Choudhry Salik, Ambassador Nong discussed industrial relocation & CPEC

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong on Thursday met with Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI), China Affairs and Special Initiatives Chaudhry Salik Hussain and exchanged views on enhancing bilateral business and initiatives in the backdrop of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The ambassador hosted a dinner reception in honour of the federal minister where BOI Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani, Additional Secretary Khashih Rehman and CPEC-ICDP Project Director Asim Ayub were also present.

The envoy highlighted the need for enhancing business-to-business and people-to-people exchanges in the backdrop of the CPEC IC Framework Agreement and Long-Term Plan, thereby promoting the industrial relocation from China to Pakistan and ensuring the success of second phase of CPEC.

The federal minister expressed hope that the ambassador may continue referring Chinese investors to the BOI. “BOI being the first point of contact for the investors will leave no stone unturned to facilitate and welcome the Chinese brothers in Pakistan,” Hussain said.

He told Nong that he had been personally interacting with the Chinese investors on a frequent basis and assured him that he would continue to step in to address the grievances and issues of the Chinese companies, referred to by the ambassador.

BOI officials agreed that renewed efforts to enhance industrial cooperation were the need of the hour and announced that a team had been formed in that regard.

The team will work to take on board local chambers and private sector stakeholders relating to Pakistani and Chinese businesses operating within and outside Pakistan.

It will extend the government’s full support for ensuring joint ventures and cooperation between the companies of both countries.

In addition to this, the Chinese Consulates in Lahore and Karachi have also joined hands and will be working vigorously to ensure industrial relocation and cooperation with China.