PM Shehbaz orders boost in Chinese investment and Gwadar Port utilization

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday presided over a crucial review meeting focused on enhancing Chinese investment in Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The Prime Minister issued clear instructions that 50% of all public sector cargo entering the country by sea should be routed through Gwadar Port, underscoring the strategic importance of the port.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister received a detailed briefing on the recent visit of a Chinese expert delegation to Pakistan, which took place from July 30 to August 6, 2024. The delegation engaged with representatives from various ministries, discussing ways to increase cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology, communication, and infrastructure sectors.

Significant progress was made during the visit, including meetings between the Chinese delegation and major Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Pakistan. The delegation's visit highlighted the growing interest of Chinese companies in relocating industries to Pakistan, with a notable example being a Chinese auto spare parts company that is advancing plans to establish a plant in the country.

To boost Pakistan’s exports and remove non-trade barriers, Chinese experts will be hired, and sectoral roadshows will be organized in different Chinese cities to promote Pakistani products. Additionally, Pakistan will benefit from technology transfer and upgraded services from China, particularly in electric vehicles, electro-medical devices, and other sectors.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on efforts to train Pakistani students and research scholars in agriculture in China, with 572 applications received so far. He directed that equal representation be given to all provinces in this initiative and instructed the formation of a committee, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, to ensure transparent selection for the program.

The meeting was attended by key federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Abdul Aleem Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal, Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari, and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, along with senior government officials.