ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Ambassador in China Masood Khan said Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf discussed energy crisis in Pakistan with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao adding that several Chinese companies were already investing in the country’s energy sector and several dams were also under construction.

Speaking to Pakistan Television (PTV), Masood Khan said Chinese companies were taking an interest in solar and wind electricity generation and the Chinese premier had said that China would extend every possible help in this regard.

Prime Minister Jiabao had also ensured the Prime Minister Ashraf that the Chinese government and corporations would cooperate in every sector of energy, he added.

The other issues that came under discussion were repairing of the Karakoram Highway, overcoming problems arising out of the natural lake formed in Hunza valley at Attabad and cooperation in banking sector, Khan said.

He commented that Beijing was also looking for opening branches of Pakistani banks in China adding that Prime Minister Jiabao had invited Pakistani banks in this regard.

He said both countries had also reiterated to strengthen relations in the defence sector.

Khan said the theme of the World Economic Forum was “Creating the Future Economy” as the world economy was in a state of crisis.

The ambassador moreover remarked that China was part of the world economy and was the only country whose economy was progressing fast.

He said Prime Minister Jiabao addressed the opening meeting of the World Economic Forum today where Prime Minister Ashraf was the chief guest.