A trade delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry led by its President Zahid Maqbool attended the inaugural ceremony of China (Shenzhen) International Industrial Fair 2009 at China South City in Shenzhen, China. The fair running from 22-25 October is featuring more than 400,000 types of products and raw materials from exhibitors in over 3,000 exhibition units showcasing light engineering products ranging from textiles and clothing; leather and accessories; crafts and gifts; metals, chemicals and plastics; printing and packaging materials; electronics; and imported goods.

Welcoming the ICCI delegation to Industrial Fair 2009, Mr. Xueweng He, President, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr. Ghang Bei, Mayor of Shenzhen District Government and Mr. Chen Yingchun, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Municipality desired frequent visits of Pakistani entrepreneurs to China for further strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations.

They held long discussions with ICCI delegation and exchanged views to identify areas for enhancing bilateral trade and investment. They said presence of ICCI delegation in the Industrial Fair was very encouraging for them and it demonstrates the keenness of Pakistani businessmen to promote business relations with China. They desired that next time ICCI should come with bigger delegation and hoped that their visit to China will lead to exposure of many untapped areas for mutual exploitation. 

Speaking on the occasion, Zahid Maqbool, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said that China is Pakistan’s strategic partner and an all weather friend. He said President Asif Ali Zardari’s four visits within one year and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s recent visit to China is a clear manifestation of Pakistan’s trust on China and shows the resolve of Pakistani leadership to further deepen and strengthen bilateral relations. He thanked China Chamber of International Commerce & China Council for the Promotion of International Trade for organizing the grand Industrial Fair and inviting ICCI delegation to participate in this event.

Zahid Maqbool briefed the Chinese entrepreneurs about business opportunities in Pakistan and said that many sectors of Pakistan’s economy including infrastructure development, energy, exploration of minerals, oil & gas, manufacturing, textiles, IT, engineering & financial services, real-estate, mass transit network, chemical, fertilizer, automobile, and agro-based industry etc. offer plenty of lucrative opportunities to Chinese investors. He invited them to come to Pakistan and explore these areas for joint ventures and investment.