Zardari in China to seek urgent cash

The President said he would like to visit China 'every three months' to know more about the Chinese economy and seek potential cooperation in all areas.

Pakistan and China will sign at least 10 agreements and MoUs to further reinforce cooperation in trade, counter-terrorism, commerce, industrial development, banking and power sector during President’s four-day visit to China.

The two countries may also finalise details to further strengthen cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy. China helped Pakistan construct a 300-megawatt nuclear power plant at Chashma, which went critical a few years ago, while another plant of similar capacity is currently under construction at the same site.

Pakistan has decided to purchase scanners, arms and other equipment from China instead of the US to combat terrorism and the issue will come under discussion during visit.

The Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, and Environment and the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission will accompany the President.

Zardari will meet his counterpart Hu Jintao, Chairman of National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Jia Qinglin.

Agencies add: President Zardari was given a very warm welcome when he arrived here Tuesday on his maiden state visit to hold talks with the Chinese leadership, giving renewed impetus to the already existing strong and time-tested bilateral bonds between the two countries and cooperation in various fields.