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Pakistan President to Visit China, a Valued Ally

I hope finally some good things will happen for us & inshallah China will help ! but i must say lol Zardari always has a funny koolaid smile on all the time when it comes to $ !

ME TOO , only thing i like about him, he is termendously funny man.:D
 
Pakistan turns to China for help | China to Pakistan's rescue?
Oct 16th 2008
From the Economist Intelligence Unit ViewsWire

Pakistan asks China for economic aid

Pakistan has turned to China in an effort to stave off a growing economic crisis. On October 14th the president, Asif Ali Zardari, arrived in Beijing for a four-day state visit focusing on economic and trade links between the two countries, including efforts by Pakistan to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in emergency aid. China may well oblige, given that it has huge foreign reserves and would benefit both strategically and diplomatically from its generosity.

Pakistan's problems
Over the past year or so, Pakistan's economy has quickly moved from a rapid rate of growth to a state of crisis. Real GDP growth is slowing sharply, the rate of inflation remains at record highs, the current-account deficit continues to balloon, foreign-exchange reserves are falling precipitously, foreign investment inflows are slowing and the fiscal deficit is surging. The government recently acknowledged that it needs some US$10bn to meet its short-term liabilities. It will raise some of these funds from the World Bank, which has reportedly already pledged US$1.4bn, and the Asian Development Bank—as well as from bilateral donors such as the US, the UK and Saudi Arabia. But with much of the developed world mired in a financial crisis and facing economic recession, cash-rich China is Pakistan's most promising option for large-scale bilateral aid.

Pakistan is reportedly seeking up to US$2bn to deposit in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP, the central bank). Government borrowing from the SBP has reached alarming levels amid a dramatic deterioration in the fiscal position largely caused by increased spending on food and fuel subsidies, a rapid slowdown in tax-revenue growth, and sustained political turmoil that has left the government unable to respond effectively to worsening economic conditions. The government is already cutting development expenditure to try to rein in the fiscal deficit, but its reserves are dwindling rapidly and there is no prospect of an increase in revenue collection in fiscal 2008/09.

As a quick fix, loans from China are seen as especially helpful because they could be deposited in the SBP quickly and directly—unlike offers of additional aid from Western countries, which might require legislative approval in the donor country. But a longer-term solution to Pakistan's economic woes will require more than dollops of borrowed cash. The fiscal crisis has at least pushed economic management, which had previously been a casualty of political in-fighting, to the top of the government's agenda—although even now it must compete for attention with the ongoing security problems in Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. But continued political instability, the general weakness of the government and the global financial turmoil will continue to pose significant risks to the government's ability to mobilise a more direct response to the economic crisis.

Strategic implications
Aside from the economic dimension, Pakistan's decision to petition China for aid has interesting geopolitical ramifications. Pakistan has turned to China in part because the two countries traditionally have had close diplomatic, economic and military ties, which serve their common purpose of balancing India. More recently, both countries have been unnerved by the budding strategic partnership between the US and India, as symbolised by the recent finalisation of the Indo-US nuclear co-operation deal. Indeed, China and Pakistan are reportedly working towards a nuclear co-operation agreement of their own. Many analysts have also emphasised that Pakistan appears to be prioritising relations with China at a time when the US-Pakistan alliance in the "war on terror" is under serious strain.

It would be a mistake to put too much emphasis on the strategic dimension of China's economic aid to Pakistan. For one thing, the US is already giving Pakistan several billion dollars a year—although until recently most of these funds have gone to the military. But with the Western world mired in a massively expensive financial crisis, for now it's hard to see to where, if not to China, Pakistan could turn for help.
 

BEIJING: Following is the text of a joint statement between China and Pakistan issued here on Thursday after the end of formal talks between the leaders of the two countries.

“On the invitation of President Hu Jintao, President Asif Ali Zardari paid a state visit to China on 14-17 October 2008.

President Hu Jintao held talks with President Zardari. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council, and Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, met Zardari respectively.

