Chinese Premier vows to reinforce Sino-Pakistan friendship

Pakistan Times Foreign Desk

BEIJING (China): Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Sunday that he was looking forward to holdIng extensive talks with the Pakistani leadership in Islamabad, bringing their friendship and cooperation to a new height.

In an exclusive interview with Beijing-based correspondent of Associated Press of Pakistan Javed Akhtar on eve of his three-day official visit to Pakistan, beginning Tuesday, he vowed to reinforce the Sino-Pak friendship, which he said withstood test of times and international vicissitudes.

During the interview that covers wide-ranging topics of bilateral interest, the Chinese Premier said his government wishes to take some new practical measures to expand and upgrade their existing partnership, that he said, is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and two people as well as peace and development in the region.

While underlining the importance of Gwadar port in their economic interactions, Wen Jiabao hoped their all-weather and all-dimensional cooperation will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for their people.

At the outset of his first-ever interview to any Pakistani correspondent, Wen Jiabao said, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I wish to extend, my cordial greetings and best wishes to the Pakistani Government and the people.

Decades-old affiliation

He spoke highly of the depth and warmness in their decades old Sino-Pak affiliation being traditional allies, stating, " Our two countries have forged an all-weather and all-dimensional partnership. China and Pakistan are indeed good friends, good neighbours and good partners."

Wen Jiabao wished that China-Pakistan relations in the new era should move ahead with friendship and cooperation complementing and reinforcing each other. " Greater emphasis should be put on closer trade and economic ties while deepening
mutually-beneficial cooperation across-the-board, " he added.

Significance of economic partnership

Underlining the importance of economic partnership, he noted both China and Pakistan have achieved rapid economic growth, which gives them an opportunity to deepen their bilateral trade and mutually-beneficial economic cooperation.

The Chinese Government values economic collaboration with Pakistan and stands ready to work together to upgrade the existing cooperation, he added.

Premier Wen Jiabao observed that their two-way trade has grown quite fast. In 2004, it stood at US$3.06 billion, up by 26% over the previous year, and retained a sound momentum of growth, hoping the two sides will adopt more effective measures to expand the bilateral trade, bringing the economic cooperation to a higher level.

Gwadar Port

He assured that the Chinese Government will continue to encourage and support the mutually-complementary cooperation by the private sectors of the two countries with a view to achieving a 'win-win' result and promoting sustained and long-term expansion of China-Pakistan economic ties.

About the future economic prospects, Wen Jiabao said, the Gwadar port is an important project between the two countries.

"We are happy to see the smooth completion of phase-I of the project, thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides. I believe that the Gwadar Port will play a key role in promoting social and economic progress in the region and provide new opportunities for China-Pakistan trade and economic cooperation, he added.

Peace in Asia

When asked as how does China perceive its role in terms of peace and development in Asia, particularly in South Asia and the world at large, Premier Wen Jiabao said China committed to a path of peaceful development, developing itself by maintaining world peace and promoting a peaceful and prosperous world through its own development.

China will pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and work hard to safeguard world peace and achieve common development, he added. To develop itself, China needs an international environment of long-term stability, a stable surrounding environment first and foremost, he said.

Asia enjoys a sound regional cooperation, with countries sharing more common interests in their interactions. Following the policy of "developing good-neighbourly relationship and partnership", China stands ready to strengthen its solidarity and friendship with other Asian countries, deepen their mutually-beneficial cooperation and work together to promote peace and development in Asia and the world at large, he added.

Given its huge population, vast landmass, rich resources and enormous development potential, South Asia is an important part of Asia and an important part of the world, he said, adding China and the South Asian countries are close neighbours.

Of identical aspiration

He went on to add, "We are all developing countries, sharing the same aspiration for peace, stability and development. It is the firm policy of the Chinese Government to strengthen good-neighbourliness, friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation with the South Asian countries. China sincerely hopes that the
South Asian countries will treat one another as equals, live in harmony and settle their differences and disputes peacefully."

China, he asserted wish South Asia long-term stability, economic development and constantly improved livelihood. China will, as always, support the efforts that are conducive to peace, stability and development in the region.

Solution of global Disputes

Replying to another question about the importance of resolving outstanding disputes to ensuring peace and stability in the world, Wen Jiabao viewed that the international situation is undergoing complex and profound changes. Yet peace and development remain the dominating themes of our times.

World multipolarisation and economic globalisation are progressing amid twists and turns. Seeking peace and development and promoting cooperation and progress has become an irresistible trend of history, he said adding, " The development of the countries are faced with tough challenges as unilateralism has made fresh inroad, local conflicts keep cropping up and traditional security issues are intertwined with non-traditional ones."

His country stands for dialogue and cooperation as a way to address these and other problems in the world, the Premier said emphasising, " We must seek and expand the converging interests and narrow outstanding differences in the quest for mutual benefits and win-win results".

As to current disputes, we stand for their settlement through friendly and equal-footed consultations bearing in mind the overall and long-term interests so that they would not stand in the way of peace and stability in the region and around the world, he added.

Pakistan-China Ties

In pushing forward its relations with Pakistan, Wen Jiabao said the Chinese Government will, acting in accordance with the guiding principles and directions set forth in the China-Pakistan Joint Declaration, signed by President Pervez Musharaf and President Hu Jintao in 2003.

Answering another question about the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries, the Chinese Premier said China and Pakistan are fairly complementary in industrial structure and trade mix, which provides favorable conditions for a bilateral FTA, something the Chinese side would like to seriously
discuss with the Pakistani side.

Investments

About the prospects of enhancing Chinese investment in Pakistan, he said mutual investment is an important component of China-Pakistan economic cooperation, which deserves a further boost.

"We are glad to see that the Haier Group, China's largest home appliances producer, has built an industrial park in Pakistan, setting a successful example for other Chinese enterprises," he added.●

http://www.pakistantimes.net/2005/04/03/top4.htm
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Chinese learning centre to be set up in Islamabad



Source ::: Internews

ISLAMABAD: A Chinese Learning Centre is to be set up in Islamabad with a $400,000 donation from the Chinese Guangcai Programme, officials have said.

This was disclosed by Minister for State Dr Nasim Ashraf, who is also the chairman National Commission for Human Development, at a dinner hosted in honour of the Chinese delegation.

The Chinese ambassador in Pakistan, United Nations Development Programme Representative Onder Yucer and other government dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Attaching great importance to the visit in promotion of business and trade relationships between the two countries, he said that both China and Pakistan ascribe great importance to human development and this current collaboration between the two countries in this regard would pave the way in promoting greater human resources of both countries for greater success in achieving Millennium Development Goals’ target.

He said that the aim of the Chinese teams visit is to study NCHD interventions in Pakistan in the field of education and health.

The leader of the Chinese delegation Hu Deping said that China recognises the successful NCHD experiments in human development and through this new collaboration, China wants to open new chapters in the existing good relations between the two countries.

Appreciating President General Pervez Musharraf’s theory of enlightened moderation, he said that after 9/11 Pakistan has earned great respect and recognition of the world, which has put it on the path of economic and social progress.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Dis...0504034440.xml
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Chinese premier expected to sign 10 accords during visit

Source ::: Internews

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is expected to sign 10 agreements with Pakistan relating to cooperation in the fields of defence, tourism, trade, road and air links when he visits Islamabad early next week, insiders said yesterday.

A senior government official said that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz approved a draft agreement on Early Harvest Programme, which is to be signed by Jiabao.

The objective is that instead of involving 500 items under the free trade agreement in one go, exchange of free trade should start in the phases of 30-40 items and then convert into formal FTA.

“The dynamics of Pakistan-China relations would now change from that of an emotional and usual relationship in defence and political fields to that of an economic and commercial one,” the official said.

He said it was very significant development that the Chinese Premier was coming straight to Pakistan on his first ever trip to the South Asia and from here he would go to other countries of the region.

The official confirmed that the Chinese premier would not inaugurate the Gwadar Port because the project would take at least four more months to complete and not because of security reasons as speculated in the media.

He said the two sides would also sign an agreement to expand road links with the Western world through Karakoram Highway, enhance the frequency of flights to facilitate the influx of Chinese contractors, investors and traders.

The two sides would also sign agreements on investment in the industrial sector. Under the agreement, Pakistan has provided special parks to the Chinese investors for textile, engineering, automotive and electronic appliances in various parts of the country.

The agreements would also include cultural cooperation, besides exchange of students and experts. Another agreement relates to agriculture sector under which Pakistan would benefit from China’s best practices in this field to exploit export potential.

Under an agreement in the field of tourism, Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage would be developed by the China. The two sides would also sign a formal agreement on Chashma Nuclear Power Plant’s second phase.

The two sides have also agreed to set up a Pakistan-China Joint Investment Company but details of this agreement are yet to be finalised.

He said the positive aspect of the Pakistan-China relations was that Chinese entrepreneurs were now looking at Pakistan as a new investment destinations and a lot of Chinese companies were competing each other in various contracts.

The official said the two sides would also sign some very important agreements in the field of defence but details of these agreements would be announced later. China Development Bank would also come into Pakistan in big way.

Talking about the dispute between Wapda and Chinese contractors on Rs13bn Gomal Zam Dam, the official said the Chinese contractors were eager to resume work but they wanted to increase the contract price, which would be a totally commercial transaction.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Dis...0504034456.xml


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China praises Pakistan's economic progress

BEIJING (April 03 2005): China appreciates Pakistan's economic progress in the recent years and it's increasing role in the international affairs for peace and development, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei. Highlighting the prospects of future Pak-China economic co-operation, at a news briefing held here on Friday at the Foreign Ministry prior to Premier Wen Jiabao' s forthcoming visit to Pakistan and other three South Asian Countries, he said Pakistan's economy has made a big progress, and the two countries have been conducting good co-operation in the economic field in the recent years.

"We are expecting to sign some new Agreements during the Premier's three-days visit to Pakistan, beginning on April 5, to further expand their mutually beneficial co-operation," he added.

Stating that the two countries are enjoying excellent co-operation in all areas of bilateral interest, Wu Dawei said they were conducting effective co-operation in the field of counter-terrorism as well. Both the countries, he added were closely co-operating with each other to promote peace and security in the region. "We are satisfied with this co-operation," he remarked.

Meanwhile, official sources told APP the 12th Pak-China Joint Economic Commission (JEC) will meet in Islamabad on Tuesday to adopt a package of proposals for enhancing trade and investment activities between the two countries. It will also give a final shape to the agreements to be signed between the two countries during upcoming visit of Premier Wen Jiabao. Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai will lead his delegation at the meeting.

According to the sources, the JEC will review the entire spectrum of bilateral co-operation in the economic sector. Pakistan-China Business Forum is also scheduled to meet in Islamabad the same time to discuss proposals for promoting comprehensive economic partnership in various areas of mutual interest.

The meeting is likely to be addressed by Chinese Premier and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. This will be a big event, being organised on the occasion of the Premiers visits, the sources said.

A 50-member delegation representing prominent Chinese companies will attend the forum. An official of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) will present certain proposals at the forum to deepen their economic co-operation.

"We are looking forward to develop strong interaction with our Pakistani counterparts to work together for socio-economic uplift of their people," said a senior official of the CCPIT. The official hoped the visit of Chinese Premier would lay down strong foundation for stepping up trade and investment activities between the two countries.

An official of the Pakistan embassy said Pak-China business forum would open new avenues of bilateral co-operation. Many Chinese companies were interested to enhance their investment in Pakistan, especially in the sectors like leather, automobile, hydropower, chemicals, minerals and textiles.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005
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Jiabao's visit to further deepen bilateral ties: Shaukat

ISLAMABAD (April 03 2005): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the coming visit of Chinese Prime Minister would further deepen the excellent bilateral ties in political, diplomatic and economic fields, as the two countries are expected to conclude an 'Early Harvest Programme' towards finally signing a free trade agreement (FTA). Among the several accords to be signed during the visit would be protocols to allow exports of fruits, vegetables, and rice as, he said, China is a big market and Pakistan wants to be a part of it.

Talking to Chinese media persons ahead of the three-day visit of Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, starting from April 5, he described as "very important" the fact that Pakistan would be his first destination of the Asian tour which would also take him to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. "We are very pleased that Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is starting his trip to South Asia from Pakistan," Shaukat said.

The Chinese Premier will also deliver keynote address at the opening session of 'Fourth Asian Co-operative Dialogue' (ACD) ministerial meeting on April 6. Prime Minister Aziz indicated to finalise an 'early harvest programme' with China as part of the free trade negotiations which he held during his visit to China in December last year.

"We are going for the Early Harvest Programme. We have identified the products and will finalise it, which will allow special tariff arrangements for certain goods," he said. These goods have already been agreed to under the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

The Early Harvest Programme would serve as the foundation-stone in finally signing the FTA which would boost the existing trade of around 2.5 billion dollars a year between the two countries. "We also feel that this visit is a follow-up of my visit to Beijing a few months ago and will be part of the ongoing process for Pakistan and China to increase their co-operation even more," the Prime Minister said.

The two sides will also discuss the regional issues and situation in Asia and the world and the issue of United Nations reforms, he added.

"China and Pakistan consult each other regularly on major diplomatic issues and this is a very good mechanism we have developed to share ideas and our views, and come up with positions on various issues," he said. Shaukat said the two countries have enjoyed time-tested deep friendship, which has developed over decades of close contacts with each other. "The basis of our relationship is shared values. We share position on major issues, facing the world."

He said: "We are looking at it as process of cementing and deepening the already strong relations between the two countries and strategically we share lots of views; so it is the bonding of the new leadership." The Prime Minister recalled his visit to Beijing during which he held talks with President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and the entire Chinese leadership on a broad spectrum of Pak-China relations.

"We also believe that the long-term vision of Pakistan-China relations is one of working to ensure peace in the world and helping each other politically, diplomatically, economically and growing the cultural ties and people to people contacts." He said that the two countries are also co-operating in the defence areas, and referred to the joint production of defence equipment and the JF-17 'Thunder' aircraft which is likely to be commissioned into Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in 2006.

In the field of power generation, he said, Pakistan hopes to finalise the Chashma II nuclear power station with the help of Chinese government. The Prime Minister identified chemical, engineering, construction, and infrastructure-roads, ports, bridges-as some of the potential areas where the Chinese entrepreneurs could invest and benefit from the country's conducive investment-friendly climate.

"Other new areas are agriculture and agro-based industry and corporate farming as China has good technology in agri-based industry and fisheries and dairy products," he said, and added that there is a big potential in broad based areas.

The Prime Minister said that today the largest number of contracts, awarded to any country, is to Chinese contractors. There are over 600 foreign companies operating in Pakistan, of which about 60 are Chinese, mostly operating in public utilities and infrastructure sectors, such as mining, telecommunication and energy.

Prime Minister Aziz said 'Qingqi' motorcycle, being manufactured in Pakistan, is very popular in rural areas, replacing the horse-drawn carriages. Pakistan is also getting many parts of automobiles from China which is a big supplier of machinery to the country, he added.

"The people of Pakistan want to deal with Chinese companies. They think China as one of the best and closest friends," he said, and added that Pakistan "is proud of its friendship" with China. He also underlined the important role the Karakoram Highway could play in promoting trade co-operation. "We want to offer it as a corridor to China to access the warm waters of Arabian Sea. We have seen recently that with the economic activities and increased demand, more and more Chinese goods are coming through land route, via KKH." He described it as a "superb development," as it justifies the whole basis of the KKH, also known as 'Silk Route'.

"The Karakoram Highway is a land bridge between the two countries and it is the bridge for peace, prosperity and we are offering this land bridge all the way to Karachi."


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Chinese Prime Minister's visit would further strengthen relations

ISLAMABAD, Apr 4 (APP) Senior Minister of Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal said on Monday the forthcoming visit by the Prime Minister of China to Pakistan would further strengthen relations between the two countries in various sectors of development.

The defence minister said in a statement issued here, the friendship between Pakistan and Peoples Republic of China had been an illustrious example for other countries to follow.

He said, "you name any field of development, you will find China there in the forefront rendering full help and extending complete cooperation to Pakistan."

The defence minister said this friendship had been varied and unlimited.

He said,"be it economic, defence social or any sector, cooperation of China has always been instant and forthcoming".

He said Pakistan had always acknowledged it gratefully and openly. It has felt greatly honoured and taken immense pride in this friendship.

He said this friendship had always been based on sincerity, goodwill and the spirit of brotherhood".

He said the two countries had never let anything to stand in their way of friendship. Time and again, they had proved this was a real and solid friendship.

He said even the mountains of Karakoram having the highest peaks in the world could not obstruct the path of friendship. They were very small when compared with the efforts of the two countries to come closer to each other.

He said the world's second highest peak K 2 covered with thick snow appeared so small and just melted away in the warmth of feelings between the two countries.

He said, "the Karakoram Highways built with the help of China crosses twisting mountains, penetrates thick forests and passes over deep roaring rivers to testify our ever lasting friendship."

Rao Sikandar said China had won praise for many reasons from its friends.

He said the Chinese never tried to impose hegemony on their friends. They always treat their friends as equal and with respect.

Rao Sikandar said people of China had always wanted others to benefit from their friendship. They had really cared for their friends.

He said the Chinese had always opened their hearts to them.

The defence minister said the warm and open hearts of people of China had lured others to them.

He said China had extended most valueable help in meeting defence needs of Pakistan.

He said China assisted in building aircraft, tanks, frigates and various types of equipment to meet the defence needs of Pakistan. It built hydel projects to enbale Pakistan make rapid progress in the sector of energy.

He said, "the true friend that China is, we take immense pleasure to welcome our honoured guest, the Prime Minister of China to Pakistan."


http://www.app.com.pk/n08.htm



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Chinese Premier to start important visit to Pakistan on Tuesday


ISLAMABAD, Apr 4 (APP): Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will arrive here on Tuesday on a three day visit to Pakistan to further promote friendly, time tested and all weather relations between the two countries.

A number of bilateral agreements and MOUs relating to various fields including education, political, economic, defence, trade and agriculture will be signed during this visit, said Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani in the weekly briefing.

He said Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of People's Republic of China, will pay a three day official visit to Pakistan from April 5, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

The Chinese Premier will be accompanied by a 70 member strong delegation which includes Ministers, high ranking dignitaries, senior officials and businessmen.

The spokesman said the Chinese Premier is starting his 4 nation tour from Pakistan which underscores the importance China attaches to Pakistan.

During his visit to Pakistan, the Chinese Premier will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who will host a banquet in his honour.

The Chinese Premier will also call on President Pervez Musharraf who will host a luncheon in the Premier's honour.

The Chinese Premier will deliver a key note address at the inaugural session of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue.

The Chinese Premier's other activities include address to the Pakistan China Joint Business Forum, plantation of sapling at Shakarparian, meeting with the youth delegations of Pakistan and China and attending the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Pakistan China Friendship Centre in Islamabad.

The Foreign Office spokesman said the visit will provide a useful opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.

Pakistan and China have forged a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is multi dimensional and encompasses all fields, said the spokesman adding that the Premier Wen Jiabao's visit will be another landmark in the further strengthening of Pakistan China friendship and cooperation.

The spokesman said extensive preparatory work has been done for the visit by both sides.

During the visit of the Chinese Premier, several high level delegations would be separately arriving in Pakistan to hold discussions with their counterpart Ministries.

Concurrently, the Pakistan China Joint Economic Commission of the two countries will take place in Islamabad on April 4.

The meeting will review ongoing projects and identify areas for future cooperation. In addition, the Chinese Minister for Agriculture will visit Pakistan at the head of a delegation to conclude protocols/agreement for forging close cooperation in the agriculture sector.

The Governor, China Development Bank would also be visiting Pakistan during this period and would be holding important discussions with the Ministries concerned, Governor State Bank and heads of local banks.

In the cultural field, a Chinese youth delegation of 100 students will be in Islamabad on April 6.

The Chinese youth delegation is visiting Pakistan in response to the visit of a Pakistan youth delegation to China last year.

The exchange of youth delegations is part of understanding between the two countries to enhance people to people contacts and to pass on friendship from generation to generation.

The Chinese Premier will also visit Lahore where the Chief Minister Punjab will host a civic reception in his honour. He will lay wreath on the Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal and visit a Pakistan China joint venture project in Lahore.

The Foreign Office spokesman said the visit is part of the continuing high level contacts which is the hallmark of Pakistan China friendship.

The two countries have established exemplary relations which are based on complete mutual trust, understanding, cooperation and sovereign equality, he added.

http://www.app.com.pk/n03.htm

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Chinese PM's visit to strengthen Sino-Pakistan strategic partnership

www.chinaview.cn 2005-04-05 02:509


ISLAMABAD, April 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will begin a three-day official visit to Pakistan on Tuesday, which will further strengthen the "all-weather" and time-tested friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, Pakistan's Foreign Office said on Monday.

Wen, who will lead a 70-member delegation, will hold meetings with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, said Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani.

President Musharraf will host lunch in his honor to welcome Wenand Prime Minister Aziz will also host a banquet.

The Chinese premier will be a key note speaker at the Asian Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial meeting on April 6th.

During his stay, he will address a Sino-Pakistan business forum,the spokesman said, adding that the Chinese premier will also address the foundation-laying ceremony of the Pak-China friendshipcenter in Islamabad.

Jilani said two countries will sign a large number of bilateralagreements and Memorandums of Understanding about cooperation in political, diplomatic, defence, trade, education and agricultural fields.

Wen will kick off his one-week visit to South Asia on Tuesday. He will visit Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. Enditem


http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_2786454.htm


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Warm welcome awaits Chinese PM today

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will arrive in Islamabad today (Tuesday) on a three-day official tour.

Jalil Abbas Jillani, the foreign ministry spokesman, said President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz would receive the Chinese dignitary at Islamabad airport.

He said a warm welcome by Pakistanis awaited the Chinese premier and extraordinary security arrangements had been made for his stay in Pakistan.

He said both sides of the route Chinese premier would take to reach the Prime Minister's House had been decorated with Pak-China flags and colourful buntings.

Jillani said the Chinese premier would hold formal talks with his Pakistani counterpart today (Tuesday) on promoting bilateral cooperation in economy, commerce, defence and culture, adding many accords would also be signed between the two countries in this regard during the visit.

He said Wen Jiabao would also meet with President Gen Pervez Musharraf to disuses important regional and international issues.

The Chinese premier, as the keynote speaker, will also speak to the 4th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) meeting on April 6 that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today (Tuesday).

Accompanied by senior Chinese officials and investors, Wen Jiabao will also go to Lahore.

The spokesman said the visit would further strengthen Sino-Pakistan relations and would help the two countries to take their time-tested friendship and cooperation in various fields to new heights in future.


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China to seek stronger economic links in Pakistan

Mon Apr 4, 5:58 PM ET


By Robert Birsel

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao starts a South Asian tour on Tuesday in Pakistan, where he is expected to focus on economic ties while reaffirming strong political links the neighbours have long enjoyed.



Wen, leading a 70-strong delegation of business people and officials, will deliver a keynote address to an Asian ministerial meeting in Islamabad before heading on to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"It's a chance to reaffirm the old and special relationship but it's the economic aspects that will be focused on," said Shireen Mazari, head of Pakistan's Institute of Strategic Studies.

"We already have a very good political, military and strategic relationship, we're also interested in the economic side."

China and Pakistan have had close ties for decades and China has long been Pakistan's main source of weapons. Underscoring the military cooperation, the Pakistan navy signed contracts on Monday for the construction of four Chinese frigates.

China also provides Pakistan with hundreds of millions of dollars in development financing.

Pakistan is building a 300-megawatt nuclear power plant worth $874 million with Chinese help and China also bankrolled 80 percent of a new $248 million deep-water port at Gawadar in the southwestern province of Baluchistan.

Pakistani officials said on Monday up to 19 agreements, involving Chinese investment of about $350 million, would be signed during Wen's visit.

The agreements would involve a $150 million extension of the Chasma nuclear plant, a $70 million deepening of Gawadar port, and a $50 million road tunnel, Waseem Haqqi, chairman of Pakistan's Board of Investment, told reporters.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Bilateral trade was about $2.5 billion in the fiscal year to June 2004, said Investment and Privatisation Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh.

Pakistan's exports to China were worth about a billion dollars while imports from China were $1.5 billion in the same period, he said, adding that there was room for growth.

"I think what we have been lacking in the past is that we have not developed deep relationships with Chinese business groups and vice versa," Sheikh said.

Pakistan's trade with China is dwarfed by that of China and India, where Wen heads after three days in Pakistan.

Relations between China and India, the world's two most populous nations, have been marred by a 1962 border war and India's hospitality for a government-in-exile of Tibet, the western region China invaded in 1950.

But their trade soared to more than $13 billion in 2004 from $100 million a decade ago. Last year, an Indian army chief visited China for the first time in a decade, and in 2003 the two countries held their first joint naval exercises.

Pakistani analysts said Islamabad was not alarmed by warmer ties between China and Pakistan's main rival.



"China is becoming a global player and it wants to have good relations with India. It's focusing on its economy," said commentator Talat Masood, a former Pakistani general.

"I don't think it impacts on us at all in the long run," Mazari said of better Sino-India ties. It will be good for the region. It will be a more stable region if India and China can resolve their border dispute."

China is also remaining even-handed when it comes to the rivalry between India and Pakistan and is trying to nudge both along a path of reconciliation, analysts say.

link: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...m/india_197803

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Islamabad expects Wen Jiabao's visit

Latest Updated by 2005-04-05 103:15
Pakistan says Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit will further strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries.

Pakistan says Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Pakistan will further strengthen the "all-weather" friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

A spokesman with Pakistan's Foreign Office says the Chinese premier, who will lead a 70-member delegation, will hold talks with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

He adds the two countries will also sign a package of bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding about cooperation in political, diplomatic, defense, trade, education and agricultural fields.

In a related development, Pakistani Deputy Chief of Army Staff Ahsan Saleem Hayat told Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan that Islamabad supports China's Anti-Secession Law and will continue to embrace one China policy.

Editor: Olivia


http://www.newsgd.com/news/China1/200504050014.htm
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Chinese PM's visit to strengthen Sino-Pakistan strategic partnership

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will begin a three-day official visit to Pakistan on Tuesday, which will further strengthen the "all-weather" and time-tested friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, Pakistan's Foreign Office said on Monday.

Wen, who will lead a 70-member delegation, will hold meetings with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, said Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani.

President Musharraf will host lunch in his honor to welcome Wenand Prime Minister Aziz will also host a banquet.

The Chinese premier will be a key note speaker at the Asian Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial meeting on April 6th.

During his stay, he will address a Sino-Pakistan business forum,the spokesman said, adding that the Chinese premier will also address the foundation-laying ceremony of the Pak-China friendshipcenter in Islamabad.

Jilani said two countries will sign a large number of bilateralagreements and Memorandums of Understanding about cooperation in political, diplomatic, defence, trade, education and agricultural fields.

