South Asia can overcome poverty through enhanced trade relations under CPEC: PM Khan

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the only way the subcontinent can tackle poverty is by improving trade relations and urged Sri Lankan businessmen to invest in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“Let us live like civilised neighbours such as the Europeans live,” he added, while addressing the Trade and Investment Conference in Colombo on Wednesday.

The conference, organised by the Ministry of Commerce and TDAP, was attended by the top dignitaries of both countries including Sri Lankan trade ministers and around 40 leading Pakistani businesspersons which aims to promote the trade and investment interests.

Both countries have shown willingness to engage in effective Business to Business (B2B) meetings for enhancing cooperation in key sectors including textile, pharmaceutical, construction, information technology (IT), agriculture and tourism.

Similarly, he said, it is necessary to end the role of the middle man to control inflation, which he said can be done using China’s example. “China has reduced the role of the middle in businesses by using technology and brought 700 million people out of the poverty line.”

The PM said that Pakistan has prioritised the provision of maximum facilities to the business community.

Earlier in the day, Khan and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa held a one-on-one meeting at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, APP reported.

The premier emphasised the importance of building a robust economic partnership characterised by enhanced bilateral trade, investments, and commercial cooperation.

He also laid emphasis on deeper collaboration in diverse fields — particularly agriculture, tourism, science and technology, sports, education and culture.

PM Imran Khan also extended a cordial invitation to President Rajapaksa to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.