China praises Pakistan's economic progress

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.