery.
Jawad also emphasized that more and more from Pakistani delegations may be sent to China to enhance better understanding of their culture and civilization.
Now the second phase of CPEC is very crucial to strengthen two countries bilateral trade. “We hope focused Chinese investment in the field of agriculture will determine the path of prosperity for the rural sector” he added and said “timely completion of CPEC II would be benefited for both countries at the time where 5th generations war fare at its glance”
As agro industrial cooperation is an area of focus under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) phase-II, for which China has announced the setting up of eight new agricultural institutes in Pakistan.
It will be led by the private sector and facilitated by both the governments. In this area, the Chinese private sector will form joint ventures with Pakistani companies.
A leading research centre focusing on pest control will be located in Karachi. Research will be done on insects and pests and how to protect seeds and plants from these pests.
Similarly both agreed to work together to produce high-quality inputs, especially seeds, which are direly needed in Pakistan. The quality of seeds is the foremost priority for healthy production. Therefore, to improve the seed quality, another research institute will be established from where quality seeds will be provided to farmers.
Moreover, standards would be set to increase production. Agriculture is one of the seven pillars of the long-term CPEC plan. It has been agreed that both countries will work on enhancing cooperation in the agriculture sector.
China will assist Pakistan in developing an agro-industrial base, which is negligible at present. As Chinese firms are way ahead in terms of technology and experience, it will help to build the capability of Pakistani companies.
It will also build the way for technology transfer. The cooperation will help Pakistani companies to secure business due to the presence of Chinese companies in their markets.
Processing of agricultural produce is another weak area where China has started providing assistance to Pakistan. In this regard it will donate a date processing plant to Balochistan in accordance with the commitment to investing in areas of southern Balochistan. Dates are an important food product in Balochistan but due to unsatisfactory processing facilities, every year the province loses a huge quantity of dates.
Onion, mango and meat processing are other areas which will get assistance from China. Altogether there are around 13 projects which, once established, will get the price for these products.
There are many other food items like pulses, rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables, etc. which do not have proper processing plants and due to which around 40% of the food is wasted.
He also said the business community are the biggest supporter of Belt and Road Initiatives and host of one of the six planned corridors and learning from Chinese model we are at way to set up different SEZ’s in our country which will provide opportunities for investors from China and other countries.
Ahmad Jawad also lauded the personal efforts of Chinese President Xi Jinping who generously supported Pakistani in COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsdesk