The Times of India reports that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has been urging the Chinese government to invest in Pakistan, offering his country’s ports for Chinese trade:
“Pakistan can be a transit to all trade to and from China. Your strength is our strength and our strength is your strength,” Zardari said during a seminar at Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, a major trading centre… Describing China as the world’s “next super power for trade and investment,” Zardari on his fourth visit to China since assuming office in last September asked the Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in his country, the APP reported.
“My country welcomes Chinese investors,” Zardari said, adding with the gradual recovery in its economy, Pakistan is making efforts to explore new international markets and remove barriers for investment and trade.
Zadari has also been a vocal supporter of China’s actions during the Xinjiang Riots:
“We are glad that the situation in Urumuqi has been brought under control. We believe that China’s policy of social harmony and development is producing great results for all Chinese people,” Zardari told Chinese journalists before his departure from Islamabad on Friday.
“China is Pakistan’s all-weather and time-tested friend. We greatly value our cherished friendship,” Zardari.
Though Pakistan is awaiting massive doses of financial assistance from the United States, it also wants China to act as a counter-weight against Western influence by coming up with a sizable economic assistance package. It is not clear if Chinese leaders will fall for Zardari’s political bait.
See also past CDT posts on Pakistan relations.