Talks between the two presidents and Zardari’s meetings with other Chinese state leaders were characterized by traditional warmth, friendship and mutual understanding. The two leaders reached broad agreement on strengthening China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation and on international and regional issues of mutual interest under the new circumstances. The Pakistani president also held wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of Chinese corporations and financials institutions.

The leaders of the two countries reviewed with satisfaction the growth of China-Pakistan relations over the past 57 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. They agreed that the friendship between China and Pakistan has withstood the test of time and practice, notwithstanding changes in the international, regional and domestic environments.

The all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation have become the distinctive features of China-Pakistan relations.

Both sides agreed that it is essential that the two sides make continuous efforts to strengthen good neighbourly relations and friendship, develop mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen strategic partnership of co-operation between China and Pakistan which serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and contributes to peace and development in the region.

Both sides agreed that the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Good-neighbourly Relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Treaty) signed in April 2005 is of great historic and immediate significance, laying a solid legal foundation for the long-term, stable and healthy growth of China-Pakistan relations. Both sides decided to abide by the policies and principles enshrined in the Treaty, earnestly implement the bilateral legal documents signed since the two countries established diplomatic ties and further intensify cooperation in the areas of economy, defence, science and technology, people to people contact, thus constantly advancing the China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation.

China stressed that Pakistan is China’s good neighbour, close friend, dear brother and trusted partner. China will continue to view China-Pakistan relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and make joint efforts with Pakistan to lift China-Pakistan Strategic partnership of co-operation to a new high.

Pakistan stressed that Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy, and friendship with China represents the common desire of all Pakistani people. Pakistan appreciated the strong support and assistance provided by the Government and people of China to Pakistan in its economic development. Pakistan remained committed to continuing its policy of friendship towards China and making unremitting efforts to promote the healthy and steady growth of relations between the two countries.

Pakistan unequivocally upholds the one-China policy and considers Taiwan as an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China and supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to realize national reunification.

China appreciated Pakistan’s long-term and staunch support to China on issues concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s effort to uphold its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and appreciated Pakistan’s important role in promoting regional peace, stability and security and strengthening international counter-terrorism efforts.

Both sides opposed to all forms of terrorism, extremism and separatism, resolved to co-operate with each other to fight the above-mentioned three forces. China conveyed its complete support to Pakistan’s commitment and efforts to fight terrorism and appreciated the sacrifices made by the government and people of Pakistan in this regard.

The two sides agreed that economic co-operation is an important part in the strategic partnership between the two countries. The two countries enjoy great economic complementarity and should fully tap the potential and comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial co-operation in the economic field.

Both sides agreed to fast track the implementation of the Five Year Development Programme on Economic Co-operation and make full use of the Free Trade Agreement in Goods and Investment and Pakistan-China Joint Investment Company. In this regard, they agreed to convene a meeting of Pakistan-China Economic Co-operation Group under the Five Year Development Programme on Economic Co-operation at an early date. They also agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission at the convenience of both countries.

Both sides agreed to enhance co-operation to further develop and boost Pakistan’s Mineral and Energy sectors as well as broaden financial and banking sector co-operation. They also agreed to further enhance ‘connectivity’ by developing new communication links including fibre optic links. They agreed to explore the concept of Integrated Border Management, overland trade and development of trans-border economic zones.

Both sides agreed to maintain communication and co-ordination on major international and regional issues to safeguard their common interests. Both sides agreed to continue to co-operate closely on issues such as the reform of the United Nations, climate change and energy and food security to promote world peace and development.

Zardari offered congratulations to the Chinese government and people on the successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games and the successful completion of Shenzhou VII’s mission. Hu Jintao congratulated Zardari on his election as the president of Pakistan and thanked Pakistan for its valuable assistance in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, China. He also appreciated Pakistan’s support to ensure the success of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics Games. Pakistan applauded the outstanding achievements China has made in the 30 years of reform and opening-up and believes that China’s development will contribute to world peace and prosperity.

