Chinese embassy in Islamabad and its Consulate office in Karachi issued 52,000 visas to Pakistanis during 2013 to promote ‘people-to-people’ contacts and mutual exchanges.
There was 20 percent increase in the number of visas issued, as compared to the corresponding period, stated the Chinese ambassador in Islamabad Sun Weidong at media’s get-to-gather, held here at the Chinese embassy last night.
China, he said sees bright prospects of further growth in their bilateral relations in all areas of common interest in the year 2014.
With the joint efforts of the two governments, their strategic partnership was getting stronger with the passage of time. The bilateral trade volume has surpassed dollar 10 billion. The growth in the trade was around 16 percent as compared to last year (2012).
Both the governments, the ambassador said were focusing on development of all-round and comprehensive partnership to meet the common aspirations of their people.
Highlighting the achievements in further development of their bilateral ties, ambassador Sun said that they have successfully moved ahead starting construction of economic coordinator, besides taking major steps further strengthening bilateral cooperation in other socio-economic fields.
To a question, he said China was supporting Pakistan for the development of its nuclear power energy resources, in order to overcome the country’s energy shortage.
He said Pak-China bilateral cooperation in the security and strategic field also showed positive outcome during the year. The two countries are working together in development of peace process in Afghanistan.
China, he said fully stand by Pakistan in safeguarding its security and territorial interests.
About further strengthening of ‘people-to-people’ contacts, the ambassador hoped that the number of bilateral exchanges/visits at the various levels will further increase in the new year.
He said Chinese companies are being encouraged to actively take part in the economic development of Pakistan, having maximum investment for a win-win situation.
He further said, China supports Pakistani government’s efforts in solving the energy shortage, and will deepen the energy cooperation with Pakistan. The two sides agreed to deepen financial cooperation, jointly implement the cooperation in the fields of agriculture, marine, aerospace, public health and education, promote exchange and cooperation between the two militaries,
One of the most important achievements of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit was to build China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. A Joint Cooperation Committee was working on the Long-Term Plan for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
He said, Pakistan is a great country with enormous potential and a bright future. We are proud of having Pakistan as our friend. We believe Pakistan will become strong and prosperous through a developing path catered to its national situation.