Wen will kick off his one-week visit to South Asia on Tuesday. He will visit Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.

Source: Xinhua


http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/20...05_179480.html

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Sino-Pakistani trade relations intensifying

www.chinaview.cn 2005-04-05 07:54:12

BEIJING, April 5 -- Negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Pakistan are expected to move forward during Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to the South Asian neighbour.

Premier Wen's trip to Pakistan, the first stop in an eight-day tour of four countries in the region, is expected to see the signing of a number of economic and trade agreements.

Among them is an Early Harvest Programme, which would see tariff-free trade in a number of goods, paving the way towards an FTA between the two countries.

A possible FTA would facilitate trade and further consolidate bilateral trade relations, said Xu Changwen, a trade researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Co-operation, a think-tank under the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

"Chinese goods, which are of good quality and have competitive prices, match the growing demand of Pakistani consumers," he said.

And Pakistani goods will enjoy easier access to the Chinese market as China gradually cuts its tariff rates in line with its commitments to the World Trade Organization.

"Pakistan hopes to attract more investment from China with the stable growth of its domestic economy," said Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

By establishing factories in Pakistan, Chinese enterprises would cash in on the geographic advantage in terms of exporting to the Middle East and Africa, he pointed out.

Bilateral trade between China and Pakistan has been enjoying fast growth since 2000, and Pakistan has grown into China's second-largest trade partner in South Asia following India.

The two countries chalked up a record trade volume of some US$3.06 billion last year, an increase of 26 per cent.

China's exports to Pakistan reached US$2.47 billion, up 33 per cent year-on-year.

China's imports from Pakistan reached US$5.95 billion, 3.5 per cent up year-on-year.

China mainly exports machinery equipment and components, mechanical and electrical equipment, audio-visual products, and vehicles, accounting for over 40 per cent of the nation's total exports to Pakistan.

The growth rate of China's exports to Pakistan exceeded that of nation's imports from the country.

The growth in China's exports was due to Pakistan's roaring demand resulting from its economic recovery and development, said Xu.

China's imports from Pakistan grew much slower over the past two years because the country only imports some raw materials, such as cotton, feathers and fur.

Economic co-operation between the two countries had been diversifying into sectors such as services, technology, investment, resource exploitation and contracting projects, Xu said.

For example, Chinese enterprises have signed a number of contracts to build roads and harbours in Pakistan.

But Xu added that some obstacles remain in the development of bilateral trade.

Xu said both sides should make more efforts to develop each other's market.

First, Chinese enterprises should carefully study the Pakistani market in order to produce products that better match local people's requirements.

Second, Pakistan has lagged behind some other South Asian countries, such as India and Bangladesh, in the promotion of its exports.

"Pakistani enterprises should further promote the influence of their products in China," he said, adding that expos were a good way to do this.

(Source: China Daily)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_2786726.htm


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Beijing playing positive role for peace: FO - Chinese premier due today


By Hasan Akhtar

ISLAMABAD, April 4: Pakistan on Monday acknowledged a "positive and constructive role of China in Pakistan-India relations right from day one" and said China had been supportive of initiatives taken by Islamabad for restoring peace and security in the region.

Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani made the observation while responding to a question on the eve of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's arrival hereon a three-day visit.

Reading out a statement at his weekly press briefing, the spokesman said: "The visit will provide a useful opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.

Pakistan and China have forged a comprehensive strategic partnership which is multi-dimensional and encompasses all fields. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's visit will be another landmark in further strengthening of Pakistan-China friendship and cooperation."

The statement gives details of engagements of the Chinese prime minister during his stay in Islamabad, which include, lunch by President Pervez Musharraf and a banquet by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Extensive preparatory work have been done by both sides who will sign a number of agreements and MoUs relating to political, economic, trade, defence, education and other spheres. Both sides, the statement added, were closely working to underpin their excellent political relationship with strong economic and trade ties.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will deliver a key-note address at the inaugural session of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ADC) and speak at the Pakistan-China joint business forum. The Chinese prime minister is accompanied by a 70-member delegation comprising ministers, high-ranking officials and businessmen.

Answering a question about the status of Pakistan's request to the World Bank for the appointment of an expert to help resolve the Baglihar dam dispute, Mr Jilani said Pakistan was ready to go back to the bilateral negotiations track provided India stopped further construction on the dam. Otherwise, Islamabad would stick to its request made to the World Bank which was empowered under the Indus Basin Water Treaty to resolve complaints.

The spokesman said there was no threat to the ongoing composite dialogue process with India from the proposed sale of F-16 fighters to Pakistan when asked whether the F-16 issue had slackened the pace of dialogue.

Refuting the impression, Mr Jalil said such view could be due to a lack of knowledge about the dynamics of bilateral dialogue. F-16 fighters would only slightly address the present imbalance in Pakistan's conventional military weapons as against India's massive military build-up, he added.

The spokesman said any militant threat to the Kashmir bus service due to start this week would be uncalled for and hoped that no harm would be done to travellers who were 'genuine Kashmiris'.

http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/05/top3.htm


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China, Pakistan sign treaty for friendship, cooperation and good-neighborly relations

www.chinaview.cn 2005-04-06 03:22:35


ISLAMABAD, April 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz signed a treaty for friendship, cooperation and good-neighborly relations here Tuesday.

The treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighborly Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (hereinafter referred to as "the Contracting Parties") says the two parties firmly believe that to strengthen the overall good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Contracting Parties is not only in the fundamental interest of the two countries and the two peoples, butalso conducive to regional and global peace, stability and development.

It reaffirms that the Joint Declaration between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Directions of Bilateral Cooperation signed by the two heads of state in 2003 is of guiding significance to deepening the bilateral relationship.

It confirms the obligations of the Contracting Parties under the Charter of the United Nations and other international treatieswhich they have acceded to.

It says the Contracting Parties shall actively develop and consolidate the bilateral strategic partnership of good-neighborlyfriendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with the universally recognized principles and norms of international law and on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Both the Parties agree to maintain a regular high-level strategic dialogue.

It notes the Contracting Parties shall adhere to the principle of non-encroachment on national territories and boundaries in international law and strictly observe the boundary agreements between the two countries. They have resolved to maintain lasting peace and friendship for generations to come in the border areas between the two countries.

The Pakistani side reiterates that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is thesole legal government representing the whole China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

The Pakistani side supports China's great cause of national reunification and all the efforts of the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Pakistani side opposes any attempt by the Taiwan authorities to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" or "Taiwan independence".

The Chinese side reiterates its respect for Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese side appreciates and supports Pakistan's efforts to settle peacefully all the problems with its neighboring countries and allefforts to safeguard its state sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

The treaty says each Contracting Party shall not join any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party, nor shall it take any action of this nature including the conclusion of treaties of this nature with a third country.

Each Contracting Party shall not allow its territory to be usedby a third country to jeopardize the state sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party.

It says each Contracting Party shall prohibit, on its own soil,the establishment of organizations or institutions which infringe upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party.

It notes the Contracting Parties shall, in accordance with their domestic laws, such as extradition treaty, anti-drug agreement, and other bilateral agreements and their respective international obligations, cooperate on both bilateral and multilateral basis to crack down on terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as such activities as organized crimes, illegalimmigration and illegal trafficking in drugs and weapons.

It notes the Contracting Parties shall enhance and consolidate trust and cooperation in the military and security fields to strengthen their security.

It confirms each Contracting Party shall take effective measures in accordance with their international obligations and current domestic laws and regulations to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the other Party's legal and natural persons in its own territory.

It says the Contracting Parties shall, on the basis of equalityand mutual benefit, carry out cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, science, technology, space technology, transportation,finance, energy, peaceful uses of nuclear technology, natural resources development, investment, customs, information technology,telecommunications and other areas of mutual interest.

It says the Contracting Parties shall establish close collaboration in the field of higher education.

It says the Contracting Parties shall, in accordance with theirdomestic laws and the international instruments to which both Parties have acceded, protect intellectual property rights, including patent, trademark, copyright and other relevant rights.

It says the Contracting Parties shall facilitate cooperation inthe above-mentioned areas in accordance with their domestic laws and international instruments.

It confirms the Contracting Parties believe it is of major significance to an enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples to expand their exchanges in culture, education, media, sports, tourism, public health and social security. The Contracting Parties shall support all walks of life of both countries to actively carry out the above-mentioned exchanges.

It notes the Contracting Parties shall, on the basis of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and other universally recognized norms of international law, enhance their cooperation in the United Nations and other international and regional organizations.

It says the Contracting Parties shall continue their cooperation in international financial institutions and economic organizations.

It notes the Contracting Parties shall carry out multilateral economic cooperation within the framework of existing and future international and regional organizations.Enditem

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_2791402.htm




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China, Pakistan sign historical document, outlining development of bilateral ties

www.chinaview.cn 2005-04-06 03:32:33


　 ISLAMABAD, April 5 (Xinhuanet) -- China and Pakistan signed a treaty for friendship and good-neighborly relations here Tuesday evening, looking back the sound bilateral relations over the past 50 years, and outlining where it will go.

