Next door: China’s growth beneficial for region: Ping

Exchange of Pak-China intellectuals, faculty, students and media outlets stressed.

China’s economic growth should be seen as a development opportunity by its neighbours.

This view was expressed by Ai Ping, vice-minister of the international department of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee during his visit to the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) here on Tuesday , said a press release.

“Pakistan and China should strengthen their relationship by increasing mutual understanding and building linkages between universities, think tanks, institutions and media organisations,” said Ping, who along with six members of CPC officials visited the IPS.

New generations were gradually taking over at the helm, thus it was essential for them to continue this tradition of friendship with similar spirit, he said.

IPS Director-General Khalid Rahman said that the warmth of Pak-China relationship was not only limited to the governing authorities but it can easily be felt at the grassroots.

Talking about the regional scenario, Rahman said the situation in Afghanistan was one of the main challenges facing Pakistan and China can play a significant role in this regard.

Meeting with CM Shahbaz

Meanwhile Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that relations between China and Pakistan will strengthen with the passage of time, says an official statement.

He was talking to the Chinese delegation at the Punjab House before his departure to China.

Matters of mutual interest as well as bilateral relations were discussed in the meeting.

The chief minister stressed the need for enhanced bilateral trade that will strengthen ties between the two countries as well as create job opportunities. He said that investment by Chinese companies is being welcomed and conducive environment is being created that will help opening up new avenues of trade. Vice Minister Ping lauded the efforts of the government for the development and stability of democracy in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2014.