by Wang Xiaotong

SHANGHAI, Nov.13 (China Economic Net) - “China has led the efforts for the fight against COVID-19, and now China is also leading the efforts for global economic recovery,” Hussain Haider, Consul General at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai, said in an exclusive interview with China Economic Net just the next day after the 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE) successfully concluded.

Hussain Haider, Consul General at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai, during interview with China Economic Net. [Photo/Wang Zhongqiang]

CIIE provides business opportunities shared by the whole world

“As the first and the only expo dedicated to imports, CIIE provides tremendous opportunities to businesses from all over the world which serves as a very significant engine of trade promotion and development,” Hussain Haider expressed appreciation for China and CIIE’s important role in re-energizing international trade during the global pandemic.

Moin ul Haque (3rd L), Pakistani Ambassador to China, and Hussain Haider (1st L), Pakistani Consul General Shanghai, are visiting Pakistani exhibition at CIIE on Nov. 6. [Photo/Wang Zhongqiang]

This was the first time that Hussain Haider had visited CIIE as he was appointed as Pakistani Consul General Shanghai just nine months ago. “I was deeply struck by the broad range of products that were displayed from different countries. It was a very good experience of visiting CIIE,” Hussain Haider shared the fresh experience with the reporter.

Looking forward to next year’s CIIE, he expects Pakistani enterprises to attach more importance to this Expo because it provides opportunities not only to showcase products to global audience but also to learn from other countries’ expertise. “I am living in China, and I can say that the sky is the limit as far as the quality is concerned. This mega event will definitely get even better and attract larger number of buyers and sellers.”

FTA Phase II promotes Pak exports & Chinese investment

At this year’s CIIE, it’s learned that Pakistan’s cherry exports to China are expected to start next year. “Agriculture is a strong sector in Pakistan, accounting for nearly 19% of Pakistan's GDP and providing jobs to more than half of the labor force. Pakistan is rich in agriculture resources, and we export a lot of fruits to the whole world. It is good to see that Pakistani fruits are also coming to China,” Hussain Haider said.

Besides fruits like mango and Kinnow, he also highlighted the great potential of exporting value added products such as juices and processed foods in large quantities to China.

The second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement will play a key role in promoting bilateral trade. Entering into force on January 1, 2020, it has covered most of the products of both countries’ export interest.

According to Hussain Haider, the FTA will also attract more Chinese investment flowing into Pakistan. “Because of the FTA, if Chinese entrepreneurs invest in Pakistan, they can import most of the Chinese equipment and machinery free of duty to Pakistan. After manufacturing in Pakistan they can export the products back to China at zero or very low tariffs. That’s a great advantage for Chinese investors,” he illustrated with examples. Moreover, the nine special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC are also providing fiscal incentives for investment from China.

“China is already the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Pakistan. Pakistan needs export-oriented FDI, and we believe no country is in a better position than China to explore export-oriented FDI into Pakistan,” Hussain Haider said.

Possibilities for cooperation in e-commerce & agriculture

The interview falls on China’s biggest online shopping carnival. Therefore, e-commerce naturally became a hot topic on that day. E-commerce in Pakistan is gaining currency. “Last year the Pakistani government announced e-commerce policy, which makes Pakistan one of the few countries in the region which have an e-commerce policy to facilitate online business’ growth.”

“With collaboration with China, it will be easier for Pakistani enterprises to enter the Chinese market via e-commerce platforms,” Hussain Haider talked about the immense scope for bilateral cooperation in this area.

Agriculture is one of focus areas of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II. A webinar on China-Pakistan Agricultural Cooperation & Prospects will soon be held by China Economic Net, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) and The Express Tribune under the guidance of both Embassies at 13:00-15:00 (PST) on November 19.

“In CPEC Phase II we’ll see a lot of cooperation between China and Pakistan in agriculture. Particularly Chinese technologies can be instrumental in increasing the productivity and output of agriculture in Pakistan. I wish the participants all the success, and hope the webinar will lay a foundation for greater Pak-Sino agricultural cooperation,” Hussain Haider sent wishes for the upcoming webinar near the end of the interview.