Pakistan has conferred prestigious civil awards on two Chinese ministers in recognition of China s outstanding contribution for the enhancement of economic and trade relations with Pakistan, said an official statement. The awards were presented by Pakistan s Ambassador to China Salman Bashir to China s Commerce (Hilal-e-Quaid-Azam), and Assistant Commerce Minister Chen Jian (Hilal-e-Quaid- Azam). The statement said the two Chinese ministers have taken keen interest in the promotion of trade and economic relations between Pakistan and China. They made outstanding contribution to the conclusion of Preferential Trade Arrangement, Early Harvest Programme and to the signing of ChinaPakistan Free Trade Agreement. Other services include establishment of Joint Five-year Pakistan-China Economic and Trade Development Plan as well as project cooperation in many fields. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce also played significant role in dispatching of relief goods for the quake-affected people in Pakistan in October 2005.
