ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar expressed confidence that economic and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China will touch new heights in time to come. Addressing opening ceremony of Bank of China Islamabad Branch, he said that China has always supported Pakistan at world fora. He said China is our time tested friend. He especially thanked China and its financial institutions for extending tremendous financial support to Pakistan during difficult times.

Finance Minister said that Pakistan is largely out of turbulent phase. One of rating agencies has also upgraded Pakistan. He said that we are now moving from stability to growth again.

Alluding to China Pakistan Economic Corridor Finance Minister said that work has been fast tracked on corridor project, expressing confidence that in years to come, we will see its benefits reaching common man.

Ishaq Dar felicitated Bank of China for establishing its second branch in Pakistan. He hoped that RMB would soon become parallel acceptable currency in global financial market.