ISLAMABAD, January 10, 2020: Ambassador of Peoples Republic of China, Mr. Yao Jing called on the Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Asad Umar here today  on Friday. Matters relating to CPEC and economic cooperation between the two countries in general, came under discussion.  
The Minister expressed his satisfaction at the progress of various projects under CPCE and said that the pace of implementation would be further accelerated in the weeks and months to come. He said that the establishment and operationalization the Special Economic Zones is currently the top priority. The SEZ would enable setting up of joint ventures in manufacturing which would integrate the enterprises from both sides.
Mr. Asad Umar emphasized that it was important for Pakistani manufacturing industries to become part of the global value chain by partnering with the Chinese companies. The Ambassador assured the Minister that the Chinese side is keen to promote such relationships between businesses and manufacturing industries. 
Collaboration in the agriculture sector was also discussed. Minister said that massive potential exists in agriculture sector by modernizing and upgrading its various subsectors. He underlined the need to expand collaboration in agriculture sector, which is extremely important for the Pakistani economy. 
Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing expressed the hope that bilateral partnership between the two countries will be taken to new heights in future. The Ambassador appreciated Government of Pakistan’s efforts to fast track the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.