Pakistan, China discuss cooperation in maritime, shipping

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs, Ali Zaidi, called on the Chinese Ambassador, Yao Jiang, in Islamabad and discussed cooperation in the field of maritime and shipping industries between the two countries.

The Minister positively evaluated China's anti-epidemic achievements, and thanked the Chinese government and people for their wholehearted assistance and support in the fight against the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic, according to a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy. 

“The epidemic is currently spreading in Pakistan but the Pakistani government has taken active measures to ensure the smooth flow of goods in and out of major ports,” the Minister remarked.  

“Pakistan accords great importance to the projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and we are willing to enhance cooperation with China in the areas of port construction, marine transportation, fisheries and other fields within the framework of the CPEC to accelerate the economic development of coastal areas and benefit the Pakistani people,” he added. 

Ambassador Yao thanked the Pakistani side for supporting China's anti-epidemic drive and said that China and Pakistan remained true friends in trouble and good brothers who shared the same difficulties.

“China is willing to work closely with Pakistan to jointly cope with the epidemic challenges,” he reiterated while appreciating the Pakistan government's provision of port logistics services in the context of the epidemic.

“The China-Pakistan cooperation in the marine field is progressing smoothly and the two sides have broad prospects for cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in the marine field and promote the common development of the two countries,” the Ambassador said.