ISLAMABAD, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan-China Institute launched Chinese language classes here on Monday, in a move to provide opportunities to businessmen and other professionals who are interested in doing business in China.

Speaking at the event, Pakistani Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani said he is happy about the commencement of the Chinese language classes by the important think tank in Pakistan, adding that the Pakistan-China friendship has been mutually beneficial for the two countries in strategic and economic terms.

Mushahid Hussain, head of the Pakisan-China Institute, said it is important to enhance people-to-people contact between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing said language is the vehicle of basic understanding, and that the commencement of Chinese language classes will bring closer cooperation between Pakistan and China, adding that by overcoming the language barrier, both peoples will better understand each other's culture.

The Chinese language classes started eight years ago in Pakistan schools, and the newly launched one is the second phase of such classes for businessmen, academics, and intellectuals.