RAWALPINDI: A three-day business conference on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Central Asia organised by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will be held in Gwadar from Nov 16 to 18; the conference has been organised to deliberate investment opportunities and trade ties with Central Asian countries.

This was stated by RCCI President Mohammad Nasir Mirza said while addressing a press conference on Friday.

CPEC is a game changer, not just for Pakistan but the entire region, and will pave the way towards creating links between Pakistan and Central Asia, he said, adding government officials including chief minister, governor of Balochistan, ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors along with business and industrial delegates will attend the conference which will include presentations about key topics and ongoing development projects.

The chamber has always taken the lead in many matters and we want the business community to play its full role, he said, adding a trade fair titled ‘Build 2020’ is also being organised next month in the city for the construction sector.

The fair will be held from Dec 18 till 20, he said, adding the construction sector should be developed as more than 40 allied industries are associated with it and this can contribute towards reducing unemployment in the country.

Group leader Sohail Altaf said that RCCI is in touch with ministries concerned, especially the foreign ministry so that no objection certificates (NOCs) could be issued to ambassadors soon.

PIA Chairman Arshad Malik, who visited the chamber a few days back had assured full cooperation, he added.

RCCI Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A. Malik, former Presidents Zahid Latif Khan, Saboor Malik, Gwadar Conference Chairman Mohammad Badar Haroon, chairman of the trade fair Sardar Tanveer Sarwar along with members of the executive committee and chamber were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2020