China Southern, the largest air carrier in Asia by fleet size, plans to launch a route between Guangzhou and Lahore on August 28. Guangzhou is an important hub of Pakistan-China Cooperative Partnership. Pakistan has its Consulate General in this China’s major city which is source of giving boost to trade and economic ties between the two countries. According to Pakistan’s Consulate General, Guangzhou is one of the main trading centres of China and major economic zone which has provided tremendous opportunities for Pakistani entrepreneurs to increase export of their value added food products. The number of Pakistanis, particularly students has been growing in the recent years. With the launching of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), there was a demand for the direct flight between the two cities. It will facilitate the Chinese companies as well to enhance their cooperative partnership with Pakistan under the CPEC. Meanwhile, the China Southern Airlines is also scheduled to launch direct flights between Guangzhou and Rome on July 13, bringing its European destinations to seven cities. With that addition, the airliner will be running 15 European routes, or 62 flights a week. Published in Daily Times, July 14th 2018.