Pakistan, China reiterate to further strengthen relations
By Muhammad Ali Malik

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and China reiterated their resolve to strengthen the bilateral relations not only in political but also in economic and commercial fields.
The reiteration was made during the meeting between Federal Minister for Planning and Development Division, Makhdoom Shahabuddin and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui here on Tuesday.
The Chinese ambassador assured the federal minister of his country's cooperation in all on-going and future development projects in Pakistan. During the meeting, both the dignitaries discussed issues of mutual cooperation in economic and development areas and reiterated their resolve to strengthen the bilateral relations. Makhdoom Shahabuddin appreciated Chinese cooperation with Pakistan in various fields of economy. He briefed the ambassador on the reorganization of the Planning Commission so that it can focus on strategic issues in the field of development, adding that the basic purpose behind the reform is to develop a corporate working environment in the commission to serve as a think tank with a strategic focus and global perspective at conceptual and operational levels.
The Chinese Ambassador told the minister that during President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to China, both the sides signed 14 agreements that would further raise the level of cooperation between the two countries. He said that as a trusted ally, China has given US $ 500 million for Pakistan to build its reserves adding that this help came at a time when Chinese economy was itself suffering adversely due to global financial crunch which had negatively impacted Chinese export to Western countries.