Beijing expresses desire to promote Pakistani exports to improve balance of trade

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says Beijing has expressed the desire to promote Pakistani exports to China by allowing import of more Pakistani rice and improve the balance of trade between the two countries and support Pakistani agriculture.

Speaking at a joint Press Stakeout in Islamabad on Monday evening along with his Chinese Counterpart Wang Yi, he said we had a good overview of our commercial, bilateral trade and investment opportunities. He said we also signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding that will further facilitate bilateral cooperation in different fields.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the two sides agreed to have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of OIC Session of Council of Foreign Minister. He said we concluded a comprehensive review of our bilateral relations, the regional challenges and the evolving situation in Ukraine.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister said we discussed the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan and Chinese Foreign Minister is of the view that we can revisit because of the changed environment within Afghanistan, which would support regional integrity and prosperity.

On counterterrorism, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said both sides have agreed to have a coordinated approach in dealing with organizations like ETIM, TTP, who have been destructive and a menace for peace and security.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister thanked China for its unflinching support in the Financial Action Task Force. He said Pakistan is appreciative of China's consistent support to see Islamabad out of the grey list. 

The Foreign Minister also thanked China for announcing to deposit two billion dollars with the State Bank of Pakistan.

Talking about evolving situation in Afghanistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said there is once again an opportunity for initiating the trilateral process between China-Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said he would soon be visiting China on the invitation of his Chinese Counterpart to participate in the meeting of immediate neighbours of Afghanistan.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister said it is the first time that a Chinese Foreign Minister is going to participate in the OIC CFM, which reflects special relationships between Pakistan and China. He said Pakistan is appreciative of the fact that China is desirous of collaborating with the OIC and developing a better understanding with the Islamic countries.