Trade Development Authority of Pakistan in collaboration with China Study Centre, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi & Policy Advisory Board of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry organized a Conference on “Impact of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) on Bilateral Trade and Investment” on June 30, 2022 at PC Hotel, Karachi. Mr. Arif Ahmed Khan, CE TDAP presented an overview of the China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. Dr. Nasir Afghan, Director China Study Centre (IBA) presented welcome remarks during the event. Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President FPCCI presented implementation of CPFTA and overview of bilateral trade between Pakistan and China. Trade Associations, Research Institutes, stakeholders, and relevant exporters participated in the conference.
Seven Research articles on CPFTA were presented during the conference wherein qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used to explain the utilization of the trade agreement with China. An informative consultative session was also part of this conference wherein renowned economists Mr. Mohammad Younus Dagha, Chairman Policy Advisory Board, FPCCI, Dr. Samina Khalil, Director, Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC), Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, Economic Adviser, Economic Adviser’s Wing and Dr. Shahida Wizarat, Dean College of Economics and Social Development, HOD, IoBM shared their views on efficacy of CPFTA.
The event was summed up by Mr. Asmat Nawaz, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce. Secretary TDAP, Mr. Ahsan Ali Mangi discussed the challenges and opportunities for both countries to enhance the gains from CPFTA. All the speakers expressed great enthusiasm regarding the enhancement of trade and economic relations between the two nations and resolving challenges faced by our country.
MoU signed between Trade Development Authority and Policy Advisory Board of FPCCI during the event for research collaboration. Shields and sovereigns were distributed among participants and panelists. Secretary TDAP presented concluding remarks and a way forward to enhance the bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.