AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, June 15, 2013 (PPI-OT): Capt. Fateh Sher Bhatti, Chief Executive Officer of Rayyan Air visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and informed that Rayyan Air is going to commence direct air flights between Islamabad and Kashgar city of China to facilitate the businessmen and people of two countries to exchange visits and explore new areas of mutual cooperation.
He said the first flight from Islamabad to Kashgar will go on 26th of June 2013. Initially the frequency of flights will be one flight in a week on every Wednesday and in due course of time, the flights would be increased to two flights per week.
Capt. F.S. Bhatti said that Kashgar Administration has assured support to Rayyan Air for launching the air service with additional concessions and streamlined procedures for this purpose. He was of the view that launching of direct flights between Islamabad and Kashgar would provide benefits to Pakistan and China.
He said Kashgar is emerging as one of the largest Special Economic Zones in the world and direct air service between Pakistan and Kashgar would open many new avenues of trade, exports, investment and joint ventures between the two countries. He thanked President ICCI for encouraging this initiative and affirmed to work with ICCI to facilitate Pakistani businessmen in increasing trade and commercial activities between Pakistan and China.
Speaking on the occasion, Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) greatly appreciated the initiative of Rayyan Air for starting air service between two important cities of Pakistan and China.
He said China is the best friend of Pakistan and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his very first address in the National Assembly had also touched upon the significance of Pak-China good relations and showed intention to link Gawadar with Kashgar through rail and road links.
The commencement of air service between Islamabad and Kashgar would prove another positive step towards further strengthening Pak-China cordial relations and regional connectivity.
He said currently air travel from Islamabad to Kashgar takes 24 hours while direct flights between these two cities would cut this time to just 50 minutes which would be a great facility for businessmen as they could now do breakfast in Islamabad, do lunch in Kashgar and then have dinner back in Islamabad the same day.
ICCI President said Pakistan should now focus on Asia for trade and exports as Asia is emerging as an important global power with around 70 percent world population in this part of the world. He said direct air link between Islamabad and Kashgar would prove very fruitful for both countries as China would get access through Pakistan to Middle East and African markets while Pakistani products would get access to huge Chinese and Central Asia markets. He stressed upon the Pakistani entrepreneurs to take advantage of this facility and explore new possibilities of promoting trade and Exports with China.
For more information, contact:
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Chamber House, Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road,
Mauve Area, G-8/1,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +9251 225 0526 and 225 3145
Fax: +9251 225 2950
Email: icci@brain.net.pk
Website: www.icci.com.pk