Unilateral tariff concession on 268 items signed: Kaira

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Sunday said that China has assured complete support to Pakistan in all sectors, besides endorsing its efforts to maintain security, sovereignty, integrity and peace in the region.
Addressing a press conference to brief the media on completion of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit, he said the Plan 2012-16 would go a long way in strengthening the country's economy.
Kaira said that both the countries signed a unilateral tariff concession on 268 items which would strengthen the country's balance of payments and job creation and give impetus to the country's economic development.
He said China would give assistance of 14 billion dollars for completion of 36 projects identified by joint economic group in various sectors, including power and nuclear co-operation. He said that the world's biggest Chinese bank, ICBC would open two branches in Islamabad and Karachi to facilitate bilateral trade.
He said Wen Jiabao is the first ever Chinese Premier who addressed the joint session of the Parliament and his speech reflected aspirations of the entire Chinese nation.
He said the people's representatives have given very warm welcome to Chinese Premier, adding the Pakistani nation has great respect for Chinese people and leadership.
The Minister said the Chinese Premier in his speech wished for prosperity, stability and development of Pakistan. He said the Chinese Premier also announced development projects for Pakistan and co-operation in different sectors.
"The relationship between Pakistan and China is between the two nations and not confined to the governments only." Kaira said all the political parties have showed harmony and maturity on national issues.
He said Chinese Premier also invited Prime Minister Yusaf Raza Gilani to visit China, who has accepted the invitation. Similarly President Asif Ali Zardari invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Pakistan for which dates will be finalised soon.
"The visit of Chinese Premier will further strengthen strategic relations and give new height and direction to these relations," the minister said. Terming Chinese Premier's visit historic, the minister said now Pak-China relations and co-operation are being viewed in international perspective.
He said under the new energy co-operation mechanism, China would facilitate all segments of power sector including coal, hydel, nuclear and wind power generation.
He said the two countries also agreed to establish trans-border economic zones in the other country for investment promotion. The already signed business to business agreements signed are worth $10 billion. Answering another question, the minister said China would extend help for restoration of communication network damaged by the Attabad Lake. He said Chinese Premier was very keen in expanding communication network including rehabilitation of Karakoram Highway and Pak-China rail link.
Kaira said civil nuclear co-operation between the two countries complies with international laws including IAEA regulations as Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state. When asked to comment on meeting of MQM delegation with the Prime Minister Gilani, he said that the delegation discussed problems of the coalition government in Sindh.
"The Prime Minister assured the delegation that their reservations would be addressed at the government and party levels". He said participation of opposition leaders including Nawaz Sharif in the banquet and receptions for the Chinese Premier showed political maturity, which was encouraging for democratic process and its promotion.
"It reflects harmony and growing maturity and shows appreciation for our reconciliatory politics," Kaira said.
Replying to a question, he said the final report on assassination of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed would certainly be made public and shared with the media.