Waheed Ahmed (Former Ambassador): Pak-China relations are friendly and CPEC is a hallmark of the friendship between the two countries. The economic linkages between China and Pakistan have strengthened with the time. It is a timely visit of the President Asif Ali Zardari to China keeping in view the changing dynamics across the globe. The newly elected US President Donald Trump is taking certain measures that could change the regional scenario. The US President is well known for his controversial statements against other countries. The US policy makers would not solely depend on Trump’s decision as Donald Trump has already warned European countries and Canada. In this situation Russia and China could establish a block to counter the US controversial policies towards the South Asian region. 

Dr. Talat Shabbir (IR Expert): It is a timely visit of the President of Pakistan to China as the President held important meetings with high Chinese officials. A number of MoUs and agreements have been signed between the two countries. The visit is a message to the entire world that both China and Pakistan are time-tested friends. The focus of the visit is on the completion of development projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor project. The leadership of the countries stressed upon the promotion of business to business relations. It is good development that the business community is also accompanying the President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistani businessmen will have meetings with Chinese businessmen. The export-led growth is vital for the economy of the country and the incumbent government is making all out efforts to improve the exports sector. The need of the hour is to encourage ease of doing business in the country in order to attract foreign direct investment.