Successful meetings held by Minister with Chinese business leaders
Published on: October 22, 2023.
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Federal Minister for Commerce Dr Gohar Ijaz recently held a series of productive meetings with influential Chinese business leaders and investment groups during the 3rd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. The purpose of these meetings was to strengthen the economic ties between Pakistan and China and explore potential investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Dr Gohar Ejaz met with Wang Zihai, Director of China-Pakistan (Qingdao) International Cooperation Hub, to discuss investment prospects in various sectors such as civilian and defense equipment, EV lithium batteries, solar panels, and semiconductors. The role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in facilitating these opportunities was also highlighted.
Furthermore, Dr Ejaz engaged with Li Yiman, Chairperson of Eman Logistics, to focus on expanding Pakistan’s presence on Chinese digital platforms. Eman Logistics plans to launch “Pakistan National Pavilion” display centers in China, which will significantly contribute to digital diplomacy. The Minister assured full support and facilitation for this venture.
Dr Ejaz also met with Jin Weidong, President of Wellhope, a leading Chinese agricultural producer. The Minister discussed the vast opportunities within Pakistan’s agricultural, poultry, and meat sectors. Wellhope’s expertise in smart farming and meat processing can potentially establish a mutually beneficial partnership.
Additionally, Dr Ejaz had a meeting with Wang Guidong of Donghua Group to emphasize the privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills and the government’s dedication to the process. The establishment of the SIFC will further enhance these efforts, and the Minister assured full facilitation for the partnership.
Representatives from MCC, China’s metallurgy giant, attended a productive working lunch. MCC is a key player in the Saindak Copper-Gold Project. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration and utilizing MCC’s expertise to foster partnership growth.
During his visit, Dr Gohar Ijaz met with COFCO, a leading global food procurement agency, to explore possibilities of enhancing Pakistan’s grains and food exports to China. The Minister invited COFCO to establish its regional office in Pakistan, promoting more Pakistani products and investments, and transforming Pakistan into a hub for their global value chain and storage network, with support from the SIFC. Dr Gohar also urged COFCO to establish a Joint Working Group between COFCO, Pakistani businessmen, and the Ministry of Commerce.
Dr Ejaz also had discussions with other well-known Chinese enterprises and organizations, including Shandong Xinxu Group, ADM Group, China National Agriculture Development, China National Fisheries Corp, Tianjin Meat Association, and CNAGS. These discussions explored collaboration opportunities in sectors such as mining, trade, hospitality, construction, EV infrastructure, agriculture, and rice sourcing.
Dr Ejaz emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to meeting China’s export standards and promised a rapid setup of processing plants if exports to China are approved. In a separate meeting with BYD, a global leader in electric vehicles, discussions focused on investment opportunities in Pakistan and the government’s supportive policies, including the role of SIFC.
These successful meetings between Dr Gohar Ejaz and Chinese business leaders demonstrate Pakistan’s dedication to fostering economic cooperation and development with China.
Source: [Daily Times](https://dailytimes.com.pk)
