BEIJING, Oct 24: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday urged the Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan in a big way, strengthening the bonds of ever-lasting Sino-Pak friendship through economic diplomacy.

Addressing the chief executives of the top Chinese corporate sector here at the State Guest House, he said his country provided immense opportunities to the foreign entrepreneurs, especially those from China to establish joint partnership and undertaking profitable business.

There is very favourable business environment in Pakistan, he said while inviting the Chinese business executives to visit his country. He said that the current visit has provided him an opportunity to meet prominent Chinese businessmen.

The prime minister said,” In Pakistan, we have always, admired Chinese skills and felt comfortable working with them”.

“New generation of Pakistani entrepreneurs is keen to take Pakistan to a higher level of performance in business and industry and feels pleasure to work in joint ventures with their foreign friends,” he added.

Mr Gilani said that despite all the changes at international horizon, the two countries have remained steadfast in their solidarity.

He particularly mentioned the role played by the former founder prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in laying the foundation and strengthening the all-weather Pakistan China friendship.

The Free Trade Agreement in goods and investment came into effect in July this year, the prime minister said, adding that both the countries have made good headway in negotiations on FTA in trade and services. “We are likely to sign it by the end of this year.”

The joint 5-year programme for trade and economic cooperation signed by the two sides, gives us an elaborate roadmap for tangible targets. The government has decided to mobilise its resources for the speedy implementation of the programme.—APP