国内英语新闻:Pakistani president encourages Chinese to invest in Pakistan

HANGZHOU, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said Saturday his country welcomes Chinese investors.

    Zardari made the call during his visit to Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, the first leg of his ongoing China tour.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari (C, front) attends the Forum on Pakistan-Zhejiang (China) Trade and Investment Opportunities: Current Co-operation and Future Prospects in Hangzhou, capital of east's China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 22, 2009.

With the gradual recovery of its economy, Pakistan is making efforts to explore new international markets and remove barriers for investment and trade so as to attract more foreign investment, Zardari told reporters in Hangzhou.

    Zhejiang is one of the Chinese provinces which enjoy close exchanges with Pakistan. A total of 43 Pakistan companies have their businesses in Zhejiang, yielding fruitful results in silk, water conservation, agriculture, among others, according to Zardari.

    Zardari said his country will introduce a package of favorable policies for businesses in Zhejiang to invest in Pakistan, which will inject a new vitality into its economy.

    Officials from Pakistan's investment promotion departments said Chinese investors are needed by Pakistan's agriculture, hydro power and energy sectors. The infrastructure alone will require an initial investment of 110 billion U.S. dollars.

    Chinese fruit preservers can also play a crucial role in Pakistan as about 40 percent of Pakistan's fruit can not be moved to other places due to the lack of freezing vehicles, according to Pakistani officials, who commented on the basis of anonymity.

    Zardari was paying his fourth visit to China since taking office last September.

    He attributed his frequent visits to the intent of bringing back home China's experience in development.

Guests attend the Forum on Pakistan-Zhejiang (China) Trade and Investment Opportunities: Current Co-operation and Future Prospects in Hangzhou, capital of east's China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 22, 2009.