A large and high powered delegation of Sichuan Province of China led by its Vice Governor Mr. Huang Xiaoxiang visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry and discussed possibilities to further enhance trade, investment and economic cooperation with Pakistan, especially in agriculture, manufacturing and energy sectors to strengthen its economy.

Addressing the business community, Mr. Huang Xiaoxiang said that Pakistan and China enjoy all weather and infinite friendship and China is always keen to widen and deepen its relations with Pakistan in all areas particularly in economic sphere.

On this occasion, he invited Pakistani traders and investors to participate in the forthcoming 11th Western China International Economy & Trade Fair, which will be held from October 16-20 in Changdu city of Sichuan Province of China.

He said since its launch in 2000, the Fair has now become a great event for commodity displays, investment talks, business exchanges and high level forums.

He said the event provides Pakistani entrepreneurs an excellent platform of economic diplomacy, investment promotion and trade cooperation and they should ensure maximum participation in it for promoting their business relations with regional and international entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the occasion, Zahid Maqbool, President, ICCI said that though many Chinese companies are already earning high returns by investing in Pakistan, but there is still lot more potential for trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

He informed the delegation members that many sectors of Pakistan’s economy including energy, oil & gas, minerals, infrastructure development, textiles, IT, financial services, real-estate, mass transit communication network, automobile and agri-based industry etc. offer lucrative investment opportunities to Chinese investors and they should step up their efforts for further enhancing their investment in these sectors in Pakistan.

He said ICCI is planning to take a delegation to China in April 2010 and ensured the visiting guests that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce will also take a delegation to the 11th Western China International Fair to explore more possibilities of promoting trade and investment with China.

Karim Aziz Malim, Vice President ICCI presented vote of thanks while Ehsan Zafar Bakhtawari, VP, ICCI was also present on the occasion