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz signed the treaty after their talks.

"It is a historical document with great practical sense," said Kong Quan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Pakistan is the first leg of Wen's eight-day official visit to South Asia which will also take him to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. He held talks with Aziz soon after he arrived here Tuesday afternoon.

Wen told Aziz that China and Pakistan have always supported andunderstood each other, and the all-weathered relationship is time-tested. Furthering the relationship is the common tasks of the twocountries, he added.

Wen put forward five-point proposal: to enhance the strategic and cooperative partnership according to the treaty for friendship,cooperation and good-neighborly relations; to expand economic and trade cooperation as well as the cooperation on resources, finance,and agriculture; to sign an agreement on fighting "three vices", namely, terrorism, splittism, and extremism; to encourage the people-to-people contact and exchanges on culture, education and youth; and to promote the coordination in the international and regional issues for peace, stability and prosperity.

Aziz said deepening the strategic and cooperative partnership with China has long been foundation of Pakistan's foreign policy, saying "Pakistan-China relations is time-tested, and upgraded to anew and dynamic stage".

He praised the signing of the treaty for friendship, cooperation and good-neighborly relations, noting the two countries have agreed on the "early-harvest proposal," which is the first step to establish a free trade area and give a new horizon for economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and China.

The two sides also signed more than 10 documents on cracking down on the "three vices," economic and trade cooperation, and other issues.

The two prime ministers also met with the press after the signing ceremony. Enditem

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_2791403.htm


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China assures to defend Pakistan's sovereignty

ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP): China Tuesday held a categorical assurance to Pakistan to defend its "sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity" as Premier Wen Jiabao began a three-day official visit to the country.

The two countries signed 22 agreements to boost cooperation in defence, political, trade and economic areas after formal talks with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Premier Wen Jiabao heading their respective sides.

Aziz and his Chinese counterpart held over an hour long exclusive meeting before they were joined by their respective delegations.

The two leaders inked the "Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations" and witnessed the signing of other accords that include Agreement on combating terrorism, separatism and Extremism.

Agreement on "Early Harvest Programme" would offer special tariff arrangements to 767 items and would form the basis of negotiations on the Free Trade Area.

Under this programme, all exportable items of Pakistan including textile goods, surgical and sports goods, vegetable, fruits, rice citrus and mangoes will receive market access in China with tariff reduced to zero from January, 2006 while Pakistan will import machinery and raw material.

Talking to reporters with Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the Treaty of Friendship "institutionalizes the broad-based and multi-faceted relations between Pakistan and China.

The two leaders described the talks very "productive". Prime Minister Aziz said the talks were "win-win" for both the countries and said that Pak-China friendship has entered a new era.

The Prime Minister noted a vast potential of economic cooperation between the two countries and underlined the need of their private sectors to more actively contribute to these efforts.

Premier Wen Jiabao complemented the sentiments of Prime Minister Aziz and said Pakistan, China enjoy all-weather cooperation and have institutionalized their excellent friendship.

He said the two countries shared consensus on bilateral, regional and international issues.

"The talks marked a new stage in Pak-China friendship," he added and noted a huge potential that needed to be tapped in areas of economy and trade.

Premier Wen Jiabao said they discussed means to enhance mutual trust and broaden cooperation.

He said the two countries resolved the issue of "Early harvest" under the FTA negotiations which, he added, would give fresh impetus to their bilateral trade.

"I can assure my friends that you (Pakistan) can expect more and more Chinese enterprises coming into Pakistan and vice versa," he said.

Prime Minister Aziz said the two countries have agreed to encourage their private sectors to promote mutual investment and enhance flow of goods to boost trade.

He appreciated the strides Pakistan has made in the economic fields, saying, the country's conducive investment offered attractive opportunities to foreign investors.

Briefing the newsmen about the official talks, Pakistan Ambassador to China Salman Bashir said the "most important" aspect of the talks were the "clear and unambiguous, categorical assurance by China to defend Pakistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity".

Both countries would support each other's efforts to safeguard their territorial integrity, he added.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz informed the Chinese side about Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region and the ongoing Composite dialogue process with India to resolve their outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir.

He said Chinese Premier extended full support to Pakistan's efforts to see a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Bashir said the two leaders have institutionalized Pakistan- China strategic partnership by providing modalities and practical mechanism for future cooperation.

He said the agreement on anti-Terrorism efforts would further intensify cooperation in this area.

The Ambassador said that the Early Harvest programme would quadruple the existing bilateral trade of nearly three billion dollars per year.

He said the conclusion of this programme was a major achievement for Pakistan and the two-way trade would see an exponential growth.

Prime Minister Aziz also offered China the energy corridor.

He said the agreements on customs cooperation and in the agriculture field would further strengthen their ties.


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http://www.app.com.pk/n03.htm


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Pakistan, China sign agreements to boost cooperation in several fields

ISLAMABAD, April 5 (APP): Pakistan and China Tuesday signed agreements in a broad range of areas to give further impetus to their excellent existing ties in political, defence, trade and economic fields after formal talks between Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Premier Wen Jiabao.

The two leaders met for over an hour before they were joined by their respective delegations.

After the talks Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Premier Wen Jiabao signed a Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations.

Later, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements by ministers of the two countries.

Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing inked an accord on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Minister of Education Lt. Gen ® Javed Ashraf and his Chinese counterpart Zhou Ji signed an accord on Executive Programme on cooperation and exchanges in the sphere of education.

A Framework Agreement for Naval Frigates F22P was signed by Habib Ullah Warriach, Minister of Defence Production, Zhang Yunchuan, Minister for COSTIND of China.

Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM of the People's China, signed the Early Harvest Agreement of Pakistan China Free Trade Area. A protocol on Quarantine Certification of Rice was signed by Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock and Li Changjiang, Minister of AQSIQ.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of Agriculture was signed by Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Secretary MINFAL and China's Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei.

Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock and Li Changjiang, Minister of AQSIQ, China signed the Protocol on Quarantine Certification of Citrus.

An agreement on export of Live Animals to the Middle East and other destinations through Pakistan was signed by the Food Minister and Chinese Minister of AQSIQ.

Pakistan-China IT Agreement was inked by Khalid Saeed, Secretary for IT and Wu Dawei, Vice Foreign Minister of China.

An MoU between Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and China Scholarship Council (CSC) on Pakistan Government Funded Students Education Program in China was signed by Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman Chairman HEC and Madam Zhang Xiuqin, Secretary General China Scholarship Council (CSC) of the People's Republic of China.

An agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (RMB 50 million Grant Assistance) was signed by Salman Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Finance and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM of China. Another agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in Customs matters was signed by Salman Shah and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

The two countries also signed "Implementation Rules of the Agreement between Pakistan and China concerning International Road Transport". Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui, Minister of Communications and Chinese Foreign Minister signed the document.

Tariq Ikram, Minister of State and Chairman Export Promotion Bureau and Wan Jiefi, Chairman CCPI signed the agreement on cooperation between Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and its Chinese counterpart China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

An MoU on Confucius Institute between National Office for Teaching Chinese as Foreign Language (NOTCFL) and NUML was signed by Brig. ® Aziz.

Ahmed Khan, Rector NUML and Cao Guo Xing, Director General, Department of International Cooperation and Exchange Ministry of Education signed another related agreement.

The two countries also inked an MoU to start negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and on other trading issues. Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM signed the MoU.

An MOU on Strengthening of Corporate Entities of the two countries in Manufacturing Sector was signed by Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Privatization and Investment and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM.

Addendum No. 1 to the Agreement for Development of Duddar Lead Zinc Deposits in Balochistan for change of Performing Party was signed by Mir Muhammad Naseer Khan Mengal, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources and Chen Yuan, Governor China Development Bank of China.

Salman Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Finance and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM exchanged the letters for Study of Pakistan-China Friendship Center Project.

Pakistan and China also singed an agreement for financing arrangements of US dollars 350 million for Chasma II Nuclear Power Plant.

Chairman Sukh Chain Garden Housing Project Shujaat Azeem and President China Construction State Engineering Corporation Yi Juin concluded agreement for the construction of a housing project in Pakistan. The company will construct 1200 low cost houses with total input of US dollar 85 million.

Managing Director Pakistan Software Development Board Aamir Matin and Chairman ZTE Corporation of China Hou Weigui singned a protocol for allocation of land by the government of Pakistan for establishment of ZTE Software Development, Training and Documentation Center in Islamabad.


http://www.app.com.pk/n21.htm

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Chinese minister calls on Prime Minister

ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said Pakistan has a variety of fruit and is now focusing on maintaining international standards to encourage their exports.

He was talking to Li Changjiang, Minister for General Administration, Peoples Republic of China, who called on him at the Prime Minister Secretariat here.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan produces one of the best oranges, especially kinoo, and expressed the hope that its export will increase.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan takes quarantine very seriously and wants to maintain high standards of quality of its products as it recognizes their importance in enhancing exports of agriculture products.

The Prime Minister said today is a very important and historical day for Pakistan as the Chinese Premier is visiting the country.

