RAWALPINDI: The government of China and its people have always expressed their love for Pakistan and its people and Chinese businesses prefer to invest in Pakistan to boost bilateral trade, said Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong at the inauguration of an event in connection with ‘China Week’ on Wednesday.

The envoy was accompanied by Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Senator Mushahid Hussain while starting off the first day of China Week.

Mr Weidong said that China was Pakistan’s largest trading partner and that Pakistan was China’s second largest trading partner in South Asia.

“Trade volume between the two countries has increased to about $19 billion. CPEC, which is worth $46 billion, is an important project and shows how important Pakistan is for China,” he said.

He said that this year marked 65 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries and reminded those present of Chinese President Xi Jingping’s visit to Pakistan last year when more than 52 projects had been signed by both countries.

He lauded the efforts of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in organising events for China Week and extended his cooperation in organising similar events in the future.

The envoy ended his address by saying Pak cheen dosti zindabad (Long live Pakistan-China friendship) in Urdu.

In his address, Senator Mushahid Hussain said that both countries had a great history of friendship, which had withstood the tests of time.

He said CPEC will help the Pakistani economy get better and will strengthen the country as all four provinces, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will benefit from it.

“The project will draw in more business and investments into Pakistan,” he said.

He urged the business community to play their role in making CPEC a success.

RCCI President Mian Humayun Perviz said the friendship between the two countries is time tested which is why it is referred to as ‘all weather friendship’.

For promoting trade relations between Pakistan and China, RCCI will hold industrial exhibitions in many Asian countries, including China, he added.

Though trade between the countries has increased, there is room for further improvement, he said.

“We must explore new opportunities. Trading in gems, jewellery, marble, poultry, pharma and information technology can bring a lot of investment into Pakistan,” he said.

Trade delegations and business owners are making regular visits to China and this will further strengthen relations between the two neighbouring countries, he added.

Afterwards, the Chinese the envoy visited some of the stalls and stressed on the importance of joint ventures.

Many companies, including Chinese organisations, had put up stalls at the exhibition with some displaying cars and motorcycles and other displaying leather products, garments and other items. A gallery was reserved for an exhibition of Chinese art.

Schoolchildren put on a colourful performance portraying Pakistani and Chinese cultures and music.

Also attending were RCCI senior vice president Saqib Rafiq, vice president Muhammad Aqil Obaid, group leader Sheikh Shabbir, SM Naseem, former presidents, members of the executive committee and other industrialists, traders and business owners.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2016