Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who is paying a state visit to China, accepted a written interview by People's Daily recently.

In response to the reporter's question President Pervez Musharraf said, in the 55 years since the establishment of official diplomatic relations, Pakistan and China has enjoyed close relationship. His visit to China is to further consolidate the "all-weather friendship that has endured tests" and cooperation between the two countries. This is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples as well as those of the region and the world as a whole.

Deepen cooperation and upgrade economic and trade relations

One of the key objectives of Musharraf's visit this time is to deepen trade and economic cooperation. He said China is now the world's fourth largest economic entity and China's western region is accelerating development, which provides more opportunities for further boosting the trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

President Musharraf said the two countries signed an agreement on further intensifying the trade and economic cooperation. The agreement will explore new ways to link the west China development strategy to Pakistan's national development plan. Besides, the two countries agreed to set up a joint investment company to expand and upgrade the Karakorum Highway, making it a main trading routeway linking western China and Gwadur Port of Pakistan.

Musharraf briefed about current situation of the bilateral trade and economic relations. He said Pakistan-China trade stands at US$4.255 billion with Pakistan running a large deficit. Both sides are taking measures trying to let Pakistan export more and gradually change the trade imbalance. Starting from this year the two countries will implement the first part of the agreement reached during free trade negotiations. In the next two years, Pakistan will begin exporting to China products such as cotton yarn, fiber, leather, aquatic products and mineral products with zero tariff.

Musharraf believed that one of the key methods of increasing trade between the two countries is to encourage private investment. If China can keep increasing investment in Pakistan the bilateral trade will continue to grow. The Pakistani government will strive to create favorable a free market for investors, maintain the continuity of policy and implement tariff-free policy on exports. Governments at various levels, too, will provide good service for investors. Pakistan expects to greatly enhance foreign direct investment in the country in sectors such as automobile, software, electronics, engineering, petroleum, high value-added products, export-oriented products and agriculture-related sectors.

He said Pakistan hopes China can view it as the manufacturing center of the region, shifting some production capability to Pakistan by encouraging joint ventures, so that Chinese businesses not only can benefit from Pakistan's market but export products to the neighboring regions as well.

Resolutely fight against terrorism, with moderate strategy

Speaking of building Pakistan into an enlightened, moderate and progressive country with a stable economy, Musharraf said, since the 1990s the world has been undergoing unprecedented turbulence. The unfortunate reality is that both criminals responsible for terrorist incidents and most victims are Muslim, which inevitably leads to misunderstanding of Islam. The cruel reality makes every kind person wonder what we will leave to younger generations? The challenges confronted by the Muslim world make us realize that we must extricate ourselves from the trap through individual advancement and collective liberation of social and economic capacities.

Musharraf said an answer to this thorny problem is "enlightened and moderate strategy". He believed the strategy can realize a win-win for both the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds. For the Muslim side they should give up force, stay away from extremism and implement reform for socio-economic rejuvenation. For the other side represented by the United States, they must set their target on justly settling all the political disputes and helping less developed Muslim countries rejuvenate in their development.

He believed, terrorism concerns everyone, directly or indirectly. We have the responsibility to crack down on terrorism. We should fully understand the complexity of the problem and look for correct solution, and by no means link terrorism with religion. He said Pakistan as the victim of terrorism is grateful for the efforts made by the international community in fighting terrorist crimes. Today Pakistan is in the forefront of the battle against terrorism. He emphasized that it's crucial to eradicate terrorism. This is closely linked with questions such as poverty, hunger and deprivation of legal rights, as people see in Pakistan and Kashmir.

Reconstruction and thanks to Chinese aids

Musharraf also briefed on the reconstruction of earthquake-hit areas in Pakistan. He said after the rarely big earthquake the Chinese government and people responded promptly and efficiently by extending highly effective aids to Pakistan at all stages. He believed the care and compassion from China are spontaneous, generous and heart-warming.

In a month or so from Oct. 9 a bridge was built in the air between Beijing and Islamabad, and almost every day a Boeing 747 carried relief materials to the disaster area, not including rescue teams, medical teams and disaster assessment delegations. China donated US$333 million, of which the Chinese government donated US$326.2 million in the form of cash, materials and loan, and mass organizations and businesses, charity institutions and individuals contributed US$6.8 million. Moreover, China also helped Pakistan in earthquake research and forecasting. "We can also learn a lot from China in building national disaster response mechanism." President Musharraf thanked Chinese people for offering help in time of need. He said Pakistan has set up a special department to be responsible for reconstruction in a transparent and account-clear manner.

Insisting on dialogue and promoting regional peace

With regard to the third round of talks between Pakistan and India started at the beginning of the year, Musharraf said Pakistan hopes to find a peaceful solution in line with the will of the people in the region through negotiation. It may be a long and difficult process." But as long as this process is of substantive significance and in a sincere manner, we will follow through." President Musharraf also called on the international community, particularly the concerned countries, to play an active role in settling the Kashmir dispute. "This is of vital importance to maintaining lasting peace and harmony in the region", said Musharraf.

The article on the third page of People's Daily, Feb. 22, is translated by People's Daily Online