RAWALPINDI, April 27: President Pervez Musharraf has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to establishing a rail link with China as it would bolster trade and economic ties between the two countries.

He was talking to Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed who called on him after assuming the portfolio on Thursday.

The president asked the minister to improve the quality of rail service in the country and also explore possibilities of establishing a rail link with China as it would provide an inexpensive means of transportation and help augment commerce between the two countries.

The president appreciated the services rendered by Sheikh Rashid as information minister. The minister thanked the president and said he would strive to improve service of the Pakistan Railways.—APP