SMEDA organises International Conference on CPEC Opportunities for Local Businesses

Lahore, November 25, 2016 (PPI-OT): The business community of Pakistan, especially the traders and industrialists related with Port, Shipping and Logistics sectors, should start quick planning to reap maximum benefits from China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It was observed by the speakers at an International Conference arranged by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) on CPEC Opportunities for Local Businesses the other day at a local hotel.

Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Federal Minister for Port and Shipping was the chief guest of this conference. A large number of local and international delegates including but not limited to Mr. Yu Boren, Consul General / Chinese Embassy; Ambassador of Portugal; Mr. Babar Badat, Chairman TIR / SVP FIATA; Mr. Abdul Basit, President LCCI; Mr. Moin Malik, CEO Agility Logistics; Mr. Mehboob Ellahi, UNDP; Brig. Kausar Hussain Shah, Director Project – NLC; Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Convener NTTFC, Mr. Saiyad Shahzad Sultan, China Oversees Port Holding Company; Mr. Tariq M. Rangoonwala, Chairman PNC-ICC; Mr. Javed Mansoor, Former Executive Secretary – Ministry of Commerce; Mr. Muhammad Ilyas, Chairman PIFFA, Mr. Kamran Ali Chatha, Associate Dean Suleman Dawood School of Business – LUMS; and representatives from All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF); FWO, logistic and transport sector companies, various chambers of commerce and industry and trade associations participated in the event.

The conference provided a platform for development organizations, donors, experts, government departments and business community to interact and share their knowledge on how to reap maximum benefit from this multibillion-dollar undertaking. It also provided a valuable opportunity for developing networking with important national and international stakeholders.

Information on CPEC project and its associated opportunities to the business community such as CPEC infrastructure development and opportunity, Gwadar Port Terminal, industrial zones and logistic facilities, CPEC supply chain, operationalization of Gwadar Port; TIR – Implementation in Pakistan, Trucing Policy; CMR Conventions and regulatory framework for transport through CPEC routes; and CPEC and regional connectivity was shared with the participants.

Raja Hassnain Javed, Provincial Chief – SMEDA Punjab highlighted business opportunities for SMEs’ in CPEC. He also addressed participants’ concerns over “How CPEC is a Game Changer” as well as how business community can benefit from this multi-million dollar undertaking. Furthermore, he also explained SMEDA’s development assistance to SME for achieving maximum benefit from CPEC initiatives.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks from Provincial Chief – SMEDA Punjab to panellist and delegates.

For more information, contact:
DGM (Admin. and PR)
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA)
4th Floor, Building No. 3, Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex,
Egerton Road, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-111-111-456
Fax: +92-42-36304926-7
Email: aligohar@smeda.org.pk, helpdesk@smeda.org.pk
Website: www.smeda.org.pk