Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi visited Urumqi and Kashi in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from June 25-30 to participate in the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Eurasia Expo. 

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi (left) and Anivar Tursen, Commissioner of the Kashi Prefecture Photo: Courtesy of the Pakistan Embassy in China

In Urumqi, Ambassador Hashmi had a bilateral meeting with Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government. The two sides reaffirmed the significance of Pakistan-China relations and Xinjiang's role as the artery that connects the two countries.

Briefing the governor about Pakistan's efforts to attract investment from China in 13 export-oriented sectors, Hashmi solicited his support in encouraging Xinjiang businesses to further enhance investment and trade cooperation with Pakistan. 

During his stay in Xinjiang, the ambassador was invited by the local authorities to make a number of speeches. Speaking at the "Open Corps" event, organized by Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, he underlined Pakistan's strong natural and human endowments and the increased opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation. In his remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization round table for Digital Connectivity, Hashmi highlighted the importance of digital connectivity for the region and Pakistan's strengths.