Visit Highlights Potential for Increased Chinese Investment and Relocation of Industries to Pakistan
Key Takeaways:
i) A high-level Chinese delegation visited Pakistan to explore industrial investment opportunities and the relocation of Chinese industries.
ii) Discussions focused on collaboration in healthcare, energy, and the strategic importance of Gwadar’s development.
iii) The Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry will play a key role in coordinating future collaborations and facilitating cultural exchange.
Lahore, Pakistan – A 22-member Chinese delegation recently concluded a visit to the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lahore, signaling a potential increase in Chinese industrial investment in Pakistan. The delegation, comprised of representatives from various industries and organizations, aimed to identify viable areas for investment and explore the relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan, which is considered a favored destination for this transfer.
Discussions during the visit centered on potential collaborations in the healthcare and energy sectors. The Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will coordinate future collaborative efforts. An office has been established in Islamabad to provide legal and logistical support for agreements and address any disputes that may arise.
The timeline for Chinese industrial relocation to Pakistan will depend on the efficiency of Pakistani industries and institutions in providing the necessary facilities and support. The delegation also emphasized the importance of Gwadar for Pakistan’s economic future, advocating for its declaration as a free tax zone.
Beyond economic ties, the delegation stressed the significance of cultural exchange and language learning in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. The Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce has been actively involved in teaching the Chinese language and organizing events like the Pakistan China Festival to promote cultural understanding.
The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is expected to bring significant foreign direct investment to Pakistan. China’s investment in Pakistan is considered strategic, and they are expected to actively protect their interests in the region. The Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce facilitates interactions between Pakistani and Chinese people, hosting numerous Chinese visitors annually.
