China and Pakistan will overcome challenges, maintain steady development in relationship: Consul General
KARACHI, Aug 17 (Gwadar Pro) - Chinese Consul General in Karachi Yang Yundong said on Wednesday afternoon that China and Pakistan will overcome challenges and maintain steady development in their relationship.
Yang conveyed these sentiments while meeting a delegation of 51 members from the Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) at the Chinese Consulate. This marked the first instance in Pakistan's history where such a substantial delegation of Pakistani traders was invited to the Chinese Consulate.
The Chinese Consul General mentioned: “We anticipate that the business community, especially PCDMA and Pakistan Philatelic and Numismatics Forum (PPNF), will assume a larger role in the future. This involves expanding our cooperation, highlighting the success of China-Pakistan collaboration, boosting people-to-people connectivity, and making a more profound impact."
The Consul General highlighted that the development of China-Pakistan relations and the CPEC will generate more opportunities for the business community. However, challenges persist, such as attempts to disrupt the cooperation between the two countries and target the CPEC. Terrorism also poses a constant threat.
"In the first half of the year, China's import and export volume exceeded 20 trillion yuan, setting a new historical record. Our achievements stem from Chinese dedication and collaboration with foreign partners, including Pakistani businessmen. China has been Pakistan's largest trading partner for eight consecutive years, the primary source of imports, second-largest export destination, and top source of foreign direct investment."
Yang informed that in the 2023 fiscal year, Pakistan received USD 432.7 million in Foreign Direct Investment from China, constituting 30.09% of total FDI. China remains Pakistan's leading FDI source.
He shared that Pakistan's seafood was recently transported via CPEC from Karachi to Kashgar, Xinjiang. Pakistan's exports of sugars and sugar confectionery exceeded USD 18 million in H1 2023. Additionally, Pakistan's Himalayan pink salt exports to China increased year-on-year, reaching USD 4.96 million in 2021 and USD 5.75 million in 2022 (a 15.7% rise). In May, about two hundred Chinese entrepreneurs participated in the 4th TEXPO in Karachi, and more attended the Food and Agri Expo.
Yang expressed the hope that the business community, especially PCDMA and PPNF, would expand cooperation, promote the success story of China-Pakistan collaboration, enhance people-to-people connectivity, and create a broader impact.
