ISLAMABAD, Dec 18: The volume of bilateral trade between China and Pakistan would increase to $15 billion by 2015, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan CEO Tariq Puri said here on Saturday.

“Trade between the two friendly countries would be enhanced up to $10 billion in next two years and $15 billion by 2015,” he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pakistan China Business Cooperation Summit here on Saturday.

He said that there was great scope for enhancing trade between the two countries, adding that the current business summit would definitely pave way for increasing it.

He said that about 150 counterpart companies of different sectors of the two countries have been engaged in consultations at the forum, exploring opportunities and possibilities for future investments and exports. He said that Pakistani export companies would be involved in marketing in various cities of China to enhance exports.

The summit has been organised by the Board of Investment in collaboration with FPCCI, TDAP and China Council for Promotion of International Trade.

Almost 260 Chinese delegates and 150 representatives of Pakistan from different investment sectors participated in the summit during which business-to-business meetings were also arrange.

The BoI expressed the hope that the summit would have long-term positive effect on the economies of both the countries and $25 billion investment would be attracted by the summit.

Meanwhile, the top leaders of business community and traders on Saturday widely hailing the billions of dollar Chinese investment in different sectors in Pakistan said it will help to strengthen the national economy.

Iftikhar Malik said that the FPCCI and all its affiliated chambers always hold the Chinese investors in high esteem and extend all possible assistance and cooperation. —APP