In the initial phase, the Chinese side shared its experiences regarding planning and developments of special economic zones (SEZs). This phase will focus on the development of SEZs to enhance understanding in other areas of industrial cooperation.
During a discussion, both sides agreed to initiate the first phase of development of SEZs. Representatives of provincial governments, GB and FATA highlighted their priorities and current status of their SEZs.
The Pakistani side also highlighted the importance of skill development for successful implementation of industrial projects and requested Chinese assistance for establishment of centers for vocational training at Islamabad and other cities along the CPEC route. Executive Director NAVTTC also proposed up-gradation of National Training Bureau (NTB) into a state-of-the-art institute of technical and vocational training.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in various sectors such as petrochemical, steel, textile, leather processing and machinery with specific reference to relocation of industries from China to SEZs. The Chinese side will motivate their enterprises for setting up of their industries in SEZs. In this context they can leverage the province to province or sister city arrangements.
Both sides agreed to have frequent face to face interaction preferably on a quarterly basis.
Secretary Board of Investment Azher Ali Choudhry led the meeting and the Chinese side was led by Director China International Engineering Consulting Corporation, Dou Hao.
The meeting was attended by senior officers and representatives of ministries of planning development & reforms, finance, industries & production, energy, and representatives from provincial governments, FATA, AJK and GB from Pakistan side. The Chinese delegation included representatives from CIEC, CADZ, Embassy of China Islamabad, Tianjin DRC, Xinjiang Corps DRC, CCCC, CRBC and Xinjiang Corps Construction.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017