ISLAMABAD: China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, called on Secretary Commerce Mohammad Younus Dagha on March 19. Secretary Commerce briefed the ambassador on the status of negotiations on Phase II of the China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.
He thanked the Chinese government for accommodating the concerns of Pakistan’s local industry and agreeing to provide a competitive edge to Pakistani exporters in the Chinese market. While expressing satisfaction over the progress of the negotiations, Secretary Commerce hoped that both sides can meet at an early date for the 10th round to finalise the remaining issues so that a formal announcement can be made during the visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to China in April 2018.
Ambassador Jing reaffirmed China’s commitment to resolving any apprehensions of Pakistan’s local industry and agreed on the need to finalise the negotiations before the visit of the Prime Minister. For this, he agreed to coordinate early dates for the next round with China’s Ministry of Commerce.
