Pakistan and China Forge a Stronger Partnership: Prime Minister Sharif Embarks on a Mission to Enhance Economic Cooperation
In a significant development, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, is set to embark on a pivotal visit to China in the upcoming month to officiate the commencement of the second phase of the transformative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This grand initiative, valued at a staggering $60 billion, aims to bolster the economic foundations of both nations.
Prime Minister Sharif's scheduled departure for China on June 4th underscores the importance accorded to this visit. However, the precise date remains subject to potential adjustments. The CPEC project, a linchpin of bilateral ties, connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan province with China's Xinjiang province. It has drawn India's objections due to its passage through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
CPEC: A Catalyst for Infrastructure, Energy, and Collaboration
The inaugural phase of CPEC focused on infrastructure and energy development, laying a solid foundation for future progress. As CPEC-II unfolds, the spotlight will shift towards agriculture, the revitalization of Pakistan Railways' Main Line-I, fostering business-to-business partnerships, and the strategic realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
Pakistan Seeks Knowledge and Expertise from China
During a meeting with Chinese company representatives, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan's keenness to harness China's wealth of experience in promoting its IT sector and boosting exports. Acknowledging the pivotal role China has played in Pakistan's development journey, particularly during challenging times, he expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese leadership and people.
Ensuring the Safety and Security of Chinese Personnel
Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese workers and citizens in Pakistan. Thousands of Chinese personnel currently contribute to various projects under the CPEC umbrella, and their well-being remains a paramount concern. The government has implemented robust security measures to safeguard their presence, including the formulation of a comprehensive security plan.
Pakistan Embraces China's Agricultural Innovations
Recognizing Pakistan's agrarian roots, Prime Minister Sharif expressed a desire to leverage China's advanced agricultural technologies to enhance productivity in this vital sector. He extended an invitation to Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan's electric and hybrid automotive industries, among other promising sectors.
Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting: Paving the Way for New Corridors
A meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), co-chaired by Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and China's Vice Chairman of the National Development Reform Commission, Li Chunlin, marked another significant milestone. The Pakistani delegation expressed appreciation for China's visionary decision to expand CPEC's scope in its second phase, including the introduction of five new corridors.
These corridors, unveiled by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng last year, encompass the Growth Corridor, Livelihood Enhancing Corridor, Innovation Corridor, Green Corridor, and Opening Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor.
Pakistan's Commitment to CPEC's Success
Minister Iqbal underscored Pakistan's readiness to collaborate closely with China in refining the scope and implementation plan for these corridors. He emphasized the ongoing progress in developing four priority Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Rashakai SEZ, Allama Iqbal Industrial City, Dhabeji SEZ, and Bostan SEZ. Seeking to emulate China's success in this domain, he invited China to share its expertise in SEZ development.
The decade-long journey of CPEC has witnessed the successful completion of numerous energy and infrastructure projects, paving the way for sustained economic growth. As the second phase of CPEC unfolds, Pakistan and China stand poised to deepen their economic partnership, leveraging innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision of prosperity.
