Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Masood Khan said that President Zardari's visit will further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relationship between the two countries.
He said that President Zardari's visit to China would be of great significance as it would help improve trade volume besides opening new areas for business activities between the two sides.
Replying to a question, he said that Pakistan had great strategic and political relationship with China.
He said that there is a need to focus on increasing economic and trade relations with the people of China particularly in the areas of Xinjiang.
The Ambassador said that China wanted to increase the trade, agriculture, and science and technology activities in the areas of Xinjiang.
He said that Pakistan wanted to increase trade volume from $8.7 billion to over $15 billion.
He said that to achieve this target, there is a need to improve road, rail and air links on war footings. Pakistan wanted to bring investment from China, he added.
Masood Khan said that China had opened its two branches of ICBC in Karachi and Islamabad and added that China is investing in various projects in Pakistan.
He said that China had expertise in energy sector and that experience must be utilized by Pakistan to overcome the energy problem.
The Ambassador said that there is need to promote and support private sector of Pakistan.
He was of the view that Pakistani traders should go to Xinjiang for exporting and introducing the products in China.
Masood Khan said that expansion of Karakuram Highway (KKH) and revival of old Silk Route would help to increase the trade activities between the two sides.
To a question, the Ambassador said that peace in the region grantees development in the region.
He was of the view that more employment opportunities must be created for the youth of Pakistan so that healthy and peaceful environment could be flourished in a befitting manner.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011