Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. PHOTO: REUTERS
He expressed the sentiment during a meeting with China's Finance Minister Xiao Jie in Urumqi, China, according to a statement.
The two leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest including ways to further enhance bilateral economic relations. Welcoming Ishaq Dar on his visit to China, Jie said that high level exchanges between the two neighbours have been helpful in furthering the objectives of strong relations.
He also appreciated Pakistan's efforts towards ensuring timely implementation of CPEC projects. He also thanked Dar for Pakistan's support to the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute in Urumqi and expressed the hope that Pakistani professionals will play an active role in making the institute a success.
Dar said that Pak-China strategic relationship is an anchor for regional peace and stability, adding that Pakistan-China friendship enjoys across-the-board political, institutional and popular support in Pakistan.
Congratulating his counterpart on the inauguration of CAREC Institute, he assured of Pakistan's complete and active participation in the institute's activities.
On the sidelines
On the sidelines of his visit, Dar also held a meeting with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao, in Urumqi,China to discuss matters related to ADB-financed development projects in different sectors.
Dar appreciated ADB's support to the CAREC initiative which is helping to bring the member countries closer through cooperation in areas like trade and transportation, according to a statement received here on Friday.
He said that regional connectivity is extremely important for the member countries of CAREC to enhance presently precarious regional trade and economic cooperation between them. He also commended ADB's support to the CAREC Institute, which has established for brainstorming and devising innovative solutions for regional development issues.
ADB President Nakao thanked the minister for his continued encouragement for ADB-supported initiatives in Pakistan and assured increased cooperation in the years to come.
He said that ADB will continue to lend financial and technical support to the CAREC member countries wishing to enhance regional cooperation.
Nakao also highlighted the immense potential for regional connectivity projects in the CAREC region.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2017.
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