Pakistan for close economic integration with China: PM

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

* Gilani vows Pakistan will defend core Chinese interests

* Urges Chinese business community to focus Pakistan in its business plans

By Ishrat Saleem

BEIJING: Pakistan is determined to take all necessary measures for closer economic integration with China, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Thursday.

“The free trade agreement, the joint five-year economic programme, the joint investment companies and the ongoing cooperation in the financial and banking sectors, great interaction between our capital markets, robust defence and defence production cooperation are but a few example of the direction that our strategic cooperation partnership has taken,” Gilani said at a ceremony here to celebrate the 60 years of the establishment of Pakistan’s relations with China. He expressed deep admiration of China’s economic progress in a relatively short time.

The prime minister said in this context the two countries are giving special attention to enhancing connectivity and have already established a framework for cooperation in economy, trade, energy, minerals as well as defence and defence production. In this regard, the establishment of the trans-border economic zones, instituting integrated border management systems, and working together on the intra-regional and trans-regional economic and development agenda, corporate sector interaction in joint projects, opening of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) branches in Pakistan, finalisation of the currency swap arrangement, cooperation in earth, space and marine sciences and expanding educational contacts are some of the measures that Pakistan and China have agreed upon. The prime minister acknowledged the consistent support and cooperation China extended to Pakistan throughout the history of their relations as independent countries and assured China of Pakistan’s unstinted support. “Pakistan will always and under all circumstances support and defend the just cause and core interests of the Chinese nation.” While expressing gratitude of the Pakistani nation for China’s support, the prime minister said, “In these turbulent times, the only voice of reason in international affairs is that of China.” “We see in every change new opportunities which we are determined to avail not only promoting Pakistan’s national interests but also for advancing the cause of peace and prosperity in our common region.

Pakistan China friendship and strategic cooperation partnership is an indispensible and critical factor in ensuring regional and global peace and security,” he said. The occasion was also addressed by Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, who thanked Pakistan for its support in critical junctures of China’s history.

He said Pakistan provided an air corridor to China in 1950s and 1960s when it was facing an external blockade and more recently during the massive earthquake in Sichuan Province of China in 2008 when it provided all its reserve tents to the affected people. “The government and people of China feel the pain for Pakistani people when they are in temporary difficulties,” he said.

Jia Qinglin affirmed that “no matter how the international situation may change, the resolve and determination of the government and the people of China in developing its friendly relationship with Pakistan will never be swayed”. Following the address of both the leaders, Pakistani singer Jawad Ahmad and Chinese artists, including children, performed at this occasion.

Earlier, the prime minister had addressed China-Pakistan Entrepreneurs Forum here. The forum was co-hosted by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing. The prime minister urged the business community to focus Pakistan in their business plans. The prime minister also addressed the students of Peking University and had an interactive session with them. He emphasised on exchange of students and youth to promote stronger ties and people to people contacts between the two countries.