17 October 2004	Sunday	02 Ramazan 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 16: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday assured the Chinese nationals working on various projects in Pakistan that 'high level of security' would be provided to them so that they could carry out their duties in a safe and peaceful environment.

Talking to the visiting Chinese Assistant Minister of MOFCOM Chen Jian, the prime minister offered condolences on the death of a Chinese engineer in the hostage-taking episode.

Appreciating the contribution made by Chinese engineers working on the Gomal Zam dam project, he reiterated Pakistan's commitment to fighting terrorism. He said security forces had carried out successful operations against terrorists.

Mr Aziz affirmed the vitality of Pakistan-China friendship. He expressed the hope that with the support of Beijing, the Chinese companies would continue to invest in Pakistan. He pointed out that there were several investment opportunities available in the country. The infrastructure projects alone could absorb $2.5 billion to $3 billion per annum, he added.

The Chinese assistant minister said the government and people of China regarded Pakistan as its all-weather friend and added that they were determined to carry forward the time-tested friendship.

He voiced concern over the hostage-taking episode and expressed the hope that security arrangements for the other Chinese nationals working in Pakistan would be upgraded.

He said that Pakistan-China economic collaboration was progressing smoothly. He said during his stay in Islamabad he would discuss prospects of enhancing the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Chen is leading an eight-member delegation to Pakistan to discuss bilateral economic and trade collaboration.-APP