PM orders finalizing proposal on Karachi-Faisalabad motorway
ISLAMABAD, June 17 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday directed the Planning Division and Ministry of Communication to finalize a proposal on Karachi-Faisalabad Motorway project for the consideration of Chinese companies to build the highway on built-operate-transfer basis.The Prime Minister said during his meeting with a delegation of China’s Orient Group of Companies led by CEO Zhang Hong Wei at the PM House.Gilani said similar to Korakoram Highway, the proposed highway would be another symbol of Pak-China friendship.The Prime Minister instructed the Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue to sort out the impediment in ushering greater Chinese investment in the fields of petroleum and natural resources, infrastructure and energy.
The Prime Minister said the leadership of both countries were committed to promoting bilateral economic cooperation with their relations of a win-win nature.
He stressed the need for proper follow up of the decisions made during his meetings with the Chinese President, the Prime Minister and entrepreneurs.
 The Prime Minister said the success of Orient Group Inc. was recognized as a model of China’s reforms of non-state owned enterprises. He welcomed the purchase of assets of British Petroleum Pakistan by Orient for US $ 775 million.
Further investment by Orient group in Pakistan will be welcomed, he added. He said that we look forward to benefiting from the rich experience of Orient Group in financial services, banking & investment and food & agriculture sector.
 To sustain this growth, he called for further investment in infrastructure and energy and welcomed Chinese entrepreneurs and business in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also welcomed the Chinese interest in education and social sectors including nurses training programme.
The CEO of the Orient Group of Companies Inc. thanked the Prime Minister for extending meaningful cooperation and facilitating Chinese investment.
He said Chinese leadership and people were committed to support Pakistan through thick and thin. He said the objective of his visit was to further enhance investment in Pakistan.
He said that keeping in view the geopolitical location and big potential of the country, a number of Chinese companies looking forward to bring their investment in Pakistan. The CEO expressed his Company’s keen interest in the development of petroleum and other fields.
 The other members of Chinese delegation include Fu Christine Yuning, MD of United Energy Holdings Co. Ltd and Pang Pui Yin Thomas, CFO of United Energy.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain, Chairman FBR, Secretary Board of Investment and other senior officials also attended the meeting.