China wants to cooperate in hydro electricity projects.

ISLAMABAD, 07 May , 2009 (Balochistan Times) -- China was interested in enhancing cooperation in hydro electricity projects, agriculture sector and other areas with Pakistan and wanted an economically strong and prosperous Pakistan for further expanding economic relations. These views were expressed by the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Lou Zhaohui, while addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry here Thursday. He said that China also highly appreciated Pakistans unconditional support to it on all important matters adding that Pak-China had unique friendly and time-tested relations which were further strengthening with the passage of time. Establishing a long term strategic relationship with Pakistan was on top priorities of China, he added. He said China shared 600 kilometre common border with Pakistan due to which two countries had many similarities in their civilizations and cultures which brought us further closer. Pakistan was the 1st country in South Asia that signed FTA with China to further deepen bilateral trade and economic relations, he added. The Ambassador said that over 60 Chinese companies were in Pakistan, 122 Chinese projects were going on over here while about 10,000 Chinese engineers were working here which showed Chinas commitment to make Pakistans economy stronger. He said during three trips of President Asif Ali Zardari to China, lot of agreements and MoUs were signed to take our bilateral relations to further heights. He invited Pakistani businessmen to increasingly participate in Kashgar and other trade fairs held in China from time to time for exploring new opportunities of enhancing bilateral trade and investment. President ICCI, Mian Shaukat Masud said China was Pakistans strategic partner and our relations were based on mutual trust and unanimity of views on important regional and international issues. He said the annual trade between the two countries surpassed 7 billion dollars during 2008 and Pakistan wanted to take this figure up to $15 billion dollars by 2011. However, the balance of trade between the two countries was heavily tilted in favour of China, which required to be turned into a win-win situation for both the countries. He suggested for issuance of long term business visas to regular Pakistani businessmen with China.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)