Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has told China s Assistant Minister of Commerce and Trade Wang Chao that the strategic relationship between Pakistan and China is a source of strength for Pakistan and it is contributing towards regional peace and stability. The Chinese Minister is currently visiting Pakistan along with a 40-member delegation, representing 16 Chinese companies to look for opportunities to expand economic cooperation and investment in Pakistan. According to an official statement, Aziz said that Pakistan and China enjoy a broad-based relationship as the two countries are actively cooperating in political, diplomatic, social, economic and defence fields. Pakistan accords high priority to its close relations with China and is keen to expand these it in all sectors, he said. The prime minister said Pakistan considers China s economic growth and tremendous transformation as a great model of growth, peace and prosperity. It is a source of pride and strength for the developing world and especially Pakistan, he added. Talking of economic cooperation, Aziz said the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China has a strategic importance for Pakistan. The FTA, he said, has economic and political significance. It will open new avenues to enhance trade between Pakistan and China which will further strengthen the bilateral ties, he added. Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement has translated the historic relations between Pakistan and China into tangible economic cooperation to the advantage of Pakistan, the Prime Minister said. --more
