Zardari embarks on three-day China visit

Islamabad, Aug 30: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari today (Aug 30) left for China on a three-day visit which would include a tour of the restive Xinjiang region and a meeting with the country's emerging leaders like Li Kequang.

Zardari would be the first foreign head of state to visit Urmuqi, the capital of Xingjian Uygur Autonomous Region, which has been rocked by violence by separatists Uygur gropes, Beijing alleges are trained in terror camps in Pakistan.

An official schedule of Zardari's visit said, he would participate in the first China-Eurasia Expo being held in Urumqi from September 1 to 5, state TV reported.

Zardari, who visited China six times after taking over as the President in 2008, will be meeting a number of corporate leaders.

Zardari will be accompanied by a high level delegation including Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Defence Minister, Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain, Chairman of Investment Board, Saliom Mandiwala and two daughters of the President are accompanying him, PTV reported.

Besides attending the Expo, which is aimed at strengthening business-to-business linkages between the two countries, the President will meet Chinese Vice-Premier Li Kequang, officials said.

Zardari will also hold meetings with the Chinese corporate leaders including Goldwind, SinaTrans, TBEA, Orient Group, Fotan, Jinchuan Group and China Development Bank.

During the meetings with Chinese corporate sector, the President is expected to discuss the prospects of enhanced Pak-China trade and investment cooperation, with focus on Chinese investment in Pakistan in the areas of energy, infrastructure, communication etc.

PTI