Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Islamabad on Wednesday proposed more efforts of both Pakistan and China in enhancing the bilateral all-dimensional ties, in fields of trade, investment, security, defense, culture, education and technology, officials said.

 

Aziz made the remarks while talking to visiting China's economic and trade delegation led by Assistant Minister of Commerce of China Wang Chao, officials from Chinese Embassy in Islamabad told Xinhua.

 

The Pakistani prime minister expressed satisfaction over the current bilateral trade development and called for more active role of Pakistani companies in promoting their products to Chinese market.

 

He said to import from China is beneficial for Pakistan's economic development, as Chinese goods are with good quality and sold at reasonable prices.

 

Aziz noted that the Pakistan-China free trade agreement taking effect from July 1, 2007 will help much in promoting bilateral trade, which stood at US$5,300 million in 2006.

 

Wang said Chinese side is willing to work together with Pakistani side in implementing the Sino-Pakistani economic and trade five-year development program signed in last November and bringing the mutually-beneficial cooperation to a higher level.

 

The Chinese delegation Wednesday embarked upon a two-day visit to Pakistan, during which a group of Chinese mega companies are going to sign contracts on importing over US$200 million s worth goods from Pakistan.

 

On Wednesday evening, Chinese and Pakistani officials concluded handing-over certificates regarding Chinese donation of US$400,000 for repatriation of Afghan refugees and US$200,000 for flood relief in Pakistan.

 

Officials also witnessed the conclusion of joint venture agreement between China Development Bank and Pakistan's Finance and Revenue Ministry.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2007)