Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said the government is trying to transform traditional foreign policy into economic diplomacy to give new boost to trade and economic relations with neighbours and friendly countries.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad Thursday‚ he said unfortunately our political and economic relations with friendly countries including China and Middle East countries do not reflect our level of relationship with these countries in terms of trade.
Ahsan Iqbal said the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China said has provided new base for expanded strong economic relations as it was focused on the economic development of the country.
He hoped this visit will strengthen Pak-China relations and boost economic growth of Pakistan.
The Minister said a number of important agreements were signed during the visit of Prime Minister which will pave way for rapid economic development of the country.
He said an institutional framework has been constituted to review the economic and trade corridor between China and Pakistan. He said a committee has been set up in this regard which will hold its meeting after each six months to review the progress on the projects signed during this visit.