Zardari invited Hu Jintao to visit Pakistan once again at his convenience. Chinese president thanked Pakistani president for his kind invitation.

Both sides signed the following agreements and memorandum of understandings (MoUs) during the visit:

1. Agreement on economic and technical co-operation between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

2. Amending protocol to free trade agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

3. Framework Agreement on co-operation in the field of minerals between the national development and reforms committee of the People’s republic of China and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources of Pakistan.

4. MoU on co-operation between the Ministry of Land Resources of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources of Pakistan.

5. Agreement on environmental protection co-operation between the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Environment of Pakistan.

6. Framework agreement for co-operation in the field of radio and television between the state administration of radio, film and television, Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

7. Paksat-1R satellite procurement contract by and between China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).

8. MoU on scientific collaboration in agricultural research and technical co-operation between Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Research Council of Pakistan.

9. Agreement on properties exchange between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

10. Co-operation agreement between Beijing Museum of Natural History of the People’s Republic of China and the Museum of Natural History of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

11. MoU on co-operation between the cricket association of the People’s Republic of China and the Cricket Board of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

12. MoU regarding the project of x-ray container and vehicle inspection system between NUCTECH Company Limited, Tsinghua University, the Ministry of Education of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
 

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan said Saturday that China will help it build two more nuclear power plants, offsetting Pakistani frustration over a recent nuclear deal between archrival India and the United States.

The agreement with China was among 12 accords signed during Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's recent visit to Beijing, said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

While Qureshi gave few details, the accord deepens Pakistan's long-standing ties with China at a time when its relations with Washington are strained over the dragging war against terrorism.

U.S. officials including Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, who arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for talks, have rejected Pakistani calls for equal treatment with India on nuclear power.

Chinese leaders "do recognize Pakistan's need, and China is one country that at international forums has clearly spoken against the discriminatory nature of that understanding" between Washington and New Delhi, Qureshi said. :china:

Zardari met with China's top leaders during his first official trip to Beijing since replacing stalwart U.S. ally Pervez Musharraf as president in September.

China, a major investor and arms supplier for Pakistan, has already helped it build a nuclear power plant at Chashma, about 125 miles southwest of the capital, Islamabad. Work on a second nuclear plant is in progress and is expected to be completed in 2011.

Qureshi said the Chashma III and Chashma IV reactors would provide Pakistan with an additional 680 megawatts of generating capacity.

He didn't say when they would be built or what assistance China would provide.

Nor did he discuss any measures to prevent nuclear materials from the new plants from being diverted to Pakistan's atomic weapons program. Pakistan has placed several other civilian reactors under International Atomic Energy Authority safeguards.

Pakistan's nuclear program remains a sore topic with Washington because of its past record of proliferation.

International sanctions were slapped on Pakistan after it detonated its first nuclear charges in 1998 in response to similar tests by India.

The sanctions were eased after Musharraf agreed to help Washington hunt down al-Qaida terrorists responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.

But the revelation in 2004 that the architect of Islamabad's nuclear program, Abdul Qadeer Khan, had passed nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea set back Pakistan's hopes of becoming a trusted member of the world's exclusive nuclear club.

The U.S.-India deal allows American businesses to sell nuclear fuel, technology and reactors to India in exchange for safeguards and U.N. inspections of India's civilian — but not military — nuclear plants.

Boucher told reporters earlier this month that the pact with India was "unique" and that a similar agreement with Pakistan was "just not on the table."

He said Washington would help Pakistan — where chronic power shortages are contributing to a gathering economic crisis — develop its huge coal reserves, expand hydroelectric power generation and build wind farms on its Arabian Sea coast.

Pakistan, the Islamic world's only known nuclear weapons state, began operating its first nuclear power station with Canadian assistance near the southern port city of Karachi in 1972.
 

ISLAMABAD (AFP) – Energy-hungry Pakistan said on Saturday that China had agreed to help it build two more nuclear power plants in a major boost to the country's long-term plans to end crippling electricity shortages.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced the deal after President Asif Ali Zardari returned from a four-day state visit to China which Qureshi said had been "very significant."

