LAHORE - Businessmen from China’s Zhuzhou-Hunan Province are quite keen to do business with their Pakistani counterparts as there exists a huge potential to further enhance beneficial cooperation.
This was stated by Chairman Zhuzhou Import and Export Enterprise Association Liu Jihong while talking to LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Tariq Misbah here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday. The other members of the delegation including Ricky Xin, Irfan Ali and LCCI former President Muhammad Ali Mian, Executive Members Mian Zahid Javaid, Khawaja Khawar Rashid, Mian Muhammad Afzal and Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam also spoke on the occasion. Liu Jihong said that the province specializes in heavy machinery, Chemicals and construction machinery therefore Pakistani businessmen should come forward to avail the opportunity.
He said that the Chinese entrepreneurs wanted to explore Pakistan’s market for joint ventures and other investments. He said that promotion of bilateral trade relations and strengthening of economic cooperation were the objectives of his visit.  He said that Pakistan is an important country in South Asia offering good business prospects. He invited Pakistani investors to join hands with Chinese counterparts for economic prosperity of both countries. The LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Tariq Misbah said that because of its strategic location, Pakistan offers tremendous opportunities for foreign investment. He said that ample opportunities of foreign investment are available in energy sector which is the top priority of the government keeping in view the revival of the economy.
Other sectors are where joint ventures could be initiated are food processing, corporate farming, light engineering, telecommunications, alternate energy solutions, automobiles, transportation and logistics.
He said that grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan by the EU had created new opportunities for local and foreign investors therefore it is high time for Chinese investors to set up joint ventures and make direct investment in areas of interest.
Mian Tariq Misbah also informed the Chinese delegation that LCCI had established a Mediation Center at its premises with active collaboration of International Finance Corporation (IFC).
There are more than 40 accredited mediators who can help the local, national and international businessmen for out-of-the-court settlement of business disputes.