Pakistan Seeks to Strengthen Economic Ties with China

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan is looking to deepen its economic cooperation with China, with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani set to meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and President Hu Jintao during his upcoming visit to China. Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khan announced the schedule for Gillani's trip, which includes a visit to the launch ceremony of the China-Pakistan Entrepreneur Forum in Beijing. Khan emphasized the significant potential for growth in bilateral trade, which reached $8.7 billion last year, and expressed optimism that the entrepreneurs forum will help take their cooperation to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani will meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and President Hu Jintao during his visit to China, marking a significant opportunity for strengthening bilateral ties.
  • The China-Pakistan Entrepreneur Forum, scheduled to be launched in Beijing, is the first of its kind and aims to facilitate cooperation between entrepreneurs from both countries.
  • Pakistan-China bilateral trade reached $8.7 billion in the past year, with Ambassador Masood Khan stating that there is much more potential for growth.
  • The entrepreneurs forum is expected to play a crucial role in taking their economic cooperation to the next level, as per Ambassador Khan's comments.
  • Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Masood Khan, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for supporting Pakistan in devising anti-terrorism strategies, acknowledging the role of the Pakistani government and people in addressing the issue.
  • Pakistan's Taliban launched a series of attacks in retaliation for the death of Osama bin Laden, underscoring the country's ongoing challenges with terrorism.

Statistics:

  • Bilateral trade between Pakistan and China reached $8.7 billion in the past year.
  • The China-Pakistan Entrepreneur Forum is the first of its kind, marking a new initiative in bilateral economic cooperation.
  • Pakistan's Prime Minister designate, Yousaf Raza Gillani, plans to meet with the Chinese leadership during his visit, highlighting the significance of the trip.
  • China has provided support to Pakistan in devising anti-terrorism strategies, emphasizing its commitment to regional stability.

Sources:

(XIC)