Latest news with #Pakistan-ChinaJointChamberofCommerceandIndustry
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Scottish expert proposes 'Golden Triangle'
Listen to article Dr Alaa Garad, a globally acclaimed expert in quality and organisational learning, has underscored the need for taking an ambitious and transformative initiative titled "Golden Triangle" – a trilateral partnership framework aimed at linking Pakistan, China and Scotland. The vision behind this initiative is to create a synergistic alliance that promotes cross-border collaboration in education, cultural exchange, innovation and applied research. Garad emphasised the alliance's potential to act as a bridge between the East and the West while drawing on the strength of each nation to foster sustainable progress and innovation-driven development. The Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) hosted Professor Garad, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education, Scotland, during his visit to Pakistan. The meeting took place at the PCJCCI Secretariat that covered collaboration, forward-thinking dialogue and mutual interest in long-term strategic partnerships. Garad underlined the role Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education could play in the collaboration by offering its expertise in delivering quality education in Islamic economics, international relations and leadership studies. He also expressed interest in facilitating delegations, academic conferences and cultural exhibitions that could help strengthen the socio-economic fabric of partner nations. Speaking on the occasion, PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif stressed the importance of finding ways to formalise academic and cultural linkages among institutions in the three countries. They explored opportunities for joint academic programmes, research initiatives, faculty exchange, skill development workshops and innovation incubators, particularly in areas such as emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. PCJCCI Commercial Ambassador Imtiaz Mehmood shared insights and offered support for the trilateral initiative. He highlighted the importance of commercial diplomacy in accelerating international educational ties and emphasised the role of workforce up-skilling and public-private partnerships in achieving inclusive growth. PCJCCI Vice President Zafar Iqbal reaffirmed the chamber's commitment to becoming a strategic enabler in the visionary partnership. "We believe this initiative holds immense promise for building a future of shared knowledge, intercultural harmony and technological advancement. PCJCCI is ready to serve as a platform to convene academic leaders, policymakers and business communities to translate this vision into actionable milestones," he said.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pak-China women's initiative aims to bridge gaps
The Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has called for forging a transformative partnership to uplift women in both countries through the proposed Pak-China Women's Development and Employment Initiative. Speaking in Lahore, PCJCCI Vice President Zafar Iqbal emphasised the urgent need to create structured opportunities for women to thrive in technical, vocational and entrepreneurial fields under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The proposed employment initiative will not only address gender disparities but also harness the untapped potential of women for boosting economic growth and cross-cultural collaboration. "Women in Pakistan and China possess immense talent, but systemic barriers often limit their access to markets, education and resources," Iqbal remarked. By launching this initiative, "we aim to build bridges, literally and figuratively, between women of both nations. Chinese expertise in vocational training and Pakistan's rich cultural heritage in sectors like textiles and handicrafts can create a powerful synergy." As part of the initiative, the two sides plan to roll out free short-term courses in fields such as garment design, food processing, handicrafts, information technology and language training. These programmes will target young women, particularly in underdeveloped regions like Balochistan, where the Gwadar Free Zone is expected to become a hub of trade and industry. "Gwadar's development requires a skilled workforce and women must be part of this journey. Imagine a tech-savvy woman from Gwadar coding for international clients or an artisan from Hunza selling embroidered crafts to buyers in Shanghai; this is the future we envision." For many Pakistani women, the initiative sparks hope. Ayesha Khan, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from Lahore, who runs a small handmade jewellery business, shared her frustration because of the limited growth opportunities. "I learnt basic stitching from my mother, but scaling up was impossible without formal training or market access. I tried selling online, but competition is fierce and I lacked the technical know-how to reach international buyers," she said. Khan believes the proposed vocational courses and digital platforms connecting Pakistani and Chinese women could be a game changer. "If I can learn new design techniques from Chinese experts or use an online portal to sell directly to Chinese customers, it will transform my business," she added. Similar enthusiasm echoes among Chinese women entrepreneurs. Li Wei, a clothing designer from Hangzhou, currently on a visit to Pakistan, expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistani artisans. "Pakistani fabrics and embroidery are stunning; there's a growing demand here for unique, culturally rich products. But right now, it's hard to connect directly with artisans there. A joint platform could make this seamless," she said. Li also highlighted the potential for knowledge exchange. "Chinese women have benefited from tech-driven industries. We could share insights on e-commerce and automation while learning from Pakistan's traditional craftsmanship." The PCJCCI's plan is aimed at creating a sustainable ecosystem where skilled women can access markets, funding and mentorship. For instance, graduates of garment courses will receive support for launching small businesses or partnering with established factories. "This is not just about teaching a skill; it's about creating a pipeline from education to employment," Iqbal said. He cited China's success in empowering women through rural e-commerce programmes, where farmers, mostly women, sold produce online with government-backed training. However, despite the optimism, challenges remain. Societal norms in rural Pakistan often restrict women's mobility and access to education. PCJCCI acknowledges this and plans to collaborate with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community leaders to encourage family support. "We'll set up training centres in easily accessible locations and offer flexible timings," Iqbal said. Additionally, online courses will cater to women in conservative areas as they cannot attend in person. By 2026, the initiative aims to train 50,000 women across Pakistan and China, with the goal of boosting female participation in BRI projects by 30%. "This is not charity; it's smart economics. When women win, our nations win," Li added.
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Construction sector critical for growth
Listen to article LAHORE: The revival of the construction industry, often referred to as the backbone of Pakistan's economy, is essential for boosting employment, driving economic growth and attracting investment, stated Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) President Nazir Hussain. Speaking at a think tank session held at the PCJCCI Secretariat on Tuesday, Hussain said "this critical sector influences 72 interconnected industries, which play a central role in boosting economic expansion and providing employment opportunities." With the potential to unlock $100 billion in investment and create millions of jobs, the revival of the construction industry is termed vital for Pakistan's economic recovery. The PCJCCI president stressed that supportive government policies would help unlock full potential of the construction industry. In this regard, tax reduction, affordable mortgage schemes and streamlined regulatory processes are essential for creating an environment conducive to growth. By addressing sector-specific barriers, he mentioned, the government could pave the way for increased investment and industrial development. These measures, coupled with CPEC's infrastructure projects, will lay the groundwork for sustainable progress. PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brigadier (Retired) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh shared that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provided an unparalleled opportunity to rejuvenate the construction industry and boost the overall economy. As a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC has been a driving force behind infrastructure development in Pakistan. From roads and bridges to industrial zones and housing projects, the partnership between CPEC and the construction industry promises to accelerate growth, attract foreign direct investment and introduce advanced technologies, said Sheikh. "Additionally, CPEC's focus on enhancing regional connectivity will boost trade, creating a ripple effect across multiple sectors." PCJCCI VP Zafar Iqbal said that the construction sector's resurgence would have a far-reaching impact, which would invigorate industries such as cement, steel, ceramics, real estate and IT solutions.
