Pak 'businessman' Prez Zardari in China to cement eco ties

Beijing, Oct 14 (PTI) Giving a fresh impetus to Sino-Pak
relations, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday arrived
here on his maiden state visit for talks to cement the "all
weather" economic and strategic ties with China which he
described as "the future of the world."

Zardari, who took over as President last month, was
received at the airport here by Chinese Assistant Foreign
Minister Hu Zhengyue and officials of the Pakistan embassy
among others. He was also presented a Guard of Honour.

"I am the first businessman President of Pakistan. So we
have a lot of cultural and friendly ties, but that is not
properly depicted by our economic relationship," Zardari told
China's official Xinhua news agency ahead of his arrival here.

Hailing close ally China as "the future of the world," he
said "a strong China means a strong Pakistan."

Zardari said he was looking forward to a long-term
economic cooperation with China and expected to prioritise
economic ties in his talks with the Chinese leadership.

The Pakistan President will be received by his Chinese
counterpart Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People
tomorrow. He is also scheduled to meet Premier Wen Jiabao.

During his four-day stay, Zardari will hold talks with
the Chinese leadership on matters of bilateral interest and
issues of regional and international concern. The two side
will also discuss cooperation in fields like trade,
investment, defence, banking sector, science and technology.

Besides holding talks with Hu and Wen, Zardari will meet
Chairman of National People's Congress (N.P.C.), Wu Bangguo,
and the head of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference (C.P.P.C.C.), Jia Qingling.

Zardari will also meet a number of Chinese business
executives, heads of various financial institutions and
corporate leaders in a bid to woo the Chinese investors.

'The Financial Times', meanwhile, reported Zardari would
seek a soft loan of between USD 500 million and 1.5 billion
from China to help Pakistan overcome its financial crisis.

Zardari also said that he was keen on ways to lead the
country out of the current economic difficulties by enhancing
cooperation with China.

"I'm looking forward to visiting China, I haven't been to
China for the last 24 years. China has changed since I last
was there. I am hoping to remind the leadership of the world
how close our relationships are," he told Xinhua Monday.

The President said he would like to visit China "every
three months", to know more about the Chinese economy and seek
potential cooperation in all areas. He pledged further
cooperation with China in energy, finance and agriculture.

Responding to a question on fight against terrorism,
Zardari said Pakistan and China will carry out close
cooperation in this regard. "We need commonality to fight
terrorism," he said, adding his country was ready for
the impending challenges and difficulties.

The two countries are expected to sign M.o.Us, agreements
and protocols in the fields of economy, energy, space
technology, environment, mass communication and sports during
the visit of Zardari, who is accompanied by Pakistan's Defence
Minister, Minister for Environment and the Deputy Chairman of
the Planning Commission.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi travelled
to Beijing ahead of Zardari for preparatory meetings.

In a statement, Pakistan Foreign Office said "the
President's visit will mark yet another important step forward
in reinforcing the all weather friendship between the two
countries and open up new avenues for bilateral cooperation".
PTI KIM
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