ISLAMABAD, Apr 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Saturday said China was Pakistan's all-weather, time-tested friend with the two countries having strategic and close relationship in every field. In a meeting with a delegation of China Mobile Communication Corporation headed by its Chairman and CEO, Wang Jianzhou, here at the Prime Minister House, the Prime Minister said Pakistan's telecom sector has gone through a rapid growth.

He said Pakistan welcomes the Chinese investment in Pakistan's cellular telephone sector and said it would serve as a landmark in their relations.

The entry of China Mobile into the Pakistani market would augur well for further enhancement of economic relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Gilani said.

He said this increase in teledensity in the country has created several growth opportunities and the interest of major telecom companies was acknowledgment of investment friendly environment in the country.

The Prime Minister said the government intends to further improve the investment friendly atmosphere and provide level playing field to investors in every sector.

He said the government wants major investors to make Pakistan as their destination so that they can provide quality services to the Pakistani consumers.

Wang Jianzhou appreciating the support by the government of Pakistan informed the Prime Minister that China Mobile Communications Corporation was launching its brand by the name of ZONG.

He said that China Mobile was the biggest cellular phone company in the world with over 380 million subscribers and investment in Pakistan was company's first foreign investment in the world.

He said the company has invested US$700 million in Pakistan and another US$800 million would be invested by the end of this year keeping in view the business prospects in the Pakistani market and close relations between the two countries.

He said that by the end of this year his company would install 5180 new sites which would cover 90% areas of Pakistan and would provide jobs to around 5000 people.

He apprised the Prime Minister that the company hopes to expand its activities in the country and build its network. He said that the company would also bring new equipment to the country, train people and become an active player in the country's telecom sector.

He also expressed interest for investment in the education and environment sectors which the Prime Minister appreciated.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary Information Technology, Member Telecom, Ambassador of China in Pakistan, Luo Zhaohui, Vice President China Mobile, Liu Aili, Country Manager Pakistan, Qian Li, Gneral Manager of overseas investment of China Mobile, Li Baiqing and other higher officials.