China interested in expanding trade, investment with SAARC states

KARACHI: China is interested to increase its trade and investment in SAARC member countries.

This was stated by Commercial Counsellor of China here, YAN Jianming during his call-on session with Founder and former president SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chairman SAARC Building Trust, Tariq Sayeed, here at Federation House.

He was accompanied by two other senior officers of the Consulate, Xu Li and Pan Jiang. Executive Committee member SAARC CCI Khurram Sayeed was also present.

According to the press release issued by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) here on Tuesday, the Chinese delegation discussed with Tariuq Sayeed the ways and means to increase Chinese trade and investment with SAARC countries.

Tariq informed them that the current policies of China particularly of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces are giving good results as they hold China South Asia Business Forum every year besides offering stalls in large numbers to the exhibitors of SAARC member countries.

He suggested that China should change its Visa policy. Visa should be given to genuine businessmen on the recommendations of FPCCI, the chambers in the country and sectoral trade association.

Tariq also confirmed that he would provide a comprehensive report as desired by them regarding expansion of trade and investment from China into the SAARC region.

YAN Jianming informed that China is interested to sign FTA with SAARC member countries, in addition to Pakistan.

Tariq told them that some countries are reluctant to FTA because balance of trade is much in favour of China. This is only possible, if China discusses this matter with business leaders of the Region and assure them that the agreement will be beneficial to them as well.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011