Shehbaz's New Trade Posts in China to Boost Exports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the establishment of 20 new trade and investment officer positions at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing and its consulates across China. This decision, made during the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting on November 2, aims to enhance Pakistan’s exports and address the growing trade deficit with China.

The initiative stems from observations made during the Prime Minister's recent Business Conference in Shenzhen, where it became clear that the existing workforce for trade promotion is insufficient. An official highlighted that without bolstering human resources, achieving robust trade relations with China would be challenging. The newly created posts will be staffed by locals who possess valuable insights into the Chinese business landscape.

While many officials and diplomats welcome this move as a positive step toward strengthening trade ties, some, like economist Dr. Kaiser Bengali, have voiced skepticism. Bengali criticized the decision as an unnecessary expansion of bureaucratic roles, arguing that reviving Pakistan's industrial sector should be the priority for boosting exports. However, proponents of the initiative argue that local staff with language skills and business knowledge will be crucial in fostering connections across China's diverse regions.