Round Table Conference on “Role of CPEC in Development of SEZs, SMEs and Human Resources”

A Round Table Conference (RTC) on “Role of CPEC in Development of SEZs, SMEs and Human Resources” organized by Trade & Industry Research Division of Centre of Excellence for CPEC, PIDE & M/o PDR in collaboration with Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The RTC aimed to share the latest update on CPEC development and discuss the ways and means to swiftly develop the SEZs, SMEs and Human Resources through CPEC.

The Chief Guest, Secretary Planning Commission Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui appreciated the efforts of the Centre in up-rising the vitality and vision of CPEC projects. He emphasized the significance and role of businesses and small enterprises and their potential to contribute in national income, trade, foreign reserve earning and improving standard of living. Mr. Siddiqui also guaranteed the support of Public Sector and line departments to facilitate investors and industrialists who intend to operate business in CPEC, SEZs. Mr. Karim Aziz Malik; Vice President: FPCCI, also talked on the occasion and proposed to integrate CPEC with CAREC to get the full benefits of the regional connectivity.

RTC participants shared their views on the significance of SEZ development under CPEC, Innovative Financing, SME clustering, Facilitation of BoI in SEZ development and investment. The official from SMEDA, highlighted the role of SMEDA in development of SMEs and how SMEs can integrate with CPEC. Participation from FPCCI & its association, M/o PDR, PIDE, CoE-CPEC, BoI, SMEDA and NAVTTC, participated and presented on relevant topics.

Deputy Director Chief, Air Vice Marshal Aamir Masood and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Islamabad, Mr. Zhao Lijian, enlightened the audience with their valuable remarks. Vice Chancellor PIDE, Dr. Asad Zaman highlighted the key components of economic development in the country. Dr. Shahid Rashid (Executive Director CoE-CPEC) shed light on the need of SEZs in economy like Pakistan and key points to make SEZs successful to bring the economy up to the highest level. Former Secretary BoI, Ms. Samaira Siddiqui also participated in the event. Ambassador Mr. Rehmatullah Javed discussed the important role of SMEs and contribution of CPEC. Mr. Hassan Daud, PD CPEC appraised the forum with the latest update of the project. Miss Farina Mazhar & Mr. Syed Hamid Ali, DG, from BoI, prosecuted the development of SEZs under CPEC.