SHANGHAI, Nov. 5 (INP): The highly anticipated third China International Import Expo kicked off in Shanghai, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Thursday.

This year's CIIE surprised visitors with international debuts of hundreds of new products, technologies and services.

Pakistan, with its products, made its debut at the expo. President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi addressed the opening ceremony of the CIIE held at Shanghai through a special video message.

In his address the President praised the special and unique Pakistan-China relations which have stood the test of time.

He congratulated the Chinese people who under the leadership of President Xi Jinping had successfully dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic.

He expressed appreciation for the organizers of the Expo for arranging the event in challenging circumstances of COVID-19.He also recalled his solidarity visit to China in March 2020 during the peak of COVID-19.

The President said that the third phase trial of COVID-19 vaccine was being conducted in Pakistan with Chinese collaboration and the vaccine will not only benefit Pakistan but the world at large.

He said that as Pakistan had handled COVID-19 well without closing the industry, its economy improved.

The President further added that CPEC, a flagship project of BRI, was forging ahead successfully. In the first phase it focused on the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Now in its second phase development of social sector, agriculture and establishment of industry were at its core.

Special Economic Zones were being established in Pakistan to attract investments from China and the rest of the world. Foreign investment in the country will provide jobs, improve people's livelihoods and help in poverty alleviation in Pakistan.

INP/javed