China and Pakistan have vowed to enhance economic cooperation, and to accelerate the achievement of $15 billion worth of bilateral trade, a joint statement released on Tuesday said.

Both sides are satisfied with current cooperation, agreeing to further strengthen exchanges and communication in the fields of economy, trade. science and technology, and culture among others.

China expressed its readiness to provide full support to Pakistan's economic development. Energy, mineral and mining sectors are among the potential areas of cooperation, said the statement.

China agreed to strengthen cooperation in the financial sector, and to extend more support for projects under the China-Pakistan Joint Five Year Economic and Trade Cooperation Plan.

The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation between economy and trade-related departments and sectors, with the aim of promoting cross-border trade.

Both sides pledged to take steps to upgrade transportation and communication networks, with a view to enhancing exchanges between the enterprises and people in bordering areas.

The parties discussed international and regional issues, and agreed to push forward cooperation in order to safeguard world peace and development.

The joint statement was signed during Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's six-day state visit, which began on April 10 in Hainan Province, where he attended the annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and met with Chinese president Hu Jintao.

During his Beijing visit, he met with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and top political advisor Jia Qinglin, respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2008)