Islamabad: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan will facilitate Chinese investment in all sectors. He directed the Planning Division and Ministry of Communication to finalize a proposal on Karachi–Faisalabad Motorway project at the earliest for consideration of the Chinese leadership and companies to build the highway on BOT basis. He said like Karakorum Highway this will be another symbol of Pak-China friendship.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Orient Group of Companies, China delegation led by its CEO Mr. Zhang Hong Wei which called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon.
The Prime Minister instructed the Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue to sort out the impediment in ushering greater Chinese investment in the fields of petroleum and natural resources, infrastructure and energy. He viewed that there is immense scope of investment in Pakistan and China being a special friend can take benefit from these opportunities.
The Prime Minister observed that China’s continued success is a testament to the wisdom of its leadership, the genius of its entrepreneurs and the hard work and determination of its people. Leader of both countries, he said, are committed to promoting bilateral economic cooperation. Relations with China are the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, he added. He mentioned that his meetings with the Chinese leadership during recent visit to China were very fruitful.
The Prime Minister observed that this year both countries are celebrating the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. He maintained our friendship has served the interest of our two countries very well. He said our relations are win-win in nature and both countries need to strengthen time-tested and all weather friendship by further promoting economic cooperation. He stressed upon the need of proper follow up of the decision made during his meetings with the Chinese President, the Prime Minister and entrepreneurs.
The Prime Minister said that the success of Orient Group Inc. has been recognized as a model of China’s reforms of non-state owned enterprises. He welcomed the purchase of assets of British Petroleum Pakistan by Orient for US $ 775 million. Further investment by Orient group in Pakistan will be welcomed, he added. He said that we look forward to benefiting from the rich experience of Orient Group in financial services, banking and investment and food and agriculture sector.
The Prime Minister observed that Pakistan has maintained steady economic growth despite the adverse geo-political situation and the global financial crises. To sustain this growth, he said, we need further investment in infrastructure and energy. We would welcome Chinese entrepreneurs and business in Pakistan and would assist them by providing all possible incentives and security measures, he added.
The Prime Minister also welcomed the Chinese interest in the education and social sectors. He apprised that the government is conducting a poverty survey to evolve a mechanism for alleviation of poverty through a transparent system. He suggested that China can also help Pakistan in Nurses training programme.
The CEO of the Orient Group of Companies Inc. thanked the Prime Minister for extending meaningful cooperation and facilitating Chinese investment. He said that Chinese leadership and people are committed to support Pakistan through thick and thin. He said that the objective of his visit is to further enhance investment in Pakistan. He said that keeping in view the geopolitical location and big potential of the country, a number of Chinese companies are looking forward to bring their investment in Pakistan. The CEO expressed his Company’s keen interest in the development of petroleum and other fields.
The other members of Chinese delegation include Ms. Fu Christine Yuning MD of United Energy Holdings Co. Ltd and Mr. Pang Pui Yin Thomas, CFO of United Energy. Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain, Chairman FBR, Secretary Board of Investment and other senior officials also attended the meeting.
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