Pakistan takes pride in China’ unprecedented progress

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan as a close friend takes pride in the unprecedented and rapid socio-economic progress made by China which is celebrating its 58th independence day, said Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, Secretary General, Pakistan-China Friendship Association NWFP.
Although the 58 years are not a longer period in the histories of the nations but how successfully Chinese nation attained these great achievements are laudable.
Syed Nawaz Ali said, “It is remarkable achievement of China that it has developed its economy in the short span of time (20 years) as its growth has more than doubled the economic average of the rest of the world in the country’s history”.
Tracing history of China’s economic strength, Syed Nawaz Ali told APP that China in the past three decades of reforms has maintained an average annual growth rate of 9.6% as a result its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached about US$ 2.63 trillion in 2006, ranking fourth in the World.
While China’s export and import hit US$ 1.76 trillion, making it the third largest trading nation in the world, he added.
Pakistan and China have abiding relationship in diverse fields of life that have stood the test of time over the years. Despite the great changes which have taken place on the international and regional scene, this relationship has gained strength and vitality.
The people of Pakistan acknowledge China’s support in the political, defense, economic, commercial, cultural and other fields.
China being a helping hand of Pakistan extended defence cooperation to Pakistan in the hour of need by supplying defense weapons free of cost.
The two countries are also negotiating a free trade agreement aiming at pushing the total trade exchange to US$ 8 billion by the year 2008, an official told.—Agencies