Sun, Nov 26, 2006
Countries Sign Five-Year Trade Deal
A new five-year trade
pact between China and Pakistan includes an agreement to co-develop
military aircraft including Airborne Warning and Control Systems
(AWACS).
The deal was sealed in a meeting between Pakistan's President
General Pervez Musharraf and China's President Hu Jintao last
Friday. Musharraf says it will boost bilateral trade between the
two countries.
Part of the agreement included a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and state-owned Chinese
Electronics Technology Corporation (CETC).
A statement from PAF says the MOU provides "for long-term
collaboration and co-development in the fields of aircraft
manufacturing and other related fields including AWACS."
The statement specifies the two agencies will collaborate in the
improvement and further development of a Chinese Airborne Early
Warning System with the stipulation that "the same may be delivered
to Pakistan in coming years."
Collaboration between the two countries on the development of
military hardware isn't new. PAF is already teamed with China
Aviation Technology Import-Export Corporation (CATIC) in developing
the JF-17 "Thunder," the Pakistani version of China's FC-1 "Fierce
Dragon."
The JF-17 is a light, multi-roll fighter armed with medium-range
weapons and can be used for both air-to-air and air-to-ground
duties. Pakistan will reportedly take delivery of eight JF-17s this
year.
The relationship between China and Pakistan is long-standing
with most of the aid flowing one way. China has helped Pakistan
with such projects as developing nuclear power generation and
building a deep-sea port.
China's Hu said, "We feel proud to be friends of Pakistan and
will further enhance our strategic relationship."
During the trade visit Musharraf took the opportunity to mention
the continuing conflict between Pakistan and India vowing to
resolve the differences. "Success in this endeavor would usher in a
new era of peace and prosperity in South Asia," he said.
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