Pakistan, which already has one Chinese-built nuclear power station and another under construction, would benefit from an extra 680 megawatts of energy from the two extra plants, he said without giving further details.

The government has an "energy security plan" envisaging an increase in nuclear power generation from the current 425 megawatts to 8,800 megawatts by 2030 to meet its growing energy demands.

China is one of Islamabad's closest allies as well as its largest arms supplier.

Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme has been under the spotlight since a 2004 confession by Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of its nuclear programme, that he sold atomic secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

Khan was pardoned by then president Pervez Musharraf in 2004 but has been kept at his Islamabad villa ever since, guarded by troops and intelligence agents.

Pakistan has rejected international demands for access to Khan.
 
Objectives of China tour achieved: Qureshi
Updated at: 1730 PST, Saturday, October 18, 2008
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Saturday said progress has been made in civilian nuclear cooperation with China to go ahead with Chashma-III and Chashma-IV nuclear plants to generate additional 680MW electricity and meet country’s growing power demand.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefing the newsmen about the outcome at the end of four-day visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China, said progress has been made towards further enhancing civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

About seeking approval of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for these power plants, the Foreign Minister said Pakistan was fully cognisant of its international obligations.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tareen who addressed the joint press briefing said Chinese companies have been pledged US $1.2 billion in various sectors in Pakistan.

He said the focus was on seeking greater investment on strategic ongoing and future projects in Pakistan, besides greater interaction on steel and cement sectors.

Tareen said talks were held to improve the trade balance, that currently was tilted towards China, with around US $5 billion of exports from China, in contrast to US $1 billion from Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted the several successes of the visit including the pledge to meet much more than the existing resource gap Pakistan was currently facing.

He mentioned the agreement on acquisition of Paksat-IR for Pakistan and a deal to improve agriculture production, improvement of Pakistan’s mineral sector, signing of a Free Trade Agreement on Trade and Services sector by the end of this year.

He said it will make the current FTA between the two countries more comprehensive taking it to US $ 15 billion by 2011.
The Foreign Minister said a meeting of the Joint Economic Commission will be held soon and the newly set up intra-ministerial committee, to be chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari, will meet every month.

He said the President has decided to visit China every three months to promote economic integration.
The Foreign Minister said China has also supported the Friends of Pakistan initiative and would attend the next meeting to be held soon in UAE.

Qureshi said the agreement on scientific and agricultural cooperation will lead to development of institutional linkages with China. He said Chinese banks have been invited to set up branches in banks and said a delegation of four leading banks from China will visit Pakistan soon to work out modalities.

He said the objectives of the visit; to further strengthen bilateral relations with China, deepen economic ties and widen people to people contacts, have been met.

Qureshi said heads of several Chinese companies working on IT, Telecom, energy, mineral development will soon visit Pakistan to work on projects in hydro power, high efficiency irrigation systems.

The Foreign Minister described President’s visit as very significant and pointed to the 21-gun salute, hosting of two banquets and a Joint Statement, that gave the impression that the two countries enjoy deep ties.


:china::pakistan::china::pakistan:
 
Chinese companies offer $5bn investment

BEIJING, Oct 17: Chinese entrepreneurs have offered to invest $5 billion in Pakistan’s defence, banking, oil exploration and mining sectors, develop Thar coal, build Bhasha and Kohala dams and launch PakSat-1R in 2011. The offers were made during meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, who concluded his four-day official visit and left for Pakistan on Friday.

Heads of the business delegations said they were ready to intensify cooperation in defence production, oil and gas, energy, poly-technologies, electronics, hydropower generation and other sectors.

They took deep interest in business, trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Among leading industrialists and business tycoons who called on President Zardari at the State Guest House included chairman of Northern Industries Ma Zhigeng, chairman of Poly Technologies Zhang Liansheng, chairman of the CETC Yan Lijin, president of Sinohydro Fan Jixiang and Liu Minkang of the Chinese Banking and Regulatory Authority.

