Rawalpindi:  A three-day business conference on CPEC Central Asia (16-18 November) organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in Gwadar ends on a high note. The moot was organized to explore trade and investment opportunities in Gwadar and to cement trade ties and linkages with Central Asian countries. Governor Punjab Ch Muhammad Sarwar who was the chief guest on the occasion, in his address assured full support to the business community and lauded RCCI’e efforts in promoting trade activities in the region and provide platforms to explore new destinations for possible investment and trade ties with central Asian countries. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is undoubtedly a game changer project. The benefits of CPEC are not limited to any city or province, but its dividends are for the whole region, he added. With the completion of this project, Balochistan will become a hub of economic and trade activities and thus the dream of becoming a new Pakistan very soon will be realized, he said.

Earlier, RCCI President in his address said that the Rawalpindi Chamber understands that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game changer for the entire region, especially for Pakistan, and will pave the way for enhancing linkages with Central Asian countries.

During the three-day conference representatives from Gwadar Development Authority, Gwadar Port Authority made presentations on key topics and also on-the-spot visits of ongoing development projects. He said that the chamber has always taken the lead in many matters. We want the business community to play its full role. Ambassador of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazkhistan also attended the moot.

Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, former President Zahid Latif Khan, Chairman Gwadar Conference Muhammad Badar Haroon, members of the executive committee and members of the chamber were also present on the occasion.

Rawalpindi: The Malaysian High Commissioner Ikram Bin Muhammad Ibrahim paid a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Tuesday. RCCI President Mohammad Nasir Mirza, Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A  Malik, members of the executive committee and officials from the High-Commission and members of the RCCI were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the business community, the High Commissioner lauded RCCI efforts in promoting trade activities in the region.  High Commissioner Ikram Bin Muhammad Ibrahim also appreciated RCCI for its recent tree plantation drive and assured full support from the embassy in this regard.

He said, there is a need to intensify efforts for improving two-way trade between Pakistan and Malaysia that would bring far better results for their economies.

Both countries have good potential to enhance cooperation in many fields including auto-mobile, construction, pharmaceutical, halal food, tourism, telecommunication and renewable energy. Malaysia famous auto brand Proton will make its prelaunch in December 2020 in Karachi, he added.

We should encourage frequent exchange of trade delegations to explore all untapped areas of potential cooperation and added that Malaysia has relaxed its visa policy amid Covid-19.

He assured full cooperation and assistance for RCCI upcoming events including Rawal International Expo 2021 and other events.

He informed that Pakistan and Malaysia were the first two Islamic countries that had signed FTA long time ago, but the bilateral trade was still confined to few products. He said there was an urgent need to focus on diversification of trade for improving trade figure.

In his welcome address, President RCCI Mohammad Nasir Mirza said that Pak-Malaysia are enjoying cordial relations and stressed that both countries should focus on new products to improve two-way trade. He also emphasized on further cementing the trade ties and exploring new sectors. He also shared an update on RCCI ongoing activities and future programs. He informed that RCCI is going to organize Gwadar Business Conference focusing Central Asian Republics (CARs), Build 2020 Construction Trade Fair and Rawal Expo in near future.

Mohammad Nasir Mirza said that exchange of trade delegations is direly needed to boost the bilateral trade ties and volume. However, as Corona hit economies all over the world so we should not stop here and increase virtual platforms for improved networking and Ecommerce to support businesses.

 He said many Pakistani products including rice, wheat, mangoes, halal food, seafood, meat products, cutlery and sports goods, spices, handicrafts, light engineering goods, hospital and surgical equipment, pharmaceuticals and gems and jewelry could find good market in Malaysia. Later High Commissioner planted a sapling in the chamber premises to mark RCCI Tree Plantation Drive 2020. Ends PRO RCCI

Rawalpindi:  A three-day business conference on CPEC Central Asia organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will be held in Gwadar from November 16 to 18 aiming to explore trade and investment opportunities in Gwadar and to cement trade ties and linkages with Central Asian countries.

This was stated by RCCI President Mohammad Nasir Mirza while addressing a press conference at chamber house here on Friday.

He said that top government officials including Chief Minister, Governor Balochistan, Ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors and business and industrial delegates will attend the three day conference.

The Rawalpindi Chamber understands that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)  is a game changer for the entire region, especially for Pakistan, and will pave the way for enhancing linkages with Central Asian countries, he added.

The three-day conference will include presentations on key topics and on-the-spot visits of ongoing development projects, he said. He said that the chamber has always taken the lead in many matters. We want the business community to play its full role. Nasir Mirza added that the chamber is also planning to hold a construction Trade Fair in Rawalpindi next month titled Build 2020.

He said that the construction sector can be developed as more tha 40 allied industries are associated with this sector. Increasing employment opportunities will reduce unemployment in the country, he further added. The Build 2020 Trade Fair will be held from December 18 to 20.

Group Leader Sohail Altaf said that RCCI was in touch with the concerned ministries, especially the Foreign Ministry, regarding the convening of the conference so that the NOC could be issued to the ambassadors soon. He said that PIA chairman Arshad Malik who had visited the chamber a few days back had also assured full cooperation.

Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, former Presidents Zahid Latif Khan, Saboor Malik, Chairman Gwadar Conference Muhammad Badar Haroon, Chairman Build 2020 Trade Fair Sardar Tanveer Sarwar, members of the executive committee and members of the chamber were also present on the occasion.