Ishaq Dar addresses a business roundtable in Beijing, lauds role played by Chinese companies in development of energy & transport infrastructures in CPEC’s first phase

BEIJING, May 16 (SABAH): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed the leadership of prominent Chinese business enterprises, chambers of commerce and associations in Beijing today. 

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the commendable role played by Chinese companies in the development of energy and transport infrastructures in CPEC’s first phase. He highlighted Business to Business (B2B) linkages as a priority in CPEC’s second phase. He encouraged the Chinese State Owned and Private Enterprises to take advantage of Pakistan’s business friendly policies, competitive workforce and preferential market access to establish and expand their operations in the country. He emphasizedthat the investments of Chinese companies in Pakistan exemplified win-win cooperation, contributing to the progress and prosperity of the two countries. 

The Deputy Prime Minister also delivered a comprehensive overview of investment opportunities in Pakistan, with special emphasis on the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) that provides ‘one window’ facilitation to international investors through an inclusive, whole of the government approach. 

The leadership of Chinese enterprises noted the incentives offered by Government of Pakistan to international investors, several participants. They expressed strong interest in exploring new business and investment opportunities in Pakistan, with a view to contributing to the growth and expansion of trade ties between the two countries.  Chairman of EXIM Bank of China Wu Fulin called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing today. 

The Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman EXIM Bank discussed the EXIM Bank’s long-standing cooperation with Pakistan and its interest in future investments in Pakistan. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister outlined Pakistan’s efforts for financial and economic stability and business friendly policies. He particularly noted the stellar performance of Pakistan Stock Exchange and renewed confidence of international investors in Pakistan’s economy. 

Deputy Prime Minister Dar appreciated EXIM Bank’s robust support for important development projects in Pakistan under CPEC and invited the Bank to explore new projects of financing in renewable energy, agriculture, industrialization and industrial sectors.