China to help Pakistan in Launching First telecom satellite

China

said,that it would provide financial assistance to

Pakistan for launching its first satellite and a memorandum of

understanding in this connection would be signed next week.

Addressing a press conference, Chinese Ambassador Lou Zhaohui said

President Asif Ali ZardariAsif Ali Zardari and his Chinese counterpart Hu JintaoHu Jintao would

meet in New York this month on the sidelines of UN General Assembly.

He said talks between the two leaders would cover bilateral relations

as well as regional and international issues. He said that Pakistan’s

economy had improved over the last one year and security situation too

was improving.The satellite's chief contractor — China Great Wall

Industry Corporation (CGWIC) — said that a Long March 3B rocket will

be used to put the satellite into orbit.
It will launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the

southwestern Sichuan Province.
The company said ground control facilities for the satellite will be

delivered to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research

Commission after it enters orbit.
CGWIC and its sub-contractors are responsible for the design,

manufacturing, final assembly, testing and launch of the satellite.
It will have a life span of 15 years.
Pakistan will use it for domestic telecommunication and broadcast

services.
He said China had already given $1 billion to help improve Pakistan’s

foreign exchange reserves.