Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Saturday termed the China-Eurasia Expo and Media Forum in Urumqi a ‘very important and historic occasion’ that would open new corridors of communication among regional countries.
Speaking to Chinese state television, Awan said these initiatives would help promote bilateral trade and open up new investment avenues. She said President Zardari’s attendance demonstrated the importance the Pakistani government attached to regional cooperation. She said the revival of Silk Route had been the forum’s agenda.
She predicted Xinjiang would become a hub for regional trade, with Pakistan its closest partner. She said the agreement between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and its Chinese counterpart was a step forward in trade cooperation with China.
Addressing the forum on Thursday, Chinese Vice-Premier Lt Keqiang said the pace of opening up inland regions to the world would be quickened and Xinjiang would spearhead the drive.
Dr Awan appreciated her Chinese counterpart Wang Chen for inviting her to attend the forum. She said the media forum organised with the trade expo was a positive development since media is a great marketing tool.
Addressing the Ministers of Information Forum, Chinese State Council and Minister for Information Wang Chen said Chinese and regional countries must prioritise developing new media to counter Western media hegemonies.
“Exchange and cooperation in news and media would promote cooperation between China and its neighbours,” Wang said.
Dr Awan said she agreed with Wang Chen to develop a uniform regional media policy. She said she wanted to host the next forum meeting in Pakistan. She said the Pakistani government recognised the role of a vibrant media and did not interfere nor manipulate the working of media. “The government has encouraging public-private partnerships and private media outlets are thriving in Pakistan,” she said.
However, she said the rapid development of media in Pakistan meant capacity building and orientation programmes for the media personnel should be offered, for whom Chinese support was needed. She said Pakistani and Chinese media had played a pivotal role to strengthen socio-economic ties between the two countries. She said the frequent exchange of media delegations between the two countries would help further economic and defence cooperation since journalists would better understand each other’s history and cultures.
The media forum was attended by delegates from Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan besides host China and expressed their points of view on mutual cooperation.
