The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Summit and Expo has opened in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. Summit organizers hope to raise awareness about the economic corridor, its scope, time frame and to draw more business.

The Summit is being hosted by Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform to mark the signing of historic 46 billion dollars CPEC program. All the relevant ministries and stakeholders are showcasing their achievements at the Expo.

“With the passage of time the economic sector, the moment it will grow, the Pakistan navy will definitely ensure its role. The primary role is the safe and secure sea lines of communications,” said Pakistan Navy commander Rizwan Ahmad.

The representatives of local and Chinese organizations, companies and ministries involved in CPEC projects were present at the stalls for discussions to explore prospects of mutual interest.
Experts say the Expo has provided a platform for exchanging ideas and opened new avenues for increasing business.

“I think the market has a big potential here, so it’s good for our exploration and for all the Chinese companies,” said Xu Ang, China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau.

Experts believe the expo will help strengthen business to business relationships besides enabling provinces to explore opportunities in CPEC to promote inclusive development and it would also help to create strong links between academia and industry for collaborative research.

“There were representations of provinces also, CPEC today is a factor of national unity, because people fell that through CPEC the seeds of development and the consequences of prosperity and peace will be permeating through the less developed regions of Pakistan and that is extremely important,” said Mushahid Hussain, chairman of Parliamentary Committee on CPEC.

The event is aimed at highlighting areas like power, construction, dry port, industrial parks and economic zones and attracting local and foreign investments.

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor Summit is expected to bring opportunities for Pakistani Investors and facilitate them to develop collaboration with Chinese enterprises and also create awareness about CPEC among private sector of Pakistan about developing business opportunities.