Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf left for China on Monday to attend the meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) being held at Tiajin from September 10 to 13. Finance Minister, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and other officials are accompanying the Prime Minister during the visit. Talking to media persons at Chaklala Air Base, the Prime Minister who is on his first ever visit to China said the WEF is important forum to interact with world leaders, economic experts and heads of international financial institutions.
He said he will also interact with Chinese leaders especially the Premier of China and discuss all range of issues relating to co-operation in trade, economic and energy sector. China is trust worthy friend and always supported Pakistan in all odds and difficult times, he said. The Prime Minister said, "Pakistan is proud of its ties with China as Pak-China friendship is higher than Hamalays, deeper than oceans and sweeter than honey."
He said issue of Gwadar port and more co-operation in energy sector will be especially discussed by him during his meeting with Chinese leadership.
The Prime Minister, on the sideline of WEF, will hold bilateral meeting with Wen Jiabao, the Prime Minister of China. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with other head of the governments invited to the forum. He said he will also interact with CEOs of prominent Chinese companies and business leaders besides interaction with the Chinese media during the visit. The Prime Minister will lead discussion during the 'Business Interaction Group on Pakistan'. The session will be moderated by WEF Head of Asia as approximately fifty (50) corporate leaders are expected to attend the session. The Prime Minister will also be discussion leader during the informal gathering of World Economic Leaders.