He recalled his visit to China and his talks with the Chinese Premier and said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that in a short span of few months China and Pakistan will be signing twenty agreements for cooperation in various areas to furthern strengthen the close bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister said the people of Pakistan considered China their friend and the festive look which the city of Islamabad gives today is the manifestation of the love and affection that the people of Pakistan have for China.

The Chinese Minister informed Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz that he had held useful talks with Sikander Hayat Bosan, Minister of Food and Live Stock and as a result they had signed agreements in the area of livestock.

The Prime Minister said that every Ministry in his government has a special desk for China as Pakistan places special emphasis on its relations with it.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is the fifth largest producer of dairy products and hence there is ample scope for cooperation between the two countries in the field of livestock and dairy development.

http://www.app.com.pk/n11.htm


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China, Pakistan reaffirm friendship, eye trade

Tue Apr 5, 1:50 PM ET

By Tahir Ikram

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao began a tour of South Asia in Pakistan on Tuesday, reinforcing a strategic alliance between the old friends and signing a range of agreements on economic and trade cooperation.


Reuters Photo



Wen arrived with a 70-strong delegation of business people and officials and was greeted by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.


"This is a very meaningful day which marks a new stage in Pakistan-China relations," Wen told reporters after talks with Aziz.


On Wednesday, Wen will deliver a keynote address to an Asian ministerial meeting and then travel to the eastern city of Lahore on Thursday before heading to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.


Analysts said China and Pakistan would reaffirm their long-standing close political ties but booming China's economic concerns were expected to dominate Wen's agenda.


Among more than 20 agreements signed on Tuesday was a treaty of friendship and a pact on combating terrorism and separatism.


"Both countries have committed themselves to carry forward their strategic partnership in the interests of ... peace," Aziz said. The treaty bound both to support each others' efforts to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Pakistani official said.


Despite the reiteration of strategic ties analysts say China is now dealing with the region on a pragmatic basis, with economics setting the agenda, and Pakistan could no longer take a special relationship with China for granted.


Underlining that, 15 of the agreements on Tuesday were on trade and investment.


"There's huge potential," Wen said when asked about prospects for trade.


FRIGATES AND FIGHTERS


Pakistani officials said the agreements between the two countries involved Chinese investment of about $350 million.


China has long been Pakistan's main source of arms and on the eve of Wen's visit, the navy signed contracts for four Chinese frigates. They are also producing a fighter aircraft together.


China also provides Pakistan with hundreds of millions of dollars in development financing.


Pakistan is building a 300-megawatt nuclear power plant worth $874 million with Chinese help and China also bankrolled 80 percent of a new $248 million deep-water port at Gawadar on the Arabian Sea.


Pakistani officials have rejected suggestions the port would also serve as a Chinese navy listening post, monitoring vital Middle Eastern oil shipping lanes nearby.


Bilateral trade was about $2.5 billion in the fiscal year to June 2004. Pakistan's exports to China were worth about a billion dollars while imports from China were $1.5 billion in the same period, according to Pakistani figures.


But this is dwarfed by trade between China and India, Pakistan's neighbour and rival, where Wen will end his tour.

Relations between China and India, the world's two most populous nations, have been marred by a 1962 border war and India's hospitality for a government-in-exile of Tibet, the western region China invaded in 1950.

But their trade soared to more than $13 billion in 2004 from $100 million a decade ago. Last year, an Indian army chief visited China for the first time in a decade, and in 2003 the two countries held joint naval exercises.

Analysts said Pakistan was not alarmed by warmer ties between China and India.


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...m/india_197864


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Pakistan, China Sign Agreements

Rana Jawad, Agence France Presse

ISLAMABAD, 6 April 2005 — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz yesterday as the close allies signed a raft of military, economic and trade agreements, officials said.

Wen is making his maiden South Asian tour as premier, a weeklong swing through the strategically and economically important region that will also include trips to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Local residents banging drums and waving Pakistani and Chinese flags lined Islamabad’s main boulevard and the city was decked with banners welcoming Wen, who landed at Chaklala air base near the capital just before 6 p.m. (1300 GMT).

Officials said a total of 20 agreements were signed in the presence of Wen, who assumed office in March last year, and Aziz.

“The two leaders held formal talks in a cordial atmosphere at the prime minister house,” a Pakistani official said after the meeting. “Later the two prime ministers signed agreements in various fields including defense, combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, agriculture and tourism,” the official added. Wen, accompanied by a delegation of 70 Chinese officials and businessmen on his trip, will meet President Pervez Musharraf today.

China has long been Pakistan’s strongest ally and provides its neighbor with both development funding and weapons.

Pakistan has helped Beijing combat separatism in the northwest Chinese region of Xinjiang, while Islamabad is itself engaged in a drawn-out hunt for Al-Qaeda militants.

Musharraf yesterday launched the production in Pakistan of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets that have been jointly developed by the two countries.

“The friendship between Pakistan and China is deeper than the ocean and higher than mountains and we will continue to maintain this friendship,” he told air force officers at the Aeronuatical Complex at Kamra near the capital. Musharraf said the homegrown jets would become the mainstay of Pakistan’s Air Force, alongside F-16s that Washington announced it would sell to Islamabad last month.

On the eve of Wen’s visit, Islamabad said it would buy four Chinese-built frigates for the Pakistan Navy. The agreements signed yesterday also included deepening the Chinese-funded, multi-million-dollar seaport at Gwadar on the Arabian Sea in southwest Pakistan.

He will deliver a keynote address to a 26-member forum of ministers from Asian and Middle Eastern countries to take place today and tomorrow in Islamabad.

Aziz and Wen will address a business forum in Islamabad attended by 400 Pakistani and over 100 Chinese businessmen, whom officials said were interested in investing in IT and telecoms, mining, oil and gas, engineering and agriculture. China is also looking to Pakistan as a transit route for oil from the Gulf.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=...d=6&m=4&y=2005


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Prime Minister Wen accorded warm welcome


Pakistan, China sign friendship treaty

21 other pacts and MoUs also inked

By Mariana Baabar

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was given a "people’s" welcome when he arrived here on a three-day visit, his first to Pakistan since assuming office.

In a surprise move, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz set aside protocol to personally reach the PAF air base Chaklala to welcome his counterpart. The road leading from Chaklala to the Prime Minister House wore a festive look as women, men and children lined the route to catch a glimpse of the Chinese premier’s motorcade. In the recent past, one cannot remember such a warm and colourful welcome for a foreign dignitary, with the full participation of common Pakistanis.

"We have been waiting for quite sometime and hoping to get a glimpse of the Chinese premier. China is our best friend and we love the Chinese", were the views of one family, ready to shower rose petals. In fact, it was raining rose petals, as the front windscreen of the limousine carrying Wen Jiabao, was completely covered in pink, with the driver constrained to use his wipers for visibility.

A large number of Chinese nationals were seen at Chaklala air base, carrying red and green flags. A Chinese lady presented a bouquet to Wen Jiabao. So excited were these Chinese nationals that they had to be restrained by tall and imposing security guards as they stood between them and the Chinese premier’s limousine.

Earlier as he alighted from his special plane, the visiting Chinese dignitary was accorded a 19-gun salute, while a contingent of the PAF presented a guard of honour. An official welcome ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s House, where Pakistan’s civil and military dignitaries were introduced to the visiting premier. Wen introduced the members of his delegation to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

The close ties between Beijing and Islamabad were reflected in the hour-long one-on-one talks between the two premiers. This was followed by delegation-level official talks. The wide-ranging talks focused on strengthening ties in economic, defence and diplomatic fields.

Significantly, the two premiers themselves signed, what is being billed as a "landmark treaty" in friendship, cooperation and good neighbourly relations between Pakistan and China. In a brief talk with the media, the Chinese premier described the signing of the friendship treaty as a major development. "This treaty and other agreements that we have signed today mark a new stage in Sino-Pak friendship and it would institutionalise the spirit of friendship of the last 54 years", commented the Chinese dignitary.

Wen Jiabao said the leadership of the two countries held very productive talks and reached broad consensus on bilateral relations, regional issues and a host of international issues. When asked about future economic relations, the Chinese premier said there is huge potential to further deepen the economic cooperation between the two countries. He said, "We have already concluded the feasibility study of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and begun negotiations in this regard". Touched by the warm welcome accorded to him, the Chinese premier said this was reflective of the strong and close bonds between the two countries.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also made a few remarks saying that Pakistan and China have identical views on major world issues. "We have a shared approach and values and are committed to peace in the region and the world. The most significant agreement signed today is treaty of friendship and cooperation, which will broaden our relationship and institutionalise it. This treaty is unique in the sense that the two countries have no such treaty with any other country. It would serve as a turning point in the already strong relationship between the two countries", said Shaukat Aziz.

Responding to a question, the prime minister said the two countries are encouraging the private sector to invest in each other’s country. Aziz said they have agreed to encourage the flow of goods from Western China through Pakistani ports of Karachi and Gwadar to Middle East and beyond. He said Pakistan could serve as a transport and energy corridor to and from China as several Chinese companies are winning contracts in Pakistan because of the quality and competitiveness.

