ISLAMABAD, Dec 09 (NNI): Commerce Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz, along with a high-profile business delegation, has departed for China, embarking on a strategic mission aligned with ‘Vision Pakistan USD 100 Billion.’ This visit follows the momentum generated by Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit in October this year.
The delegation, representing various sectors including Agriculture, Electric Vehicles, Marble, Cement, Fertilizer, Fruit & Vegetable, Home Appliances, Glass, Chemicals, and Textiles, aims to foster trade and investment ties, as well as explore opportunities for joint ventures.
On the agenda are meetings in Beijing with officials from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, various product associations, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export. Dr. Gohar Ejaz will also engage with the CEO of COFCO Group, China’s largest food processor, and a delegation from Weifang Steel Group, specializing in agritech, food processing, fertilizers, and edible oil. The delegation will visit Zhongguancun, China’s Silicon Valley.
During the visit, Minister Gohar Ejaz will meet with the management of Chengdu Century Intending Investment Management (CENTINCO), a corporation expressing interest in the development of an Export Processing Zone in Gwadar.
The Minister will attend a Business Networking Dinner, expected to be attended by over a hundred Chinese enterprises. Following this, he will participate online in the Min-Ministerial of WTO, on special invitation from the UAE Commerce Minister.
In a historic move, the delegation will visit Suzhou City, a leading commercial and industrial hub in East China, situated close to Shanghai. This marks the first visit by any Commerce Minister of Pakistan and delegation from Pakistan. Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz will be received by Government Officials.
This visit aligns with the Ministry of Commerce’s strategy to engage at the provincial level with major Chinese manufacturing hubs. Suzhou boasts a GDP of over US$ 300 billion, with imports of US$ 153 billion and exports of US$ 230 billion. Several enterprises in Suzhou are exploring opportunities to relocate to other countries.
In addition to official meetings, the delegation will visit Changshu Garments Town at Suzhou. Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz will also participate in the unveiling of the Changshu ‘One Belt and One Road’ Centre.
Before departing, Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz emphasized the significance of private sector collaboration as the next step in strengthening the Pak-China relationship. He stated, “SMEs are the key to Pakistan’s prosperity and progress.” The Commerce Minister will also brief Chinese investors about the crucial role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in streamlining their investments. “Pakistan is focusing on sectors such as agriculture, mining, new energy, and IT under the framework of the SIFC,” added Dr. Gohar Ejaz. NNI
