原創 Zhangmei 中國投資參考
"As more and more Chinese companies set up their manufacturing facilities in SEZs, I would envision a new era of industrialization in Pakistan." On November 11, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque, said in a written interview with this journal, 「We plan to set up Technology and Industrial Parks, creating a synergy between the industry, universities and research institutions, which will help in developing knowledge economy in the country."
China Investment: What is the current situation of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor? In what ways has the China Economic Corridor been affected by the epidemic? What policies have been introduced to deal with the impacts?
Moin ul Haque: COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire global community. It has impacted the way we work and live. International travel has been disrupted, economies have suffered and health system are overwhelmed.
Pakistan too was impacted by this crises. However, due to special and timely measures taken by the government, the spread of the disease in the country was controlled to a large extent. This also enables us to ensure the continuity of economic activities, while giving special focus to the wellbeing of vulnerable sections of the society.
The government announced special stimulus package to give relief to local industry and businessmen. Our talented engineers, scientists and manufacturers also rose to the occasion by producing tests kits, masks, essential emergency equipment and ventilators too. We are indeed thankful to China for providing critical support to Pakistan in these difficult times.
As unprecedented and sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic brought about a new set of issues like disruption of supply lines and travel links, projects under CPEC witnessed some delays. However, special measures taken for epidemic- prevention and to ensure the safety of the workers, it was ensured that project work is continued in a way to make up for lost time.
Both the governments of China and Pakistan attach importance to completion CPEC projects in time as this would help us in resuming economic exchanges and bringing development agenda back on track.
China Investment: What is the key development direction of CPEC in future? What promotion policies has the Pakistani government introduced? What industries does the policy focus on?
Moin ul Haque: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is a flagship project of BRI and a strong pillar of China-Pakistan bilateral relations. In phase 2, we are focusing on the agriculture, science and technology and tourism. Special attention is being given on socio-economic development and poverty alleviation.
Under CPEC, we are also establishing nine Special Economic Zones (SEZs), where enterprises from China and other countries could set up their businesses and manufacturing facilities. This new and important dimension of industrial cooperation under CPEC would greatly help businessmen and investors of both countries through the provision of quality infrastructure and favorable policies..
⬆The Orange Line of Lahore Metro, a project of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor becomes operational on October 25, 2020, marking the entry of Pakistan into the 「Age of Metro」. (Photo by Liu Tian/Xinhua)
China Investment: What is the current status of Chinese investment in Pakistan? What are the main industries that Chinese investment intend to invest in?
Moin ul Haque: China is the largest FDI contributor to Pakistan in recent years. Investments are being made in a number of areas including energy, telecommunication, auto mobiles, textile, e-commerce and financial services.
As mentioned earlier, the SEZs being developed under CPEC would provide new avenue for investments. For Chinese manufactures which are planning relocation of their businesses, Pakistan with a friendly environment and liberal investment regime provides an attractive option. With these investments, Chinese companies would have an advantage to export their goods to nearby markets in the Gulf, Africa and Europe.
China Investment: What are the new potential economic growth points between China and Pakistan cooperation? How would the Pakistan government plan to promote them?
Moin ul Haque: China Pakistan Economic Corridor is moving steadily to achieve it targets. After the successful completion of first phase, which helped in upgrading essential areas like energy and infrastructure, we have now entered the second phase of CPEC which is more centered towards industrialization and socio economic development. For this the two sides are working very closely, detailed action plans have been drawn up and focal persons have been appointed to follow up.
Another important potential area for economic growth is trade. The phase 2 of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement was officially implemented on 1st January this year. Now nearly 1000 products are enjoying duty free access to each other countries. The updated FTA now provide businessmen of the two countries to expand trade in the areas of food, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and leather.
port what is produced in Angola to neighboring countries.
China Investment: What are your expectations for China-Pakistan cooperation in various fields in the future？
Moin ul Haque: Pakistan and China have very special ties. The spectrum of Pakistan-China relationship is very broad and deep. CPEC framework has helped in strengthening the basic framework and providing a solid foundation for future high-quality development.
As more and more Chinese companies set up their manufacturing facilities in SEZs taking advantage of special incentive packages, I would envision a new era of industrialization in Pakistan. This would create jobs, improve logistics, develop remote areas, and expand exports thus contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the country.
An important area of cooperation is science and technology, IT and innovation. Our joint plans to set up Technology and Industrial Parks, creating a synergy between the industry, universities and research institutions would help in developing knowledge economy in the country.
原標題：《Bringing Technological Power into a New Age of Industrialization》
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