by Meng Lingjuan

LAHORE, April 11 (China Economic Net) --- During the Second International Textile Exhibition in Pakistan, Abdul Razak Dawood, advisor to Pakistani prime minister on commerce, textile, industry and production, and investment, told China Economic Net that the second phase of China-Pakistan free trade agreement (FTA) is scheduled to be signed on April 28 when Prime Minister visits China.

Abdul Razak Dawood, advisor to Pakistani prime minister on commerce, textile, industry and production, and investment, receives interview of China Economic Net reporter at the 2nd International Textile Exhibition in Pakistan. (Wang Yan/ China Economic Net)

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dawood visited the exhibition and accepted the media interview at Hall 1 of the Lahore Expo Center. When the CEN reporter arrived, Dawood just signaled the end of the interview. When he learned that the reporter was from China and paid special attention to the latest progress of the China-Pakistan FTA, Dawood picked up the microphone and said: "First of all, I would like to thank the Chinese reporters for participating in the exhibition. I would like to let you know that the second phase of agreement between the two countries will be signed in Beijing this month."

When asked about what else China could do to balance China-Pakistan trade and promote Pakistan's exports to China, Dawood indicated that Pakistan hopes China can provide more aid to promote industrialization and agricultural technology development in Pakistan.

"At the end of this month, the best exporters from Pakistan are going with the Prime Minister to Beijing with the idea of connecting with your business people, inviting them to relocate to Pakistan and allocate resources reasonably. The investment of Chinese enterprises could be the most effective way of cooperation between China and Pakistan under the present international trade environment," Dawood added.

It is known that textile industry accounts for 60 percent of Pakistan's total exports, and Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world with a complete textile value chain. The first International Textile Exhibition in Pakistan was held in 2016 and became the first professional exhibition in Pakistan's history.

The article is translated by Liao Yifan.