Zhang Qingli, China's National People Congress (NPC) member and Vice-Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur, China's autonomous region, observed that there were great prospects to develop socio-economic ties with Pakistan. "We have already signed agreements with Pakistan to develop bilateral co-operation, especially in the economic and tourism sectors," he said while addressing a press conference at the end of annual NPC session here at the Great Hall of the People.
Zhang said the two sides could enter joint ventures to use their rich natural resources to speed up their economic and social development. "With plentiful reserves of oil, natural gas, coal and minerals, the region is full of potential," he added.
Zhang said the government had decided to develop tourism into a major revenue contributor. "We have signed co-operative agreements with a number of neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Russia and India, paving the way for organised tours to these countries.
According to the Pakistani officials in Beijing, the country needs to explore all avenues to develop its relations with Xinjiang, with maximum interaction among the businessmen of the two countries.
"Our huge trade deficit with China could only be overcome through the land route trade. In this connection, private sector has to play a major role, since China has adopted a liberal economic policy, after its entry into WTO, an official said.
The Muslim-majority province having a population of about 20 million also provides a strong base, developing China's trade links with the Central Asia States through Pakistan. It also shares borders with Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, India and Afghanistan.
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