Pakistan's Ambitions

The perception that Pakistan is a country beset with terrorism is totally wrong, according to Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri. He argues that, unlike what is often seen in the media, the number of people affected by terrorism is "next to nothing" compared with his country's large population. In an interview with Beijing Review reporters Pan Shuangqin and Yan Wei during his recent trip to Beijing, Kasuri addressed a number of issues ranging from terrorism to trade and investment.

Central Asian oil and gas reserves can come through Pakistan to the port of Gwadar and be exported

to Europe or America. The port is not a threat to anybody. Actually, it is a win-win

for China, Europe and America potentially

Beijing Review: Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Pakistan last November. How are the two countries following up his visit to further promote bilateral relations?

Khurshid M. Kasuri: President Hu Jintao paid a landmark visit to Pakistan last November. It was a culmination of our efforts to lay out the architecture for China-Pakistan relations into the 21st century. We are making concerted efforts to follow up and build upon the positive momentum generated by President Hu's visit.

We are making efforts to translate the Five-Year Program on Trade and Economic Cooperation signed during the Chinese president's visit into concrete projects. A joint investment company should be launched this year. We are paying particular attention to attracting Chinese investment to Pakistan and in this regard we are establishing special economic zones for Chinese companies. Our bilateral trade crossed the $5 billion mark last year and we want to further expand it. Negotiations for a free trade agreement in services will start this year. The Joint Economic Commission will meet next month. Efforts are also underway to initiate financial and banking cooperation between the two countries.

In order to further accelerate the positive momentum, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shauket Aziz is scheduled to pay a visit to China in April.

How can China and Pakistan benefit from the free trade agreement signed during Hu's visit?