BEIJING, Feb 13: China has invited Pakistan to attend its national events organized in Beijing this year, to promote bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector.

Representatives from other regional countries would also participate in the events, providing many opportunities for strengthening tourism industry, said a senior official of China National Tourism Association.

The events also include three separate shows scheduled for March, June and August. The Chinese government has already granted an approved destination status (ADS) to Pakistan to boost cooperation in the tourism sector.

According to a joint declaration signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Pervez Musharraf in November, 2003, the two countries were required to take concrete measures to expand tourism markets and enhance tourism promotion.

The official told APP that China had sent invitations to the relevant institutions in Pakistan through its embassy in Beijing, seeking maximum participation in the exhibitions exclusively arranged for the countries having the approved destination status.

Chinese tourists are enthusiastic to visit the South Asian countries, including Pakistan, especially during their national holidays. "We are getting a favourable response from tourists to visit the countries that have been granted ADS," the official said.

The ADS agreements normally stipulate procedures for processing visas for the nationals of one country to travel to the other country and set other guidelines.