Earlier, Pakistani ministers, high officials and their Chinese counterparts signed and exchanged 21 agreements and MoUs on cooperation in economic, defence, energy, infrastructure, social sector, health, education, higher education, housing and other areas.

These include treaty on friendship, cooperation and good neighbourly relations, agreement on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, executive programme on educational cooperation and exchanges, framework agreement on naval frigates, early harvest agreement on Pakistan-China Free Trade Area, protocol on quarantine certification of rice, MoU on cooperation in agriculture, protocol on quarantine certification of citrus, agreement to export live animals to Middle East and other destinations through Pakistan, Pakistan-China IT agreement, MoU between High Education Commission and Chinese Scholarship Council, agreement on economic and technical cooperation, agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters, implementation rules of agreements between Pakistan and China concerning international road transport, cooperation between Export Promotion Bureau and Chinese Council for Promotion of International Trade, MoU on teaching of Chinese at NUML, MoU on FTA and other trade issues, MoU on strengthening of corporate entities of the two countries in manufacturing sector, agreement for development Duddar lead zinc deposits in Balochistan and exchange of letters for study of Pakistan-China friendship Centre project.

The two countries also agreed on financing an arrangement of $350 million for Chashma-II nuclear power project. Under an agreement, a Chinese company would construct 1200 low-cost housing units at a cost of $85 million. Later Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz hosted a banquet in honour of his Chinese counterpart. The Chinese premier is scheduled to meet President Gen Pervez Musharraf today.

APP adds: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz hosted a banquet in honour of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the Prime Minister House. The banquet was attended by members of Chinese delegation, President Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Maulana Fazlur Rehman, members of the federal cabinet, high officials and diplomats.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/apr2005-d...main/main1.htm


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Pak, China ink 20 agreements, MOUs

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan as well China have signed twenty Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and agreements here on Tuesday. Pakistan side was represented by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz while Wen Jiabao, Chinese Premier led Chinese side.

The MoU and Agreements which were singed between the two countries included Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighborly relations, Agreement on Combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, Executive programme and education, cooperation and exchange, Framework agreement for Naval Frigates F22P, Early harvest agreement of Pakistan China Free Trade Area, Protocol on Quarantine Certification of rise, MOU on cooperation in the field of protocol on Quarantine Certification Citrus, agreement on export of Live Animal to the Middle East on other destination through Pakistan, Pakistan IT China Agreement, MOU between the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and China Scholarship Council on Pakistan government funded student education programme in China, Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (RMB 50 million grant assistance), Agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in custom matters, Implementation rules of the agreement between Pakistan and China concerning international road transport, Cooperation between export promotion, Bureau (EPB) and its counterpart China Council for the promotion of international trade (CCPIT), MOU on Confucius Institute between National Office for teaching Chinese as a foreign language (NOTCFL) and NUML, MOU on FIA and other trading issue, MOU on strengthen of corporate entities of the two countries in manufacturing sector, Addendum No. 1 to the agreement for development of Duddar Lead-Zinc deposits in Balochistan for change of performing party, Exchange of letters for study of Pakistan-China friendship center project.


onlinenews


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Pakistan, China sign 22 agreements

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Tuesday signed 22 different military, economic and trade agreements to ensure regional integrity and security of both the countries.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao described these agreements as historical and practical while his Pakistan counterpart Shaukat Aziz said Pak China strategic will be further strengthened which would also play important role in international peace.

These agreements relating to cooperation in the fields of defence, social and economic fields were signed after talks between visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz.

Top officials of both countries signed and exchanged agreements and MOUs on cooperation in economic, defence, energy, infrastructure, social sector, health, education, higher education, housing and other areas in the presence of the two leaders.

The two countries also agreed on financing arrangement of 350 million dollars for Chashma-II nuclear power project. China helped Pakistan with the construction of Chasma-I project.

Aziz said during his talks with Wen he briefed him about the ongoing India-Pakistan peace process and steps taken by the two countries to implement a number of confidence building measures.


GEO


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Pakistan, China hold third round of defence and security talks


BEIJING, April 6 (APP): Vice Chief of the Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hayat and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Xiong Guangki held third round of Sino-Pakistani Defence and Security Consultation here Wednesday.

The two sides exchanged views on international and regional security situation, national defence policies and other issues of common concern.

Defence sources told APP that the two sides agreed to further strengthen military-to-military exchanges and cooperation, in a spirit of safeguarding national sovereignty and promoting regional peace, stability and development.

Xiong Guangkai also briefed his guests on the Anti-Secession Law which China had recently adopted.

General Hayat who is leading a high-level military delegation expressed that Pakistani government would stick to the one-China policy, and understand and support China's adoption of the Anti-Secession Law.

Earlier, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan during his meeting with the Pakistani side reiterated that his country is willing to further enhance the cooperation between the two armed forces to cement the relationship.

General Saleem Hayat also had a meeting with Liang Guanglie, Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and discussed on-going and the future cooperation between the two countries in the Defence sector.

Liang said the cooperation with the two armed forces has been fruitful in recent years, and hoped their talks in Beijing will inject new vigor into it


http://www.app.com.pk/n25.htm


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Chinese premier in Pakistan for talks

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - China's premier was in Pakistan on Wednesday for talks with President Gen. Pervez Musharraf on boosting their countries' extensive economic and military ties, officials said.

Wen Jiabao arrived Tuesday to attend the 26-member Asian Cooperation Dialogue, a forum promoting economic ties in the region, where he was to deliver the keynote address. The Chinese premier also was planning to hold talks with Pakistani leaders.

Shortly after arriving, Wen held talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Shaukat Aziz, where he promised Beijing's "full support'' in helping resolve issues with Pakistan's rival India - including efforts to settle the dispute over the divided region of Kashmir, said Salman Bashir, Pakistani ambassador in China.

Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India but each of the country claims the region in its entirety.

They have fought two wars over Kashmir since their independence from British rule in 1947. Wen also signed a "treaty of friendship, cooperation and good neighborly relations,'' Bashir told reporters.

After the meeting, Aziz said China will help Pakistan build its third nuclear power plant.

China helped Pakistan set up its second nuclear power plant in 1990s.

On Wednesday, Wen is expected to meet with Musharraf and other senior government officials, the Chinese Embassy and the Foreign Ministry said.

A Pakistani government official said on condition of anonymity that Wen and Musharraf would discuss bilateral economic and military ties.

China is a longtime supplier of defence equipment to Islamabad. Ahead of Wen's visit, officials from the two sides signed a deal under which Pakistan will buy four warships from China.

On Tuesday, the two countries signed 22 agreements to enhance cooperation in defence, trade and several other areas. - AP


http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...632&sec=Latest


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China, Pakistan sign many co-operation deals

04/06/2005 -- 10:54(GMT+7)

Beijing (VNA) – China and Pakistan have signed a friendly neighbour and co-operation treaty, a bilateral anti-terrorism, anti-separatism, and anti-extremism co-operation agreement, together with more than 10 other economic, commercial, scientific and technological co-operation agreements.

The signing followed talks between Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, who is on a visit to Pakistan.

The two sides exchanged their ideas regarding the further development of mutually beneficial bilateral co-operation.

They highly valued the progress in their bilateral relations over the past 54 years since the two countries established their diplomatic relations.

Pakistani PM Aziz proposed strengthening exchange and bilateral co-operation in energy, transport, culture, and tourism.

Chinese PM Wen Jiabao stressed the need to realise the two countries’ full potential in terms of economic, commercial co-operation, expand the scope of trade and investment, and strengthen co-operation in natural resources, finance, monetary affairs, agriculture and customs.

The two PMs also underlined the necessity to promote exchanges between cultural, educational, youth, scientific and technological institutions of the two countries, as well as to enhance their collaboration in regional and international affairs.-Enditem



http://www.vnanet.vn/NewsA.asp?LANGU...NEWS_ID=145756
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Pakistan, China sign treaty of friendship: Beijing's assurance to defend territorial integrity, sovereignty

ISLAMABAD, April 5: China on Tuesday held out a categorical assurance to Pakistan to defend its "sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity" as Prime Minister Wen Jiabao began a three-day visit to the country.

The two countries signed 22 agreements to boost cooperation in defence, political, trade and economic areas after formal talks between Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz.

The two prime minister held over an hour-long exclusive meeting before they were joined by their delegations. The two leaders signed the 'Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations' and witnessed the signing of other accords that include agreement on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The agreement on 'early harvest programme' would offer special tariff arrangements to 767 items and would form the basis of negotiations on the free-trade area.

Under this programme, all exportable items of Pakistan, including textile goods, surgical and sports goods, vegetable, fruits, rice, citrus and mangoes, will have market access in China with tariff reduced to zero from January 2006, while Pakistan will import machinery and raw material.

Talking to reporters with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, Mr Aziz said the treaty of friendship "institutionalizes the broad-based and multi-faceted relations between Pakistan and China".

The two leaders described the talks 'productive'. Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan-China friendship had entered a new era. Mr Aziz underlined the need for their private sectors to more actively contribute to these efforts.

Mr Wen complemented the sentiments of Mr Aziz and said Pakistan and China enjoyed all-weather cooperation. He said the two countries held similar view on various issues. "The talks marked a new stage in the Pakistan-China friendship," he added and noted a huge potential that needed to be tapped in areas of economy and trade.

