- CPEC has created abundant trade and Investment opportunities, says Ambassador Khalid
by SALMAN ASHRAF
The first Pakistan-Hong Kong Trade and Investment Forum (PHKTIF) was held in Hong Kong on Thursday with its major focus on promoting business prospects created by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road initiative. The participants of the forum showed keen interest in joining the socio-economic benefits of the Belt and Road projects in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid and Commissioner for Belt and Road, Government of Hong Kong SAR Yvonne Choi Ying-pik inaugurated the forum in Hong Kong. The forum was involved representatives of the leading companies of Hong Kong and Mainland China, having interest in Belt and Road projects in Pakistan.
In his welcoming remarks, Masood Khalid said that the CPEC has created abundant trade and investment opportunities. $52 billion investments are funnelled into building infrastructure, energy projects, Gwadar port and developing special economic zones under the CPEC. He said that Pakistan was emerging as a great attraction for foreign investors owing to these developments and improved law and order situation in the country.
Masood Khalid invited the Hong Kong business companies to join Belt and Road project as they are known for providing state-of-the-art financial and management services. He said that Pakistan offers great opportunities in insurance, port management, health management and real estate.
The commissioner for Belt and Road, Yvonne Choi said that Hong Kong’s government is actively engaging itself with these projects and Pakistan’s prospects as emerging global economy are bright. She said that the PHKTIF would help local businessmen understand the business environment and working conditions in Pakistan, which would eventually promote trade links between Pakistan and Hong Kong.
Speaking to the forum, Consul General Abdul Qadir Memon said that first PHKTIF was held keeping in view the increased interest of the Hong Kong-based companies in the Belt and Road projects. Such activities would continue in the coming days as well, he said.
Commercial Counsellor Beijing Dr Erfa Iqbal and CEO ANZ Group Farhan Faruqui also spoke on the occasion to the participants of the forum about the CPEC and regulatory environment in Pakistan.
The PHKTIF was jointly organised by Pakistan Consulate Hong Kong, Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong (PCCHK) and the National Bank of Pakistan, Hong Kong, while the supporting organisations included the Belt and Road Office of the Government of Hong Kong SAR, Invest HK, and Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC).
