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Realizing the Future Collectively

Chinese SEZs to be backbone for China-Pak corridor


Source : The Nation   Date : 06-11-2014   

Chinese SEZs to be backbone for China-Pak corridor

KASHGAR (CHINA) - China is building huge economic zones in Kashgar and Urumchi in, northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region that would be the backbone of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.

Pakistan’s Parliamentary delegation led by Parliamentary Secretary Finance and Economic Affairs, Rana Muhammad Afzal on Saturday visited Kashgar special economic zone and expressed the hope that the incentives being offered will attract Pakistani businessmen. He said the economic zones will be part of connectivity with neighbouring countries especially Pakistan.

The delegation was briefed by the Chinese officials regarding various aspects of the economic zone which is likely to be completed by 2020. The delegation observed that the integrated project comprised of a holistic approach to link up modern means of communication including rail, road links with trade and economic opportunities for both the states.

Rana Afzal Hussain, leader of the delegation, said on the occasion, “During our two-day stay at Kashgar, we have an opportunity to observe the development initiatives being undertaken by the government and the private sector of China by converting Kashgar into a regional trading hub in view of its proximity to Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Central Asian republics.”

He said that two huge industrial parks and mini cities are being developed in the outskirts of Kashgar with direct investment from the provincial governments and the business community of Guangzhu and other states.

This is a unique development mode where infrastructure is being developed by the public sector and the private sector is provided with land and financial assistance on a very convenient and preferential terms.

Alongside a huge tax free special economic zone is being developed where custom clearance on speedy business is being provided two-way transactions of goods and services to and from China.

Rana Afzal said, with these huge developments, Kashgar is likely to transform economically and socially  with presently 90 percent ethnic Muslims of this area who may not be economically strong will have job and economic opportunities.

He said that Kashgar can serve as a role model for any developing countries including Pakistan. After visiting Kashgar, its proximity to Pakistan (approximately 500 kilometers) and a flying time of around one hour has impressed the delegates and we now realize more than ever before the significance of Kashgar-Gawadar Economic Corridor as a game-changer for Pakistan and China.

The nation must stand united in converting this project into a reality. Syed Mujtaba Hussain, Director-general, Planning Commission, said that Pak-China economic corridor is strategically important for both China and Pakistan keeping in view the growing regional trade and investment collaboration.
 He said that it is a win-win opportunity for Pakistan and China.  The ground breaking for early harvest projects would be observed soon following the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi  Jinping. These projects would be completed within a span of two to three years time and these include rail, road network besides several long and short term energy projects.    

This trade initiative has strategic importance for China as well as Pakistan as it would provide an opportunity to reach out to the Central Asian states through Pakistan and Afghanistan.

 There is an integrated communication network which would not only benefit Pakistan but it would more benefit China to help open a new vista of trade with the rest of the world in a record short period of time as well as resources. Chinese trade with this route would grow manifold  

 He said that incentives are being given to Pakistani entrepreneurs by offering tax-free zones and introducing rent-free homes and even paying the Pakistani business persons stipend for their household.