ISLAMABAD (The NEWS) Pakistan has been invited to take part in 14th Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Fair commencing in the historic Chinese province, Xinjiang's, capital city Urumqi on the 1st of next month. Pakistan is expected to take part in the fair in a big way.

Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui while taking exclusively to The NEWS here said that the fair would greatly help boost bilateral trade between the two countries.

"China is keen to further promote economic cooperation and trade with Pakistan in the interest of economies of the two countries since we have remarkable history of ties in various fields. The multifaceted relations will keep on flourishing", the envoy said.

He said that the fair to be held from September 1 to 5 would include special Pakistan pavilion. It would provide an opportunity to the business people of the two sides to interact for the mutually good of their traits and spheres of activity.

According to sources the exhibition would be like a single country exhibition. Hundreds of Pakistani businessmen are likely to attend the fair and make their roots in the Chinese market. It would be an opportunity to develop business links with the Central Asia states and other neighboring countries.

Xinjiang region has 17 ports open to the outside world. The Urumqi Fair with its more than ten years of history eyes to become the most influential economics and trade fair in the Mid-West Asia region.

The sources pointed out that Kashi in Xinjiang on the Old Silk Route has established a border trade market with Pakistan to facilitate business activities between the two sides, The market, covering an area of 1,700 square meters, is located on the Khunjrab Pass near the China-Pakistan border.

In partnership with Pakistan, the border trade market would be open every Tuesday and Wednesday. "In the future, we will take measures to improve policies and facilities relating to the market and gradually develop it into a free trade area between China and Pakistan", said an official.