BEIJING, Aug 1: Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro on Sunday underlined the need to develop existing strategic partnership with China for economic uplift of the two people.

The two sides should shift their focus to the development of the economic cooperation, so that it could match their existing political and diplomatic ties, he said in an interview with APP in Beijing.

Mr Soomro, who arrived here on Saturday night at the head of a parliamentary delegation after visiting three Chinese major cities, Urmuqi, Xian and Shanghai, expressed the hope that the visit would help promote their economic interests.

He said the two countries that enjoy excellent relations on government-to-government level need to fully mobilize their private sector, giving boost to their trade ties. "We believe there is a strong desire on the part of the two governments and the people to strengthen their economic ties as a strategic choice," he added.

We are grateful that China has already extended support in the development of the Karakoram Highway, Gwadar Port, Chashma power plant, Thar coal projects and others. He pointed out that the Chinese companies had undertaken many projects in Pakistan in the energy, railways, mining and other sectors.

Nearly 60 Chinese state corporations and companies have permanent offices in Pakistan. "We in Pakistan are happy over China's impressive economic development. This is due to wise leadership of China and the hard work of Chinese."