By Kamran Raja
Chinese Ambassador calls on Farrukh Habib, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting
Islamabad .
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Nong Rong called on Farrukh Habib, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in his office today.
They exchanged felicitations on the successful completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. Minister of State told the Ambassador that China is iron brother and all weather friend of Pakistan which always stood by Pakistan in difficult times. Karakoram Highway is a testament of our strong friendly relations. People of Pakistan have very favorable sentiments for China and keep Pakistan, China friendship in high regards. Farrukh Habib also congratulated H.E. Nong Rong on the completion of 100 years of the establishment of Communist Party of China (CPC).
He also thanked the ambassador for the Chinese help to Pakistan in wake of Covid Pandemic and on the provision of vaccine. Farrukh Habib praised Chinese quick response to Covid which saved many precious lives. He further said that Pakistan’s response to Covid, under the leadership of Imran Khan, was effective and was also praised by WHO.
The State Minister said that BRI is a great initiative of regional connectivity of which CPEC is a flagship project. Farrukh Habib apprised H.E. Nong Rong about the Allama Iqbal Special Economic Zones in Faisalabad and said that the special economic zone has great potential for Chinese investment. Necessary infrastructure in Allama Iqbal Special economic zone has already been developed, he told further. The minister of State also called for the need for Pakistani and Chinese companies to undertake Joint Ventures in textile sector. Farrukh Habib also highlighted the need for city to city cooperation, research and cooperation on social protection programs between China and Pakistan. The world in large and Pakistan in particular can learn a great deal from China on how it successfully brought 700 million people out of poverty.
The Minister of State expressed pleasure over the extension of CPEC beyond infrastructure development to social and agriculture cooperation.
The Minister of State emphasized the need for cooperation and close coordination between Pakistan and Chinese Media Industries. There are already MoUs signed between PTV and CCTV, APP and Xinhua. Both countries need to extend the cooperation to film industry, the State Minister further said.
The Chinese Ambassador said that Pakistani media has played an important role to disseminate information regarding CPEC, dispelling propaganda from countries hostile to CPEC. Chinese ambassador also emphasized on strengthening B2B cooperation and said that trade is a good beginning for all kinds of cooperation.
Minister of State Farrukh Habib appreciated and praised the vision of President Xi Jinping for regional connectivity and promotion of trade. He also extended an invitation to H.E. Nong Rong to visit Faisalabad.