China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) began its 18th annual session in Nanning, capital city of Guangxi-Zhuang Autonomous Region of China on 10 September. Pakistan is participating in the special category of Partner Country, consecutively for the second time since the 17th session last year. Ambassador Moin ul Haque is representing Pakistan with a large delegation of Pakistani businessmen and officers from Embassy and Guangzhou Consulate General.
Partner Country status is accorded to one country each year, outside China-ASEAN region, for full spectrum participation through representative country pavilion, display booths for businesses, special promotion events and facilitation of country publicity.
A unique feature this year is a high-level ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. Pakistan’s permanent trade pavilion, which has been recently set up in a busy commercial quarter of Nanning Free Trade Zone is also being inaugurated during the Caexpo session.
President Dr. Arif Alvi delivered a pre-recorded video-speech at the inaugural ceremony, together with leaders of China and ASEAN. President Alvi highlighted Pakistan’s close and historic bonds of friendship with China and ASEAN states and conveyed Pakistan’s eagerness to tap the tremendous potential of bilateral and regional trade through such exhibitions. The President remarked that trade and economic links help promote friendly relations between countries and regions. He congratulated China for hosting the mega event and expressed hope that Pakistani exhibitors will take maximum advantage to strengthen their business networking and promote Pakistani products at the CAEXPO.
Pakistan’s country pavilion is displaying prominent cultural and tourist attractions while export items at the business booths include attractive products of textiles, bed linen, sports goods, leather, spices, semi-precious stones, jewelry and a wide range of wooden, metallic and marble handicrafts. Pakistan’s pavilion and stalls are attracting a large number of Chinese and ASEAN businessmen, resulting in B2B meetings and on the spot business deals.
Pakistan and China enjoy close and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1951. Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the People’s Republic of China. Over the years, the relationship has blossomed into an “all weather strategic cooperative partnership”. Pakistan considers China as one of its closest friend and partner and China considers Pakistan as its “Iron Brother”.
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