BEIJING, Jul. 2 (INP): Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi recently visited Urumqi and Kashgar cities of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China to boost economic, cultural ties, Gwadar Pro reported on Tuesday. In Urumqi he participated in the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Eurasia Expo last week and held meetings with local political leadership and business enterprises.The Ambassador had also a bilateral meeting with Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of the people's government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.  The two sides reaffirmed the significance of Pakistan-China relations and Xinjiang’s role as the artery connecting the two countries. Briefing the Chairman about Pakistan’s efforts to attract investment from China in 13 export-oriented sectors, Ambassador Hashmi solicited his support in encouraging Xinjiang businesses to further enhance investment and trade cooperation with Pakistan, especially in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, mining, and logistics.

During his stay in Xinjiang, the Ambassador was invited by the local authorities to make a number of speeches.  Speaking at the “Open Corps” event, organized by Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), he underlined Pakistan’s strong natural and human endowments and the increased opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation. The Ambassador addressed round tables both in Urumqi and Kashgar in agriculture, textiles and logistics, with support from the local authorities. Separately, he interacted with various business enterprises individually in the 13 priority sectors identified.  Ambassador Hashmi traveled all the way to the land border between Pakistan and China to hold discussions on integrated border management and arrangements for all-weather route along the Khunjerab pass. In order to further promote academic exchanges, Ambassador Hashmi visited Xinjiang Normal University and got briefed on the Urdu Language Center and interacted with Pakistani students.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China