BEIJING, Jan 10: Chinese companies are keen to set up export-oriented industries in Pakistan. A cross-section of Chinese businessmen during an interview with APP here showed willingness to undertake joint ventures with their Pakistani counterparts to produce exports goods, preferably with Chinese-mark.

With Pakistan's raw material combined with the Chinese expertise and machinery, the two countries could develop a strong industrial base to earn foreign exchange, said Yu Bo, a local businessman.

Since, China is rapidly facing restrictions on its export quota from western countries including the US, the entrepreneurs particularly in private sector are looking forward to seeking help of their friendly countries to achieve their export targets, Yu added.

Some of the Chinese are even prepared to shift their industries to Pakistan. "Pakistan's move to set up a special economic zone for the Chinese investors has special attraction for us," said another Chinese investor Ma Xian.

Ma, who attended the Investment Seminar, addressed by President Pervez Musharraf in Beijing in November last, said: "The investment incentives being offered by Pakistan are highly encouraging specially the tax exemptions."

Officials said in Beijing that a Chinese delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan next month to explore the possibilities of joint venture in the textile sectors. They hoped that things would move rapidly this year for greater interaction between the businessmen of the two countries.

A businessman suggests that Pakistan should establish a permanent desk in the Board of Investment and in Pakistan Embassyin China to keep Beijing reminding that "China being big brother should share its expanding economy with Pakistan."

Meanwhile, China's total financial commitments to Pakistan during the last three years have reached more than $6 billion to help implement important public sector projects.-APP