RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: In the backdrop of resilient Pak-China relations, a stable and secure Pakistan is a must for uninterrupted investment flow, people to people integration and smooth economic activities, said Chinese Consulate Lahore’s Deputy Consul General Peng Zhengwu.

“Stable system matters a lot. It ensures free flow of movement, sense of contentment and hassle-free business opportunities,” he said. He urged for more welcoming atmosphere for Chinese companies, people and foreign investors to help reboot economy on international standards. He expressed these views at a consultative discussion jointly organized by Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR) and Punjab University Pakistan Study Center in chair with Muhammad Mehdi (Foreign Affairs Expert) at Punjab University Executive Club.

Terming CPEC a signature project of BRI, he said that CPEC was not just a corridor rather an epic path to realize the dream of seamless industrial growth, joint ventures, SEZs, socio-economic progress, agriculture development, cultural connectivity, peace and prosperity in the region. “To bolster Pakistan economy, Chinese companies and people have already been coming to Pakistan. In order to see more fresh probabilities for investments, millions of Chinese poise to pour in. Now the question is how much Pakistan is ready and open to impending influx,” he said. “Chinese people desire to have free flow of movements, choice of their foods, availability of cost-effective residence and reasonable commutations. Such conducive environment is basic demand aspired globally by every investor and general public.”

In terms of grooming Pakistan laborers and engineers, under CPEC Chinese companies have launched various program to impart technical education and skills to local manpower. In Agriculture field, Peng gave example of HS agriculture PVT LTD for equipping Pakistani people with new technological and innovative techniques.

IIRMR Chairman Muhammad Mehdi said that as sky was limit for improvement, so still there were series of things that had to be carried out to take Pak-China relations and CPEC to new heights weathering barrage of challenges. He endorsed the statement of former DCM and deputy director general, information department, ministry of Foreign Affairs China, Lijian Zhao, for hailing verdict of Lahore High Court (LHC) orders to permit former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for treatment. He demanded for Panda Diplomacy as observed by China globally by donating Pandas for Lahore Zoo to win the hearts of People.

Chinese diplomat Liu Zhan said: “Our Consulate will try to enhance education and culture cooperation between China and Pakistan as two Confucius institute have been established in Punjab. Many Chinese universities signed MoUs with universities in Punjab. “We encouraged both sides’ scholar visits. In future, we hope more and more Chinese education institute to collaborate with local educational institutions.”

Sichuan University (China) Pakistan Study Center Director Song Zhihui said that politically both Pakistan and China were fine but economically still there was lot of room to thrive jointly. He highlighted China’s booming demand for Mango, various fruits and other exportable items from Pakistan asking local exporters to capitalize the opportunity in fullest manner. “We have a number of Pakistan study centers in Chinese universities,” he revealed and hoped for more MoUs to promote bilateral educational ties. He informed that approximately 0.5 million students have been studies in different disciplines and programs in Chinese Universities and number kept growing.

Song said Chinese entrepreneurs are looking for potential partners in Pakistan to start joint ventures in building material and construction to make home construction cost-effective. “China looks forward to strengthening inclusive cooperation and transporting the benefits of CPEC to the citizens of Pakistan. With relocation of Chinese companies, establishment of more vocational and technical training centres in order to help Pakistan improve its human resources, especially of the youth, he expected that economic and social prosperity can be achieved.”