by Mariam Raheem

 

ISLAMABAD, May.20 (Gwadar Pro) - The second session of a two-day CPEC industrial cooperation virtual conference as part of the 70-Year Celebration of Pak-China friendship ended yesterday. Key areas of Pak-China Industrial Cooperation were discussed at the occasion and speakers also highlighted the requirement to improve financing modalities, narrative management, and efficiency at various notes to ensure fast delivery of CPEC projects.

 

Mr. Asad Umar, Federal Minister Planning, Development & Special Initiatives appreciated the idea of SEZ cooperation between Pakistan and China. He informed the audience that the PM is taking special interests in CPEC projects and CPEC projects are progressing well. “The development work is in advance phases in several projects including Rashakai SEZ, Allama Iqbal Industrial City, and Gwadar. The use of RMB in bilateral trade and investment projects is a welcome proposal and may be further taken up by relevant authorities.”

 

The Minister further maintained that the suggestions on narrative management on BRI are useful and important and would be considered. “Work on agriculture partnership has been undertaken and projects are expected to take shape soon. E-commerce is being actively pursued by GOP, with a focus on payment gateways and cloud networks, etc. Work on land cost settlement is expected to be settled soon.”

 

Mr. Nong Rong, Ambassador of China to Pakistan stated that the government of Pakistan is working continuously to improve the business environment and enhance the ease of doing business. “The chambers of commerce from both sides are encouraged to take full advantage of the forum through B2B cooperation. Financial institutions may be encouraged to support the projects and take advantage of the opportunities offered by CPEC. Universities and think tanks are strategic contributors towards development and hence, they are invited to offer suggestions and opinions on any issues emerging in CPEC.”

 

Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed, Federal Senator underlined that as the second phase of CPEC progresses, the best is yet to come in the form of industrial relocation, creation of jobs, IT development, transfer of technology, people-to-people exchanges, and tourism. Meanwhile, the challenges to CPEC in the form of continuity of policies, security, and narrative management in media may be effectively handled.

 

“The second phase of CPEC in the form of industrial cooperation is expected to play an important role in bringing development to Pakistan and socio-economic uplift of the people.” Mr. Hassan Daud Butt, CEO KP-BoIT emphasized that “the industrial cooperation will result in opportunities for Pakistani businesses to benefit from CPEC through the transfer of technology and Pakistani firms may venture in avenues of global e-commerce, global value chains and enhanced capacity of Pakistani workforce.”

 

Sharing his thoughts on promoting technical and vocational education in Pakistan, Tu Huazhong, Deputy Director, Pakistan Research Center, Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences introduced the current population structure and industrialization process in Pakistan and its talent demand. He mentioned that Pakistan can learn from Norway, Finland & Switzerland in this regard.