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)