A delegation of China International Water and Electricity Corporation (CWE) met President Zardari and offered to invest $1.7 billion in Bhasha and Kohala dams.
“We just met President Zardari and the talks focused on Bhasha and Kohala dams,” the deputy general manager of CWE, Jin Zheping, told the media after the meeting.

Mr Jin said CWE was involved in “conceptual development” of Bhasha dam with Chinese hydroelectric power generating groups and also with Wapda, adding that an MoU had already been signed.

Mr Jin said the president had told the delegation that the government wanted Chinese entrepreneurs to visit Pakistan to acquaint themselves with the investment climate.

Ma Zhigeng, the chairman of Norinco, offered cooperation of his company in oil exploration and defence production sectors.

He said that new ventures in oil and gas sectors were also discussed during the meeting with the president.

He said that the company had already invested $30 million in oil exploration which would be further increased.

The Chairman of Poly Technologies, Zhang Liansheng, offered technical assistance and investment in oil exploration and generation of electricity from coal-fired power plants.

He said his company could also play an important role in expanding bilateral cooperation in media and education.

The business leaders said Chinese banks would set up branches in Pakistan to take advantage of the country’s economic growth potential.

SATELLITE LAUNCH: Earlier a spokesman of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), the space industry concern, said that a Long March 3B rocket would be used to put the satellite into orbit. It will be launched from the Xichang satellite launch centre in China’s southwestern Sichuan province.

The company said ground control facilities for the satellite would be delivered to Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) after it entered into orbit.

The satellite will have a lifespan of 15 years and Pakistan will use it for domestic telecommunication and broadcast services.

The president was seen off at the airport by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue.

During his four-day stay, President Zardari held talks with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao on issues of regional and international concern.

The talks focused on strengthening Pakistan-China strategic partnership and cooperation in trade, investment, defense, banking sector and science and technology.The president also met the Chairman of the National People’s Congress, Wu Bangguo, and the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Jia Qingling.

:pakistan::china::pakistan::china: :sniper::usflag:
 
China to provide more N-reactors to Pakistan
* Beijing privately agrees to follow ‘step-by-step’ approach to fulfill Pak energy needs: CBS

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: China has privately agreed to follow a ‘step-by-step’ approach to fulfilling Pakistan’s aspiration for an expanded nuclear energy programme, rather than sign an ambitious civil nuclear programme of the kind recently struck between the US and India, a CBS News report published Friday quoted senior Pakistani and Western officials as saying.

The report said, “Private discussions are believed to have been held on expanded nuclear co-operation” between President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese leaders during Zardari’s four-day visit to China.

It said a senior Pakistani official, privy to the discussions, claimed Thursday China had agreed to “consider further nuclear power reactors to fulfil our needs. The relationship (on the nuclear issue) remains intact”. “There is now a complete understanding on our future co-operation,” he added.

According to the report, Western diplomats said China was interested in maintaining a stable relationship with Pakistan for a number of reasons. “China sees its relationship with Pakistan as a way to counter-balance growing US ties with India,” it said.
Another Pakistani official however told CBS News on condition of anonymity China was eager to avoid a ‘direct confrontation’ with the West on its nuclear energy co-operation with Pakistan. “China is not seeking a head-on clash with anyone. It wants to broaden its relations with Pakistan but without the risk of a stiff US reaction,” the official said.



:pakistan::cheers::china: :guns::usflag:
 
that what we wait wooooooooow its a real friend ship

Dear imran khan, sir
ya, its a real friend ship, and the only one i guss!
the beauty of this friendship is that china never demanded anythingfrom us, but still they are ready to give, whatever we want, i guss even in the case of US-ISRAEL relationship , coudnt match , our frienship with GREAT CHINA.
long live GREAT CHINA.
LONG LIVE chinese people.
LONG LIVE GREAT LEADERSHIP OF CHAIRMAN MAO.:smitten::china::agree:
 

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