Pakistan-China Transit Trade Agreement sought

ISLAMABAD (APP) - A member of Pakistani Diaspora and President of Gilgit-Urumqi Business Forum, Nazir Ahmed on Sunday called for taking steps to sign Pakistan-China Transit Trade Agreement (PCTTA), which would help Pakistan earn billions of rupees through bilateral trade with the Central Asian States. Pakistan could earn billions of dollars if we reach out to the markets of Central Asia. China can provide us transit in reaching to markets of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan which have huge capacity for rice, textile and fruits, said Nazir Ahmed in an exclusive interview with the APP. Nazir, who is visiting Pakistan these days, said the Pakistani business community should explore new business endeavours in China which was host of major business activity and the traders from across the globe were engaged with Chinese markets. Lauding the support from the people of China and the Chinese government, Nazir Ahmed said China was the most beautiful and peaceful country he ever seen and the Pakistani businessmen felt more secure and happy than anywhere around the world. The Chinese people are so loving and caring, that we feel even more secure in China than even in Pakistan. Moreover, China is a paradise on earth due to its delicious fruits, marvellous and healthy food and loving people, he added. He said the Pakistani businessmen could find a gracious host in China and especially Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang province, could be the center of their import and export business. He said Pakistani businessmen may know that importing Chinese fruits, electronics, garments, cloth, pampers, mobile phone and computer accessories from China were the biggest option for them. But they should also know that there was a golden opportunity for Pakistani businessmen who could export China commodities like Halal food items for Muslims of Xinjiang Province, especially fruits including cherries, mangoes and oranges, he added. He said there was a dire need for establishment of a Pakistani Consulate in Urumqi which could facilitate the Pakistani business community, students and visitors who face difficulty due to language problem. He proposed that the government should also review the Pakistan-China agreement for bilateral trade, signed in 1987, under which the Pakistan-China border at Khunjrab Pass was closed for almost five months - from December 30th to May. There is a need for reviewing this agreement so as bilateral trade may continue unabated throughout the year which would benefit both friendly states, he said.