ISLAMABAD: Chinese entrepreneurs are willing to develop cooperation with their Pakistani counterparts to construct highrise buildings.

Private sectors of both the countries should jointly exploit untapped areas of mutual collaboration.

These views were expressed by Adven Zhu, the managing director of Suzhou China Aviation Technology Equipment Co, at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Saturday.

The delegation, led by Mr Zhu, represented various sectors, including infrastructure development, construction of roads, high-rise buildings, IT, manufacturing of mechanical products, cold-bend steel, elevator components, mechanical components and furniture.

“We want to enter into joint ventures and investment in Pakistan,” Mr Zhu said, adding this was their first visit to Pakistan and they found the country a potential market for business and investment. Pakistan has a big consumer market and a strategic geographic location.

He said there was a need for high-rise buildings in Pakistan and with efficient expertise in this sector the Chinese could enter into joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts to cater to the growing demand in the real estate developments.

Sheikh Amir Waheed, the ICCI president, said CPEC had opened new avenues for long-term cooperation between China and Pakistan.

He said private sectors of both the countries should enhance interactions to explore match makings in CPEC and other projects in Pakistan.

“By investing in Pakistan, Chinese investors would be in a better position to enhance exports to South and Central Asia, Middle East, Europe and many other potential markets,” Mr Waheed said.

He said many sectors of Pakistan’s economy, including infrastructure development, high-rise buildings, aviation, steel and aluminum, were opened for foreign investors. He urged the Chinese investors to explore these potential sectors for JVs.

He said Chinese investors should bring technology and machinery to set up manufacturing plants in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2017