By Asad Cheema
ISLAMABAD:The Minister for Economic Affairs Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar on Wednesday underlined that Pakistan and China are strategic partners and both countries supported each other on the issues of their core interest. He said this in meeting with the China’s newly appointed Ambassador Mr. Nong Rong who called on the Minister for Economic Affairs Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar. The Minister for Economic Affairs congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment to Pakistan and hoped that Pakistan-China ties will further deepen and strengthen based on his experience and professionalism.
During the meeting, Pakistan-China economic relations, cooperation in fighting COVID-19, CPEC, and matters of mutual economic interests were discussed. The Minister for Economic Affairs appreciated the assistance extended by Government of China to fight the pandemic. It was discussed that the strategic partnership should set the basis for strong economic partnership. The Chine Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is transformational initiative in this regard.
The Minister stated that the agriculture is one of the key sectors for the Pakistan’s economy and emphasized that Pakistan and China should deepen and expand co-operation in the agriculture sector under CPEC umbrella to enhance productivity and value addition.
