China and Britain on Saturday expressed their support for Pakistan''s economic development as Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh discussed co-operation with leaders of the two countries here on the sidelines of IMF-World Bank meetings. Chinese Finance Minister Xuin Xie reaffirmed close China-Pakistan partnership for development and prosperity of Pakistan.
He assured Dr Shaikh of facilitating Pakistani exports to China through tariff reduction. The Chinese Finance Minister also pledged Chinese EXIM Bank''s co-operation in financing projects and asked Islamabad to provide a list of projects it is interested in seeking backing. The Pakistani and Chinese finance leaders expressed commitment to overall close bilateral relationship.
The finance minister also met with British Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell, who appreciated Islamabad''s efforts for peace and security in the region. Andrew Mitchell said Britain is committed to assisting Pakistan in it''s economic development and has pledged 2.16 billion dollars over four years, making it the largest recipient of economic support.
"Secretary Mitchell reiterated UK''s support for trade access to world markets and back the country at various international forums, saying Pakistan and UK are one family," Dr Shaikh said. Dr Shaikh appreciated UK''s help in dealing with flooding catastrophe last year. Mitchell said Britain is watching the flood situation this year to ascertain its response.
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