October 07, 2008	Tuesday	Shawwal 7, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Oct 6: The government on Monday launched an economic diplomacy initiative to boost economic ties with China and attract more Chinese investment.

As a part of the initiative, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a meeting at the Foreign Office with heads of Chinese companies engaged in different businesses and projects in the country.

The minister said that Pakistan had developed economic cooperation with China in various fields such as trade, power generation, financial and banking sector and exploration of natural resources.

Mr Qureshi acknowledged the significant role played by Chinese companies in Pakistan’s development and underscored the importance of the corporate sector in boosting the economic and commercial content of the Pakistan-China relationship.

The minister emphasised the need for translating this framework into on-ground project implementation on a fast-track basis.

About President Asif Ali Zardari’s forthcoming visit to China, Mr Qureshi said that during the visit, likely from October 14, the president would hold meetings with heads of Chinese companies and financial institutions.

He assured Chinese companies of the government’s full cooperation for promoting their businesses in Pakistan.