Mr Wen said they discussed means to enhance mutual trust and broaden cooperation. He said the two countries resolved the issue of 'early harvest' under the FTA negotiations which, he added, would give a fresh impetus to their bilateral trade.

"I can assure my friends that you (Pakistan) can expect more and more Chinese enterprises coming into Pakistan and vice versa," he said. Prime Minister Aziz said the two countries had agreed to encourage their private sectors to promote mutual investment and enhance flow of goods to boost trade.

He appreciated the strides Pakistan had made in the economic field, saying the conducive investment of the country offered attractive opportunities to foreign investors.

Briefing newsmen about official talks, Pakistan Ambassador to China Salman Bashir said the 'most important' aspect of the talks were the "clear and unambiguous, categorical assurance by China to defend Pakistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity".

Both countries would support each other's efforts to safeguard their territorial integrity, he added. Prime Minister Aziz informed the Chinese side about Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region and the ongoing composite dialogue process with India to resolve their outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the Chinese prime minister extended full support to Pakistan's efforts to see a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Mr Bashir said the two leaders had institutionalized the Pakistan-China strategic partnership by providing modalities and practical mechanism for future cooperation.

He said the agreement on anti-terrorism efforts would further intensify cooperation in this area. The ambassador said that the early harvest programme would quadruple the existing bilateral trade of nearly three billion dollars per year.

He said the conclusion of this programme was a major achievement for Pakistan and the two-way trade would see an exponential growth. Prime Minister Aziz also offered China the energy corridor.

He said the agreements on customs cooperation and in the agriculture field would further strengthen their ties. The agreements signed on Tuesday also included deepening of the Chinese-funded Gwadar port.

Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing signed an accord on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism. Education Minister Javed Ashraf and his Chinese counterpart Zhou Ji signed an accord on executive programme on cooperation and exchanges in the sphere of education.

A framework agreement for naval frigates F22P was signed by Defence Production Minister Habibullah Warriach and Zhang Yunchuan, Minister for COSTIND. Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM, signed the early harvest agreement of Pakistan China free trade area. A protocol on quarantine certification of rice was signed by Food Minister Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan and Li Changjiang, Minister of AQSIQ.

A MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture was signed by Minfal Secretary Ismail Qureshi and China's Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei. Food Minister Sikandar Bosan and Li Changjiang, Minister of AQSIQ, signed a protocol on quarantine certification of citrus.

An agreement on export of live animals to the Middle East and other destinations through Pakistan was signed by Mr Bosan and Mr Li Changjiang. A Pakistan-China IT agreement was signed by IT Secretary Khalid Saeed and Wu Dawei, Vice Foreign Minister of China.

A MoU between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and China Scholarship Council (CSC) on the Pakistan Government-funded students education programme in China was signed by HEC chairman Dr Attaur Rehman and Madam Zhang Xiuqin, Secretary General of China Scholarship Council.

An agreement on economic and technical cooperation was signed by adviser to the prime minister on finance Salman Shah and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM of China. Another agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters was signed by Salman Shah and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

The two countries also signed 'Implementation rules of the agreement between Pakistan and China concerning international road transport'. Communications Minister Shamim Siddiqui and the Chinese foreign minister signed the document.

Export Promotion Bureau chairman Tariq Ikram and Wan Jiefi, Chairman CCPI, signed an agreement on cooperation between the EPB and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

A MoU on the Confucius Institute between National Office for Teaching Chinese as Foreign Language (NOTCFL) and NUML was signed by Brig (retd) Aziz.

NUML Rector Ahmed Khan and Cao Guo Xing, Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, Ministry of Education, signed a related agreement.

The two countries also signed a MoU to begin negotiations on the free trade agreement (FTA) and on other trading issues. Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM, signed the MoU.

A MoU on strengthening of corporate entities of the two countries in manufacturing sector was signed by Privatization Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM.

Addendum No.1 to the agreement for development of Duddar lead zinc deposits in Balochistan for change of performing party was signed by Naseer Mengal, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources, and Chen Yuan, Governor of the China Development Bank. Salman Shah and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM, exchanged letters for the study of Pakistan-China friendship centre project.

ARRIVAL: The Chinese prime minister was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival here on Tuesday for a three-day visit. He was received by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, ministers and senior officials at the airport.

Prime Minister Aziz himself went to the airport to receive the Chinese prime minister, in a departure from routine protocol reflecting the strong and time-tested friendly relations between the two countries.

The formal welcome ceremony was held at the Prime Minister's House. The Chinese prime minister was accorded a 19-gun salute when he alighted from his special plane. A contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented salute to the Chinese prime minister, while an army band played welcomed tunes on the occasion.

The airport was decorated with flags of Pakistan and China and big portraits of presidents and prime ministers of the two countries. The route from airport to the Prime Minister's House was also decorated with welcome banners, bunting and flags of Pakistan and China.

FRUIT EXPORT: Talking to China's Minister for General Administration Li Changjiang, Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan produced a variety of fruits and was now focusing on maintaining international standards to encourage their export.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan produced one of the best oranges, especially kinnoo, and expressed the hope that its export would increase. He said Pakistan took the quarantine issue very seriously and wanted to maintain high quality of its products as it recognized their importance in enhancing export of agriculture products.

The Chinese minister informed the prime minister that he had held useful talks with Food Minister Sikandar Hayat Bosan and they had signed agreements in the livestock sector. - APP/AFP

http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/06/top2.htm


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President Musharraf, Premier Jiabao say friendship enters new qualitative stage

ISLAMABAD, April 6 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday said Pakistan-China relations have entered a new qualitative stage, stating that their multi-faceted ties would not only be mutually beneficial but also contribute to regional stability.

The two leaders, who met at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, observed that a series of agreements and treaty of friendship signed between the two countries on Tuesday, would carry forward their deep-rooted and all-weather relationship to new heights.

During the meeting, they also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern and said they would continue to share and coordinate their views at political and diplomatic levels.

Receiving the visiting leader warmly, President Musharraf said Pakistan and China enjoy long-term strategic ties and their time-tested friendship has been a factor of stability and progress in the region.

http://www.app.com.pk/n18.htm
"Our relations are long-standing, encompassing all spheres and marked by a high degree of mutual trust and confidence," the President remarked.

The President described Tuesday's treaty between the two countries as a step forward from the historic declaration signed by President Hu Jin Tao and President Musharraf at Beijing in 2003.

President Musharraf particularly referred to economic and defence cooperation between the two countries and said Chinese assistance in the construction of Gwadar deep sea port and other development projects in a testimony to Beijing's commitment to region's economic progress.

"The fast-expanding Pakistan-China cooperation in various economic areas will herald closer ties between the private sectors and also strengthen people-to-people contacts," he said.

The Chinese Premier appreciated Pakistan's recent economic turnaround and said consistency of policies has propelled Pakistan to a stable economic stage.

Appreciating Islamabad's efforts for establishment of durable peace and stability in the region, Wen Jiabao said Beijing favours peaceful settlement of all disputes in South Asia.

China has been supportive of Pakistan's initiatives for peaceful resolution of outstanding issues with India including the lingering Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

He said agreements inked Tuesday are not only important because of their number but the substance they would impart to the bilateral ties and set the pace for future cooperation.

Wen Jiabao also expressed his appreciation for President Musharraf's endeavors aimed at addressing the complex problem of terrorism and his emphasis on promoting long-term peace in the world.

The distinguished guest thanked the President, the Government and the Pakistani nation for warm hospitality and reception accorded to him and his delegation.

Later, the President hosted a luncheon reception in honour of the Chinese Premier and his delegation, where the two leaders continued their discussion informally.

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Jiabao, Aziz see youth's role vital in strengthening Pak-China relations

(Updated at 1905 PST)
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Wednesday underlined the role, the youth of two countries can play in strengthening future bilateral relations and cooperation.

"The strengthening of Pak-China relations and friendship, which is deep-rooted and time-tested, lies on the shoulders of the young people of two countries," the Chinese Premier said while addressing the youth of two countries here after planting a tree at Shakarparrian.

A 100-member Chinese youth delegation and the Pakistani youth attended the function, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs.

Wen Jiabao said the plantation of a tree by Chinese Premier Chou-en Lai 40 years back at this place symbolized historic friendship between the two countries.
"This tree has now become a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship, which grows from strength to strength." He said, Pakistan-China friendship has withstood the test time, history and vicissitudes of international situation.

Wen Jiabao, however, added that the future of this relationship is on the shoulder of young people from two countries.

“I have planted a tree here at this place and I believe that in future, it is up to you to plant more trees here", he said while indicating towards the Chinese youth.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the warm welcome given by the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to Chinese Premier shows the strong, deep and all weather friendship, which exists, between the two countries. He said, "after the yesterday's talks we are convinced that Pakistan-China future relations will be a win-win for both countries".

The Prime Minister underlined the establishment and deepening of civil society contacts and people to people links as important to enrich, deepen and expand the historic brotherly and friendly Pak-China relations.

http://jang.com.


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