Hyd to be focal point of Chinese investors: Envoy

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (INN): Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to India, Zhang Yan stated that, 'Hyderabad will be the focal point for Chinese industrialists and investors as well as visitors. More Chinese leaders and delegations will be visiting Hyderabad in the days to come. This city has emerged as the hub of pharmaceutical industries, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Research and Development organisations. We recognise this factor.'

Mr Zhang Yan had earlier led high-level delegation which called on Chief Minister K Rosaiah, at Secretariat. Mr Zhang Yan, a senior Chinese diplomat has been working as his country's Ambassador in India since 2007. Earlier, he worked in Chinese embassies in the United States, Switzerland, Vienna, United Nations and so on.

Mr Zhang Yan said that this was his first visit to Andhra Pradesh and his delegation was impressed by the progress made by the State, especially enamored by the beautiful International Airport at Shamshabad, the Hitec City, a number of IT companies and historical monuments in the city. He said that a "China Week" will be celebrated in Hyderabad in connection with the 60th Anniversary of establishment of India-China Diplomatic Relations. He said that this would be an opportunity for creating awareness about China among the people here. He said films about China and its achievements on various fields will be exhibited on the occasion. Mr Zhang Yan said similar Indian exhibitions will also be held in China during the year.

Mr Zhang Yan expected a big boost to India-China ties in different fields like Education, Culture, trade, industry, IT, BT and Agriculture. 'We are fully aware of the importance of Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad and the rapid progress made by you in different sectors and let us together move on for mutual cooperation in these fields'.

The Chief Minister said that 'India and China are two emerging super economic powers in the world today. We have a time-tested relationship. We are neighbours. There was vast scope for expansion of relations. Our State is number one in many fields like Pharmaceuticals, IT, BT, Education, Research and so on. We invite the Chinese industrialists and investors to come to Andhra Pradesh. There are vast opportunities here. Come and invest. I see more people from India and AP are going to China but not many from China are coming to India and AP. Hence, I invite more people from China to visit AP and explore the opportunities to invest here. We will extend all assistance and cooperation to them'.

The Chief Minister also requested the Chinese Ambassador to include Hyderabad in the itinerary of the Chinese Prime Minister's forthcoming visit to India. He told Mr Zhang Yan "Just go round. You will find Chinese furniture in almost all houses in Hyderabad. Hyderabad is the pharmaceutical capital of India. Some of the pharma companies have established their units in China. Your country should make it easy to enter Chinese market for Indian companies, particularly the Pharma industry."

The Chinese Ambassador extended an invitation to the Chief Minister to visit China. 'Sir, we would be happy to welcome you to our country. Our Government extends an invitation to you and request you to visit China at the earliest.'

The Chinese Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Zhang Yizhuo, Attache, Chinese Embassy in India, Mr Huang Zhigang, First Secretary, Ms Guo Xiaoqing, Secretary to the Ambassador, Ms Chen Wangxia, wife of the Amabassador and other officials. Adviser to State government, Mr Peter Hassan, the Principal Secretary, Industries, Mr B P Acharya, the Principal Secretary to CM, Mr Sam Bob, and other officials were also present.