PRESIDENT Pervez Musharraf has pointed out that the existing close multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and China is being translated into deeper trade and economic relations. He made these remarks while talking to Chairman China Mobile Communication Corporation Wang Jianzhou who called on him on Saturday.

The head of the Corporation, who also called on the Prime Minister, was visitingPakistan in connection with the launch of its brand by the name of ZONG. The company has already invested $700 million in Pakistan telecom sector and was in the process of investing another $800 million by the close of the year. This is, by all means, a major investment by a single company in a short span of time and augurs well for further expansion and healthy competition in the cellular sector that has demonstrated phenomenal growth during the last few years. The entry of Chinese company would surely help improve quality of service and offer variety of products at affordable costs to the consumers besides creation of employment opportunities in the length and breadth of the country. This is particularly so in view of company plans to focus on rural areas where there is great scope for expansion of telecom services. China Mobile intends to install 5180 new sites, which would cover 90% areas of Pakistan and would provide jobs to around 5,000 people. This is only a glimpse of the Chinese interest and contribution to the economic growth and development of Pakistan. The friendly country is presently providing valuable assistance in the widening of Karakoram Highway, construction of vitally important Neelum-Jhelum hydro electric project, establishent of University of Science and Technology, Thar Coal development besides cooperation in the fields of defence production. Earlier, it was with the help of China that Pakistan was able to realize the dream of developing the strategically important Gwadar Port that is destined to play a crucial role in the economic development of the country. China is also the only country that is willing providing assistance in the setting up of nuclear power plants and that too at a time when others are engaged in poisonous propaganda against Pakistan and its nuclear programme. We are confident that the forthcoming visit of the President to China would give further impetus to bilateral cooperation.