The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) has urged the government to expedite the process and working on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Special Economic Zones on Tuesday. The labour-intensive industry from China under CPEC shall be relocated in Pakistan to boost local employment. RCCI President Malik Shahid Salim in a statement also pointed out that the upcoming industrial framework agreement with China would help to move forward with relocation of Chinese industries and large scale investment in Pakistan, he added. However, he urged upon the Planning Ministry that industrial parks would be developed aligned with local available resources. The RCCI president said, “We recognise CPEC as a game changer and we urge the government to focus on the fourth part of CPEC plan, which is Industrial Zones Development.” He further said that CPEC is the flagship project of multi-billion dollar One Belt One Road and the success of this key mega project will bring the economic revolution in the country and the region. However, the agreements must be followed by the land of law and benefit of Pakistani trader, investors and industrialists must be kept on priority. Joint ventures between Chinese and Pakistani companies will increase ownership of key stakeholders, he added. The more we have local ownership in the projects the more it will be successful. Malik Shahid Salim also referred that RCCI recently signed a memorandum of understanding with China Road & Bridge Corporation for exploring investment opportunities existing in Rashakai Special Industrial Zones aiming in promoting Rashakai Special Economic Zones (SEZ) among its members, strengthening the information through exchange of delegations and using RCCI platform in expansion of business in Rashakai SEZ by holding joint exhibitions, seminars and symposiums. He said Pakistan’s economy offered great potential to Chinese investors for joint ventures and investments. He said CPEC would be mutually beneficial for Pakistan and China and would ensure level playing field for the businessmen and investors of both countries. SEZ will help Pakistan improve its Gross Domestic Product, poverty alleviation and unemployment, he added. RCCI chief urged both Pakistani and Chinese governments to work hard in completing all projects within stipulated time frame. Published in Daily Times, December 13th 2018.