BEIJING, Aug 4 (INP): A Chinese government official has said that the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) will create more opportunities for extensive and in-depth trade cooperation between Pakistan and China. The arrangements for the expo are well underway, the event is to take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center on November 5th in Shanghai. Gao Zhiqiang, head of the Sales and Marketing Department ofChina’s International Import Expo Bureau has said that Pakistanand China’s economies are complementary to each other and this has been testified by close business and trade relations. Business and trade relations between Pakistan and China have intensified in recent years and as long as companies from both countries are willing to engage in more extensive and in-depth corporation then more opportunities will emerge from these interactions. While briefing a delegation of foreign journalists from Asian and African countries about China’s first upcoming International Import Expo, Gao Zhiqiang said the China International Import Expo will create opportunities in the areas of business, trade, culture and people to people exchange. The official said that less developed countries can also benefit from this opportunity. Ms. Zhong Xiaomin, Deputy Director General of the China International Import Expo Bureau has informed journalists that it is a significant move for the Chinese government to hold the CIIE to give firm support to trade liberalization and economic globalization and actively open the Chinese market to the world. It facilitates countries and regions all over the world to strengthen economic cooperation and trade, and promotes global trade and world economic growth in order to make the world economy more open. We have also made supporting policies for developing and less developed countries. Enterprises from over 100 countries and regions are expected to participate in the first CIIE and so far, companies from 80 countries have confirmed their participation for the exhibition. The CIIE will facilitate participation in terms of customs clearance, inspection and quarantine, provide long-term one-stop transaction services online and offline, and strengthen protection of intellectual property rights to safeguard the rights and interests of merchants, she added. It is estimated that 150,000 domestic and foreign professional purchasers will participate in the expo. Zhong further explained that the expo is a major decision made by the Chinese government to promote opening up at a higher level and is also a major step taken by China to actively open up its market to the world. This will be a platform where countries can showcase their development achievements and enjoy equal opportunities of cultural and business exchanges. INP/J/AJ