Xi addresses welcoming banquet ahead of Asian Games in Hangzhou

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Sat, 23 Sep 2023, 7:39 PM

BEIJING, Sept 23 (APP): Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a warm welcome to international dignitaries attending the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games at a welcoming banquet on Saturday noon in Hangzhou, East China’s Province of Zhejiang Province.

China will deliver a great event that is distinctly Chinese, uniquely Asian and spectacular. The cauldron for the Asian Games will be lit again in China on the Autumn Equinox, a day symbolizing harvest and reunion in Chinese culture. China has fulfilled its promise and spared no efforts in advancing the preparation for the 19th Asian Games, President Xi Jinping said Saturday, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

As proven in Xi’s important remarks, the Asian Games that is set to stage a magnificent opening ceremony on Saturday night, will not only be a grand sports event but also is an important diplomatic venue for China to convey its friendly and firm message to the world and add impetus to the global peace and stability, Chinese analysts noted.

As of press time, Xi has met with visiting foreign leaders including King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste on Saturday and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday.

Xi underscored that the Asian Games carries Asian people’s aspirations for peace, solidarity and inclusiveness, while calling for efforts to promote peace through sports and transform Asia into an anchor for world peace.

Asian countries should adhere to good neighborliness and mutual benefit, and reject a Cold War mentality and camp-based confrontation, Xi stressed.

As members of a community with a shared future, Asian countries should adhere to good neighborliness and mutual benefit, reject a Cold War mentality and camp-based confrontation, and make Asia an anchor for world peace, Xi said when addressing the banquet.

Asia has maintained overall stability and rapid and sustained economic growth over recent decades. The Asian Games has been a witness, participant and contributor of this Asian Miracle, Xi said.

Looking around the world, Asia is no doubt the most vibrant, most prosperous and most stable region globally, which brings about hopes to the globe. Asia has set the benchmark and example for world peace and inclusiveness, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Saturday.

Although the US is not named, Asia countries should remain vigilant against external forces represented by the US and its alliance thinking and practice of extreme confrontation, as they would create tremendous crisis in Asia and jeopardize the regional stability as proven in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan as well as in Ukraine, Chinese analysts warned.

The 19th Asian Games is set to mark new records for participation and the number of events, which demonstrates Asian people’s great anticipation and firm support for the Games, Xi said.

The Hangzhou Asian Games is by far the largest, and has the most events and broadest coverage in history, Chen Weiqiang, Executive Secretary of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC) and the main spokesperson for the Games, said during Friday’s news conference. Around 12,500 athletes from 45 countries and regions are taking part in the Hangzhou Asiad, a record high in Asian Games history.

As humanity is faced with unprecedented global challenges, the Asian people must seize historic opportunities and work together to tackle these challenges. Xi called for promoting peace, solidarity and inclusiveness through sports.

On solidarity, Xi said as humanity is faced with unprecedented global challenges, the Asian people must seize historic opportunities and work together to tackle these challenges so that Asia can embark on a broader path of common development, openness and integration.

On inclusiveness, Xi said the Asian Games, with many unique sporting events of Asia, offers a stage where sports and cultures enrich each other, and vividly shows how Asian cultures learn from one another.

He stressed the efforts to promote inclusiveness through sports, enhance confidence in Asian civilizations, uphold communication and mutual learning, and add new glory to Asian civilizations.

Xi wished guests have an unforgettable time in Zhejiang Province and a fond memories during the Games.

Dr. Gohar Eijaz for economic growth, industrial development in country

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 23 Sep 2023, 7:33 PM

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KARACHI, Sep 23 (APP): The Caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production Dr. Gohar Eijaz conducted a series of pivotal meetings at the Governor House here Saturday for taking significant steps towards addressing critical issues and advancing economic growth and industrial development in the country.

In his first meeting, the minister was engaged in a constructive dialogue with the Chairman of the Trading Cooperation of Pakistan (TCP). He was briefed about the TCP’s concerns and challenges, which have impacted the efficiency of trade operations in the country.

Recognizing the importance of a robust trade ecosystem, the minister emphasized the interim government’s commitment to bolstering exports, enhancing Pakistan’s global competitiveness, and facilitating trade growth.

Furthermore, the conversion of industrial areas in Korangi and Landhi into modern industrial parks was discussed at length and the establishment of cold chains in Multan and Korangi was underscored as a key initiative to improve the agricultural productivity.

In his second meeting, he met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association (PPMA). He commended the pharmaceutical sector for its exceptional performance as one of Pakistan’s most dynamic and successful industries, playing a pivotal role in exports.

The meeting focused on the hurdles impeding pharmaceutical exports, including regulatory challenges and market access issues. The minister emphasized the importance of market development initiatives and committed to providing assistance for the timely issuance of urgent business visas for pharmaceuticals.

The minister was informed about the potential of exporting nutraceutical products from Pakistan to global markets which will be a great boost for exports.
In the third meeting, the caretaker minister was engaged with representatives from the Marine Fisheries Department,

Karachi Fish Harbour and fisheries exporters. He was apprised about the concerns of the Fisheries Department and the underlying reasons hindering seafood exports. The focal point of the discussion was the urgent need to install Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets, a critical step to address the United States’ ban on shrimp exports from Pakistan.

Additionally, Dr. Ejaz emphasized the importance of maintaining clean and hygienic conditions at the Karachi Fish Harbour to meet international export standards. This includes the stringent criteria for exports.

The minister was also informed about the untapped potential of exporting squid, octopus, and cuttlefish to China, offering an opportunity to enhance Pakistan’s presence in the Chinese market.

Thee meetings were marked by proactive discussions, reflecting interim governments unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges presented and effectively implementing proposed initiatives.

Pakistan, China sign MoU to establish mechanism for academic exchanges, joint research

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NNPS Desk

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Sat, 23 Sep 2023, 6:48 PM

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BEIJING, Sept 23 (APP): The National Defence University Pakistan and Grandview have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish mechanisms for active collaboration for academic exchanges, joint research and sharing of experiences.

Pakistan Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Moin Ul Haque and Mr. Ren Libo, Founder and President of Grandview Institution, Ren Libo signed the agreement at a ceremony held at the Grandview Institute.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Haque said that National Defence University (NDU) is a prestigious institution of higher learning and strategic thought providing key inputs for shaping Pakistan’s defense and foreign policies.

He also appreciated the Grandview Institution as a vanguard of scholarship and diplomacy which contributed significantly to global affairs.

Ambassador Haque noted that this MOU was part of the two countries’ efforts to build linkages between think tanks and universities, which would serve as platforms for further strengthening relations between the two countries.
In his speech, Ren Libo expressed his desire to enhance engagement with the Pakistani side.

He further reiterated that the two sides should plan and execute joint projects under the agreement for practical cooperation in this regard.