BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani praised the important role play by Chinese enterprises in Pakistani economic development when addressing Pakistan-China Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing Wednesday.

    There are about 120 Chinese companies investing in Pakistan, which employ 10,000 Chinese workers.

    Gilani said Pakistani government attached great importance to the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan.

    He encouraged more Chinese enterprises to invest in energy, transport and telecommunication projects in Pakistan.

    China-Pakistan bilateral trade volume hit 7 billion U.S dollars in 2008 and China is currently the fourth largest trading partner of Pakistan.

    At the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Gilani arrived here Monday evening for a four-day official visit.