Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Mahmood, Vice Consul at the Consulate General of Pakistan Shanghai, sat down with 2point6billion.com, to discuss China-Pakistan relations – their impact on the rest of Asia and in a changing socio-political environment the road ahead. Mr Mahmood a student of ACCA, also holds two masters degrees in History and Economics. He studied Mandarin in Beijing since the past two years and has written several research papers some of which cover the historical understandings of Mahayana Buddhism, Evolutionary Changes in Chinese Society, the Secrets of Prophet hood etc.

2point6billion.com: How are the improved relations between Pakistan and China changing / impacting the Asian region?
Mahmood: Pakistan and China relations are all weather and this relation is based upon norms of international law and respect for sovereignty of the states. Pakistan is going to be the corridor of trade and energy from China to Central Asia. In the future the geo-strategic position of Pakistan will play a pivotal role in increased linkages and trade between different regions of Asia.

2point6billion.com: What are the differences in doing business in Pakistan and China?
Mahmood:In Pakistan there are fewer rules and regulations however, our judicial mechanisms are more elaborate than in China. Business in Pakistan is concentrated in certain fields whereas in China diversity is their competitive edge.

2point6billion.com: Given Pakistan’s current economic and political instability, how do you see Pakistan adding to Asia’s economic strength in the future?
Mahmood: There are troubled phases in the history of many nations , but these are short term. The long term prospects are brighter. The 170 million people of Asia have a bright future in terms of market development and evolution.

2point6billion.com: Do you see the Chinese economy cooling down? If so do you see growth/ expansion in other key Asian markets?
Mahmood: The Chinese economy is driven by exports and the global slowdown will affect it in its exports. South Asia and South Asian markets will also be affected by this due to increased reliance on exports , domestic demand will not be as healthy also.

2point6billion.com: Do you see a shared common future for Asia, where all the countries work together for a common goal, similar to the European Union?
Mahmood: Yes, it is a dream, but a lot of work needs to be done in this direction.