Karachi: Bank of China – Pakistan Operations held a Pre-Departure Briefing for 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE) at their Karachi Office. Mr. Kaleem Memon, Deputy Director Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Mr. Guo Chunshui, Economic and Commercial Councelor of China were the guests of honor in the briefing. The briefing was attended by top exporters of Pakistan based in Karachi.
Dr Li Tao, Country Head and CEO, Bank of China – Pakistan Operations expressed his gratitude to the participants for attending the pre-departure briefing. In his address, he highlighted significance of 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE) and informed the participants that “CIIE aims to give firm support to trade liberalization, economic globalization and actively open the Chinese market to the world. A total of 2800 companies from over 50 countries will participate in the expo. The event particularly carries significance from Pakistan’s perspective as it will facilitate enhancing Pakistan’s exports to China and to improve its balance of trade position between the two countries. The event will also help introduce financial services solution for exports from Pakistan.” He specially thanked Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for c0llaberating with Bank of China – Pakistan Operations in organizing the initial briefing and was optimistic of CIIE being a huge success.
Mr Guo Chunshui, Economic and Commercial Councelor of China expressed his pleasure for being part of 1st CIIE and the Pre-Departure briefing. He welcomed the participants in the pre-departure briefing. In his address, he stated that
“the government of China wants to promote free trade system, globalization and provide opportunities to businesses all around the world. The first ever CIIE is a testament to that. He informed the participants that 200 out of top 500 companies all over the world are participating in the first ever CIIE. He told the participants that China and Pakistan have very good political relations and are old friends, therefore, China has invited Pakistan as Guest of Honor in the first ever CIIE. He noted that Pakistan has trade deficit to China and CIIE presents an opportunity to both countries to promote bilateral trade and economic activities and welcomed Pakistani businessmen to bring their products to China. He appreciated the devotion of Bank of China Karachi branch in organizing the pre-departure briefing and offered assistance to Pakistani businessmen should they face any problem during the CIIE. He welcomed Pakistan Prime Minister Mr Imran Khan and his team to Shanghai for the CIIE and was confident that CIIE will play a major role in easing up the foreign reserves pressure on the country and will help in national and economic development of the country.”
In May 2017, Mr Xi Jinping, the President of People’s Republic of China, announced to hold the first ever China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai in 2018. Pakistan has been invited as a guest of honor in the exhibition by the Chinese government. Delegates of about 40 top exporters from Pakistan will accompany the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Imran Khan and his team to Shanghai for CIIE which is scheduled to take place at National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai from Nov 5th – 10th, 2018.
