Pakistan, China decide to give impetus to bilateral cooperation under CPEC

Islamabad: Pakistan and China have decided to give impetus to their bilateral cooperation under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan.

The understanding was reached at a meeting between Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Minister of International Department of Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon, an official statement issue here said.

During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that Pakistan’s friendship and strategic partnership with China enjoy a broad political support in Pakistan.

He paid tribute to the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping for launching initiatives like Belt and Road, Global Development, Security and Civilization Initiatives which are contributing in creating a peaceful and harmonious world.

On the occasion, Liu Jianchao said iron brother relationship with Pakistan was unparalleled.

Ahsan Iqbal also held a meeting with Li Chunlin, Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in Beijing on Wednesday.

He was accompanied by Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Finance Tariq Bajwa, Ambassador of Pakistan to China Moinul Haque and senior Embassy officials.

During the meeting, the Minister paid rich tribute to the leadership of the two countries for providing strategic guidance to the development of CPEC, which is a flag-ship project of BRI.

He highlighted that CPEC had not only been central to Pakistan’s economic growth, it had also contributed to regional connectivity and development. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to smooth and high-quality development of the next phase of CPEC with a greater focus on the development of industrial parks and Special Economic Zones.

Vice Chairman Li noted that during the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China, leadership of the two countries reached important consensus to advance CPEC development and NDRC was working hard to implement the leadership’s direction.

The Minister mentioned that 2023 marked the Decade of CPEC and the strong partnership between Planning Division and NDRC. Recalling the signing of CPEC Framework Agreement in Beijing on 5th July 2013 in the presence of leadership of the two countries, the Minister informed that the Government of Pakistan was planning to hold special events to mark this milestone and invited Chinese leadership to attend.

In this respect, he also extended invitation to Chairman NDRC to visit Pakistan and as well as hold a special session of CPEC Joint Coordination Committee on this occasion.

The Minister sought strong support of NDRC and other relevant Chinese government institutions to advance implementation of the ML-1, KRC and key energy projects in line with the leadership consensus. The two sides expressed satisfaction on the completion of some key projects at Gwadar Port and agreed to continue the momentum for making it a hub of international trade and regional connectivity. The Minister remarked that Pakistan greatly valued contributions of the Chinese IPPs in helping Pakistan achieve energy security and informed the Vice Chairman about the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to facilitate their projects. Vice Chairman, Li Chunlin appreciated the contributions of Minister for the advancement of CPEC and his support to NDRC over the years and assured him of NDRC’s long term commitment to the common objective of high quality CPEC development. Noting that the 11th JCC meeting had paved the way for fast track implementation of CPEC projects, the two sides agreed to start preparing for the 12th JCC and to hold technical Joint Working Group meetings on a regular basis every two months to ensure closer coordination. On Minister’s proposal, the two sides reached consensus to set up Expert Groups on enhancing Pakistan’s export potential and development of Special Economic Zones and industrial parks on the basis of the Chinese experience. Minister also requested Vice Chairman’s support and guidance in the development of high-tech industries based on his own experience of working in Shaanxi province.

Separately, Assistant Chinese Foreign Minister Nong Rong called on Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives in Beijing.

Minister Iqbal congratulated Nong Rong on his appointment as AFM and appreciated his contributions for strengthening bilateral ties, advancing CPEC development and promoting the cultural linkages between our two countries during his tenure as Ambassador to Pakistan. The Minister also conveyed greetings on the successful conclusion of Two Sessions, wishing the new leadership complete success and expressing confidence that Pakistan- China friendship will touch new heights under the new leadership.

The Minister noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of BRI and launching of CPEC and hoped that the two countries could jointly organize a series of events to mark this milestone. In this regard he informed that Pakistan was planning to hold a special summit with participation of Chinese leadership. AFM Nong Rong fondly recalled his stay in Pakistan and committed to continue working for strengthening China- Pakistan relations.