Beijing: Trade can be a useful instrument to break free from the legacy of the past and to bring about regional harmony, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Monday, apparently referring to his government's move to step up economic ties with India.
"If we do not establish a regional harmony based on trade, investment and economic growth, we fear we will remain hostage to the past. We can break free of this past," he said while speaking at the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia in China's Hainan province.
Apparently referring to his government's move to restore trade ties with India he said Asian countries should establish regional harmony and sustainable development through increased trade and economic growth.
Gilani was invited take part in the prestigious forum by the Chinese government in which over 2,000 economists, academicians, policy makers and businessmen took part.
Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahuluwali also took part in deliberations. During his trip, Gilani has been making a big pitch for increased Chinese investment.
Besides his meeting with Chinese Vice Premir Li Keqiang on Sunday, he met President of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Lin Zuoming and spoke about the need for translating the all weather friendship between China and Pakistan into a stronger economic relationship.
He wants to push bilateral trade currently stood at around $10 billion to be pushed to $15 billion in the next few years.
He also met President of the Export-Import Bank of China Li Ruogu on the sidelines of the meeting and sought Chinese investment to construct small and medium dams to help Pakistan to meet its agriculture needs.
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