PM Abbasi reaches China

Premier will speak at Boao Forum

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has reached China in connection with the Boao Forum Annual Conference for Asia, Radio Pakistan reported.

The conclave has been organised on the theme of an open and innovative Asia for a world of greater prosperity, the Foreign Office said. PM Abbasi will be one of the keynote speakers.



Others slated to address those present include Chinese President Xi Jinping. The premier will also meet other leaders on the sidelines of the event.

Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) will conclude in the city of Hainan on April 11. The forum brings together leaders in government, business and academia in Asia and other continents to exchange ideas on the most pressing issues in the region and the world at large, according to their website. It is also committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries even closer to their development goals.

Signing of MoUs

In a ceremony held in Sanya, China the PM and Li Yanming, Vice President of POWERCHINA Limited witnessed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Inter-State Gas Systems (ISGS) of Pakistan and Power China for the laying of North-South Gas Pipeline. The pipeline will serve as a secure and continuous supply of affordable gas in areas currently showing increased demand for power generation and industrial use.



The premier also witnessed signing of another MoU between Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Power China for construction of up-country deep conversion oil refinery and laying of crude oil pipeline. This will help in reducing costs of petroleum products currently being transported via road from refineries in southern parts and also ensure uninterrupted supply.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khalid, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing and senior officials were also present on the occasion.