Pakistan as a close friend takes pride in the unprecedented and rapid socio-economic progress made by China which is celebrating its 58th independence day, said Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, Secretary General, Pakistan-China Friendship Association NWFP.
Although the 58 years are not a longer period in the histories of the nations but how successfully Chinese nation attained these great achievements are laudable.
Syed Nawaz Ali said, "It is remarkable achievement of China that it has developed its economy in the short span of time (20 years) as its growth has more than doubled the economic average of the rest of the world in the country's history".
Tracing history of China's economic strength, Syed Nawaz Ali told APP that China in the past three decades of reforms has maintained an average annual growth rate of 9.6 percent as a result its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached about $2.63 trillion in 2006, ranking fourth in the world. While China's export and import hit $1.76 trillion, making it the third largest trading nation in the world, he added.
Pakistan and China have abiding relationship in diverse fields of life that have stood the test of time over the years. Despite the great changes, which have taken place on the international and regional scene, this relationship has gained strength and vitality.
The people of Pakistan acknowledge China's support in the political, defence, economic, commercial, cultural and other fields. China being a helping hand of Pakistan extended defence cooperation to Pakistan in the hour of need by supplying defence weapons free of cost.
The two countries are also negotiating a free trade agreement aiming at pushing the total trade exchange to $8 billion by the year 2008, an official told. "Our Chinese brothers are celebrating their 58th birthday and with strong economic strength. We as Pakistani also proud of China's friendship considering it as our own strength but we also must improve ourselves in order to get a dignified place in the international community", senior diplomats said.
Pakistan and China have a common interest in acquiring peace and stability of South Asia and have been working together in the pursuit of this objective.
They oppose international and regional hegemony and have been striving for a just international political and economic order. If we look throughout the history, Pak-China diplomatic relations were developed when Pakistan recognised the People's Republic of China in 1950. In 1961, Pakistan furthered relations when it voted for a bill concerning the restoration of China's legitimate rights in UN. China has also supported Pakistan in its two wars against India, in 1965 and 1971, with economic and military assistance.
"The bedrock of our bilateral bonds is a strong faith and trust in each other that we have nurtured with care and devotion", These words of President General Pervez Musharraf reflect the importance of Pak-China relations.
Former Ambassador, Mohammad Akram Zaki said, "The real example of China's support to Pakistan was its contribution of about US $200 million for the construction of the Gwadar port's first phase. While China has assured to support in the second phase of construction".
"China has set up a great example through acquiring economic stability in short period of time and paved the way for other countries to follow their footsteps", he remarked.
Pakistan and China consult each other regularly on international and regional issues and co-operate closely in international forums. Akram Zaki expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries will continue to flourish and strengthen further especially in the new century.