Pakistan is facing worst power crisis of its history badly affecting business activities in the country and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani during his four days visit to China should persuade Chinese investors to help the country by enhancing their investment in power sector of Pakistan so that self-sufficiency in power sector could give boost to economic activities.

This was the consensus opinion of businessmen in a meeting held at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI). They stressed that Pakistan and China should explore new opportunities to step up cooperation in trade and economic fields

Identifying some potential areas of cooperation, Zahid Maqbool, President ICCI said that Pakistan was an agricultural country and China should help Pakistan with transfer of agro-based technology, oilseeds and expertise to improve our per acre yield and particularly for growing off season food products and fruits.

He said both countries should promote cooperation on drip irrigation and in BT cotton. He said China should help Pakistan in developing its food chains in China as Pakistani food was renowned throughout the world for its good taste.

He said China should open its banks branches in Pakistan and facilitate Pakistani banks to open their branches in China as well for smooth promotion of trade and economic relations. He said Pakistan has established a specific Industrial Zone for Chinese investors in Lahore and China should establish such Zones for Pakistani entrepreneurs in China as well.

Businessmen said China should establish training institutes in Pakistan to provide latest and market driven vocational training and skills to Pakistani youth, which would help Pakistan in reducing unemployment and poverty.

They said that taking advantage of this opportunity, Prime Minister of Pakistan should also convince SCO member countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to provide easy access to Pakistani products in their markets so that with strengthening of its economy, Pakistan could be able to wipe out the elements of terrorism and militancy to bring stability to the region.