Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for stronger economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and China during a meeting with the Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Mr. Luo Zhaohui, and his delegation. The discussion, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, focused on further strengthening the long-term strategic relations between the two countries.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari underlined the importance of enhancing collaboration in trade, economy, agriculture, people-to-people contacts, and culture. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing it as a project of immense strategic importance. The President said that Pakistan is fully committed to completing all CPEC projects on time.

Highlighting the significance of Gwadar Port, President Zardari noted that the port would promote regional connectivity and make the transport of goods to China more cost-effective. He suggested undertaking joint training projects to equip human resources with skills to meet the Chinese demand for a skilled workforce.

Chairman of CIDCA, Mr. Luo Zhaohui, briefed the President about CIDCA’s role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development, particularly in health and education sectors. He also emphasized the need to promote tourism and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

The President expressed grief over the recent terrorist attack on Chinese workers in Bisham, assuring that Pakistan would make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese workers and investors in Pakistan. Mr. Luo Zhaohui noted that while enemies of the two countries might attempt to harm bilateral relations, they would not succeed.

President Zardari thanked the Chinese government for its support in Pakistan’s economic development and appreciated CIDCA’s contributions to the rehabilitation of flood-affected people and the reconstruction of schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. He also acknowledged CIDCA’s role in constructing housing units for Lady Health Workers in Sindh and Balochistan.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-China relations through deeper economic and cultural cooperation and a focus on regional connectivity and security.