LAHORE, Dec 19: China's private and public sectors would double their investment in Pakistan during the next couple of years, according to a federal minister.

Federal Science and Technology Minister Naurez Shakoor, who accompanied the prime minister during his visit to China, told reporters here on Sunday.

He said the government would set up industrial parks where the Chinese investors would be free to make investment and get a number of concessions. This, he said, was like a breakthrough.

The minister said the two countries would also exchange delegations of scientific experts and students. The minister, who is also provincial president of the PPP-Patriots, said President Musharraf would stay in uniform in the larger interest of the country. Musharraf's dual role, he said, would give the country stability.