ID :
10392
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 10:23
Auther :

China Pakistan's strategic partner, time-tested friend

Islamabad, June 20 PPI: China is Pakistan's ``strategic partner and time-tested friend,'' Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said.

The relations between two countries are based on mutual trust with unanimity of
views on important regional, international issues. The close ties are strongly
supplemented and supported by people of both countries, Gilani said in meeting with
visiting CETC International Company delegation led by its President Yan Lijin here
Thursday.

Pakistan and China are actively cooperating in political, diplomatic, social,
economic and defence fields. Pakistan accords highest priority to close relationship
with China and desires to further expand it in all sectors, he observed.

He noted China is emerging as significant exporter of capital and investing in many
countries. Pakistan is keen to offer its economic potential for investment in
infrastructure, energy, oil exploration, mining, agriculture and other important
sectors.

He lauded contribution made by CETC in various sectors of Pakistani economy and
stressed need to promote educational and cultural exchange programs for youth to
enhance people to people contacts and sharing best practices.

Prime Minister welcomed CETC's interest to invest in energy, power, mining, public
security, mechanized agriculture and setting up National Electronic Complex in
Pakistan.

He called for tapping economic potential to further enhance trade prospects. Free
Trade Agreement with China has strategic importance for Pakistan. FTA, having
economic, political significance, will open new avenues to enhance trade to further
strengthen bilateral ties.

Lijin offered full support for economic development of Pakistan, discussed future
cooperation, investment opportunities. CETC is keen to invest in energy sector, Thar
coal mining, setting up power plants, cooperation in public security, investment to
set up National Electronic Complex.

CETC largest state-owned enterprise, specializing in defense electronics, IT, public
security, space, transportation, energy, education established deep broad-based
collaboration with Pakistan. ``We are proud of making contribution towards
modernization and digitalization of Pakistan industries.''

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