BEIJING, Nov 17: Chinese leaders from the Xinjiang Autonomous region offered to upgrade their economic ties with Pakistan through Kashgar, a city close to the border area that also connects the two countries with Central and South Asia.

The leaders including the Chief of Kashgar Administration Zong Gian said, "We are prepared to provide all possible facilities to the Pakistani traders to undertake joint ventures for their common benefits. "They were addressing a two-day forum concluded here on Wednesday that was also addressed by Pakistan's Ambassador to China Riaz Mohammad Khan.

They pledged to develop the city as hub of China's trade with its neighbours, saying, "It will provide an open and easy communication network for economic interaction."

Kashgar also share religion, tradition, language and customs with Pakistan and other bordering countries. There are five ports in the city, Khunjrap (with Pakistan) Irkistan (with kyrgyzstan), Turgat (with Kyrgystan), Karasu (with Tajkistan) and an international airport.

They will soon complete construction of export processing zones in border area, Zong said, assuring "They will open the city as a border free trade zone, giving boost to economic activities with the neighbouring countries."

Ambassador Riaz Mohammad Khan said Kashgar provides strong link to develop Sino-Pakistan ties through the land route. Pakistan, he said, is also ready to allow transit trade from Xinjiang using the Karakorum Highway and its ports such as Karachi and Port Qasim.

"With new emphasis in China's policy on the development of its western regions, economic activity between Xinjiang and Pakistan are bound to increase," he added. While admiring China's fast economic growth, he said, "We believe it is a positive factor for peace, stability and progress in Asia and the world."

Referring to the growing economic ties between Pakistan and China, Ambassador Riaz said they have concluded a preferential trade agreement (PTA) last year which is now being expanded.

They have also agreed to start a joint study for establishment of free trade arrangements. The study envisages a phased approach for expanding PTA and lowering tariff for expansion of the bilateral trade, he added. -APP