PM Imran arrives in Beijing to attend Winter Olympics on a four-day visit

Beijing: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has arrived in Beijing on a four-day official visit to attend ceremony of Winter Olympics and meet the Chinese leadership.

He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, and Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, National Security Advisor Dr Moeed Yusuf, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razzaq Dawood and Special Assistant on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Khalid Mansoor.

Besides attending the ceremony of Beijing Olympics, the prime minister will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang to discuss host of issues.

During the visit, a book titled ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor - Investment Opportunities in Pakistan,’ will be presented to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and businessmen.

Meanwhile, prior to departure, the accompanying ministers termed the prime minister’s visit to China of great significance.

In a statement, FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the Prime Minister's visit to China will help promote high-level exchanges and expand bilateral relations in diverse sectors. He said several Chinese companies are desirous of making investments in Pakistan. 

In his video message, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar expressed confidence that Chinese investment in Pakistan will further increase with the Prime Minister's visit.

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said the Prime Minister, during the visit, will propose the Chinese leadership to relocate their industry in Pakistan's Special Economic Zones for a win-win situation besides extending assistance in agriculture.

In a video message, National Security Advisor Dr Moeed Yusuf said the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss ways to promote peace in Afghanistan.

The adviser said Pakistan and China will make joint efforts to ensure that terrorism is not carried out from Afghanistan; rather the country becomes an opportunity for trade.