SHANGHAI : President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday visited Pakistan and China pavilions at the "Shanghai Expo 2010". Speaking at the pavilions showcasing Pakistan and China's historical growth and development through the millennia, he said Pakistan and China's relations are thousands of years old when Buddhism flourished in parts of the world that now constitute Pakistan.

He termed China's rapid economic progress a model for third world countries, adding that Pakistan had a lot to learn from the Chinese model of economic development. The President said today, China is the third largest economy of the world and because of its economic strength, was destined to play a great role in formulation of the 'new world order'. "Indeed the new world order cannot be conceived without China," he said. Zardari said China's pavilion shows the soft power of China that extended to Asia and beyond, adding that Beijing Olympics, this expo and forthcoming Asian Games are great examples of China's soft power. "I am inspired by the remarkable achievements of the Chinese people and the wisdom of its leaders. Pakistan is keen to learn from Chinese experience and economic development model," he remarked.

He said there are great opportunities for Pakistan and China to collaborate. We are keen to learn from Chinese experience in the fields of modern agriculture, industrial development, conservation and development of water resources, as well as urban planning and development, he added. Tens of millions of people are expected to visit the expo and most of them will definitely visit the China pavilion. "I invite you to step out and visit Pakistani pavilion, right next door", the President said. The President said people of Pakistan had a special feeling for Shanghai where the expo is being held, as it was a sister city of Karachi. -PR