ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistani and Chinese entrepreneurs should enter into joint ventures and take advantage of the opportunity created by China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to ensure sustainable development and eradication of poverty.
He expressed these views while speaking to a Pakistani delegation that was going to participate in a three day “One Belt One Road Entrepreneurs Summit” scheduled to be held in Beijing, China, a statement said.
Headed by CPEC Project Director Major General (r) Dr Zahir Shah, the delegation is constituted by 20 business community representatives from four provinces, FATA, Kashmir and Gilgit Balitistan. Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan said that the government was ensuring connectivity in the form of road and rail infrastructure, building airports and sea port, so the entrepreneurs can take advantage of these developments and initiate joint ventures with the Chinese.
He further said that labor cost in China was rising while in Pakistan it was still low so the Pakistani companies can offer Chinese counterparts a platform for manufacturing. “This opportunity would not only create jobs but would pave new ways for development” he added.
He said that despite huge investment in Pakistan and improvement in global ranking, some elements are defaming the country by leveling baseless allegations against the government and the investors.
He said that selection of construction companies for CPEC project was fully transparent as the responsibility rests with China to give three names for any project where Pakistan could select the lowest bidders. “Leveling allegations despite transparency was tantamount to corruption charges against China” he added.
