January 2, 2004

China Looking To Invest Heavily In Pakistani Fishery Projects

China is looking to make substantial investments in Pakistani fishery projects in Balochistan, Pasni and Gwadar.

This was stated by the chairman, Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), Lt Col (Retd) Syed Akbar Husain during a briefing given by him on a visit of federal minister for industries and Production Liaquat Ali Khan Jatoi to the EPZA.

He informed the minister that a delegation comprising Chinese consul general Li Jianzhi, vice consul Ms Jin Jun and vice consul economic and commercial office Mr Yong along with Mr Wang Cheng of Shanghai Fisheries General Corp recently visited Pasni and Gwadar to explore investment possibilities in the coastal areas of Balochistan.

The chairman, EPZA, also said that the Chinese delegation, besides other government agencies, also met the officials of fisheries department. He informed the minister that a Chinese company had indicated of making a sizeable investment in the field of fisheries and fisheries related industries in Pasni for which they would submit a detailed proposal to the government of Pakistan.

He said Saindak EPZ had taken off with speedy progress of making exports worth $7.5 million within a short period of three months, which reflects the export of consignment of 3000 tons of blister copper. Presently, some 994 locals and 262 Chinese are working on Saindak project.