Vice President/Regional Chairman, Association Of All Chinese Enterprises In Pakistan (ACEP)

Evolve: Please throw some light on the importance and role of this esteemed platform. How different it is from other business associations already working to promote Pak China relations? 

Wang Zihai: The history of Pakistan China relations is very old. We in Pakistan feel proud of aligning ourselves with the new Chinese vision for regional connectivity and shared economic prosperity purported to be realized through revival of the old silk route and the building of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These are epoch making initiatives dictated by the phenomenal economic progress of China and changing regional and global realities fraught with throwing open infinite opportunities to exploit the hitherto untapped resources for shared economic gains. As far as Association of All Chinese Enterprises in Pakistan (ACEP) is concerned, this is a non-profit organization; we are specialized to facilitate business, investment and mutual understanding between China and Pakistan, to build an innovative and effective partnership between two brother countries on sustainable development.

Evolve: How do you facilitate businessmen from both sides? Do you have special mandate from your government or this is an independent move? 

Wang Zihai: Through ACEP we have close relationship with businessmen, academics, diplomats, the media and policy-makers on core issues and promote the exchange of best practice between China and Pakistan. We also share deep interest in doing business between China and Pakistan. Most of our members have long association with Pakistan. So, we arrange different activities for networking and business development opportunities to help and promote our members' business interests and develop their contacts. 

Evolve: What initiatives are required to be taken to connect Pakistan and China business community? How Free Trade Agreement (FTA) can make this move more effective? 

Wang Zihai: Awareness is the most important initiative that is required to be taken right at the moment. Business community of Pakistan must be aware of the fact that this is the right time to shake hands with Chinese companies as China is bringing huge investments in Pakistan. Pakistani businessmen must also understand the importance of Free Trade. It will give them access to an economy of worth $10 trillion. Free trade is a source of economic growth. FTA will play positive role to promote the business transaction between Pakistan and China. Now the problem is that not many Pakistani companies realize the role and importance of FTA facility properly. We propose that Government and associations must provide training to SMEs and also suggest getting advices from the industries concerns for new idea of FTA. 

Evolve: Is your association working on Joint Ventures between Pak China companies? Will it be between giants or SMEs will also be benefited? 

Wang Zihai: Yes. We are working on JVs between Pakistani and Chinese companies. There is a uniqueness and beauty of Chinese economy that you will find every flavor, Giants and SMEs both. Now again this is up to Pakistani businessmen that how they get it cashed in form of partnership. We have already successful JV models, i.e. Haier, QINGQI in Pakistan. More JVs will come into practice in near future. Our association is pleased to be as platform to work on JVs between Pakistan and China. 

Evolve: From Chinese perspective, is China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is mere a road or it has some broader perspective? 

Wang Zihai: No absolutely not. China–Pakistan Economic Corridor is a mega development project that aims to connect Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan to China’s northwestern autonomous region of Xinjiang, via a network of highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas. The economic corridor is considered central to China–Pakistan relations and will run about 3,000 km from Gwadar to Kashgar. Overall construction costs are estimated at $46 billion, with the entire project expected to be completed in several years. The Corridor is an extension of China’s proposed 21st century Silk Road initiative. This is the biggest overseas investment by China announced yet and the corridor is expected to be operational within three years and will be a strategic game changer in the region, which would go a long way in making Pakistan a richer and stronger entity than ever before. There are 3 main parts under the framework. Power projects, infrastructure projects and economic zones. The corridor will not only enhance connectivity and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan, but also connect the two departed worlds China and Europe.

Evolve: How China can support Pakistan to pull him out of energy crisis? 

Wang Zihai: That is very important question and directly relates with the economic growth of Pakistan. No doubt that Pakistan is suffering from energy crisis and this is also affecting even the living standards of people at grassroots level. So, there are many power projects under the CPEC, ie Nuclear, Hydro, Thermal, Wind, and Solar. Out of $46 billion, almost $28 billion are for power projects. Solar power plant in Punjab, wind, coal and nuclear power plants in Sindh, Hydel power plants in KPK and Azad Kashmir will be built under CPEC only. So I hope that by completion of these projects Pakistan will overcome her power crisis.

Evolve: Is your association taking any initiative to enhance productivity of local workforce so may work effectively with Chinese engineers and companies? 

Wang Zihai: This is the fact that the productivity of local workforce of Pakistan is much lower than required standard in some industries. The situation will be improved after proper training. Now we have members who are focusing on training to the local workforce with Chinese standards and working method. I am sure that soon we shall achieve our targets.

Evolve: How do you evaluate Pakistan, its people and their potential? 

Wang Zihai: Since ten years, I am in Pakistan. I found that the Pakistanis are really very hardworking, sincere with jobs and always willing to perform well. The only issue is to provide them the proper training and to channelize their potential. 

Evolve: How do you perceive and foresee the economic growth of Pakistan with special perspective of China’s cooperation and support? 

Wang Zihai: I am quite optimistic about Pakistan. In form of CPEC, we have got golden chance. CPEC is the important part and flagship of China “one belt and one road” strategy. It will make Pakistan the regional hub in South Asian countries and also connect China and Europe. 

Evolve: What motivates you? 

Wang Zihai: I love this country and I love the people of Pakistan. I feel proud to do something which will benefit the two countries and promote the business of two countries. I am happy to see the projects and JVs which have been introduced by me are running well. I wish I can perform better. 

Evolve: Any message for the readers of EVOLVE? 

Wang Zihai: EVOLVE is a magazine which focuses on economic growth and relations of Pakistan with other countries. So my message to the readers is to be with EVOLVE and be with Pakistan always.