BEIJING, Sept 7: The deputy chairman, Planning Commission, Dr M. Akram Sheikh, on Wednesday said Pakistan would benefit from Chinese experience and expertise in preparing its future development plan. Sheikh, who is here to attend the 21st Century Forum 2005 in Beijing, said the two countries would strengthen their collaboration in achieving their economic targets, ensuring sustainable development in a scientific way.

Sponsored by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the forum focused on Sustainable Development — China and the World.

It was inaugurated by Premier Wen Jiabao who assured his country’s support to the international community for developing mutually beneficial cooperative relationship.

In an interview with the APP, he said Pakistan is negotiating with the Chinese side for undertaking joint ventures in the manufacturing sector and training of skilled workers. Pakistan has already developed a long-term partnership with China in the field of higher education, he added.

Pakistan also decided to collaborate with China in urban development, he said, adding China has made great progress in recent years for establishing a sustainable society, laying great emphasis on improving the socio-economic life of its people.

He said China’s fast development is encouraging for developing countries like Pakistan to develop their future plan accordingly.

Akram Sheikh said Pakistan will launch a 25-year plan in June, 2007, setting the direction and priorities for future economic development in various sectors. “We want to adopt a technology-oriented approach in achieving the desired results,” he added.

To a question, he said Pakistan has shown remarkable economic growth in recent years both in the agricultural and industrial sectors. “This is the result of viable and rationale economic reforms introduced by the government,” he said.—APP