BEIJING: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the conclusion of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing. The two Prime Ministers were accompanied by Ministers and senior officials.
Both leaders reaffirmed the time-tested and strong friendship between Pakistan and China and exchanged views on the myriad facets of bilateral engagement.
The Prime Minister extended felicitations to the Chinese leadership on the successful holding of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum (BRF). Noting the depth and breadth of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Prime Minister said it was of immense significance for the world in terms of connectivity and shared prosperity.
The two sides exchanged views on bilateral collaboration in the context of CPEC and prospects of further deepening economic linkages. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s economy and noted with satisfaction its expansion into new areas of development – including industrial development; livelihood projects; social uplift; and agriculture in line with the priorities of the government. He hoped that Chinese investment in Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs) would expand Pakistan’s industrial base and assist in diversifying its export basket.
Underlining the steady growth of bilateral cooperation since the Prime Minister’s last visit to China in November 2018, Premier Li Keqiang expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum of CPEC projects. He hoped that the conclusion of the Second Phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), would give a further boost to trade and economic relations between the two countries. The two sides agreed to further deepen the political, security, economic, education, science & technology, cultural, and people-to-people relations.
It was agreed to maintain the existing momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues including peace efforts in Afghanistan and peace and stability in South Asia. They also agreed to closely coordinate in their endeavours.
The two Prime Ministers also witnessed the signing ceremony at which the Second Phase of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement was signed. The list of MoUs/Agreements signed/exchanged on the occasion is as follows:
- Second Phase ofChinaPakistan Free Trade Agreement
- Declaration for Completion of Preliminary Design of Phase-I for Up-gradation of ML-1 and Establishment of Havelian Dry Port under CPEC
iii. MoU on Cooperation in the field of Marine Sciences between the China Geological Survey (CGS), Ministry of Natural Resources of China, the Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Science and Technology
- MoU between CIDCA and Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform on Implementation of the Projects under JWG of CPEC on Socio-Economic Development
- China-Pakistan Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement
- Rashakai SEZ Joint Venture and License Agreement between KPEZMDC and CRBC
MULTI-MILLION MAINLINE-1 RAILWAY PROJECT:
Furthermore, Pakistan and China reached an agreement on the multi-billion mainline-1 project of the Pakistan Railways.
Lauding the agreement, Minister for Pakistan Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said, “this is a historic day in the Pakistan Railways’ history”.
He said the project envisages doubling of main rail track between Peshawar and Karachi, which will significantly reduce travel duration as trains will travel at a speed of 160 kilometer per hour.
He said he had signed the feasibility of the project 13 years back.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The meeting was held at the Great Hall of the People. Both the leaders discussed a host of issues, including ties between Beijing and Islamabad, matters of mutual interest and the overall regional situation.
A Pakistani delegation comprising government ministers and officials accompanied the prime minister during the meeting.
Later, the prime minister along with his delegation held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang and discussed bilateral issues and regional matters.
On Saturday, Khan stressed the need for further boosting connectivity under the umbrella of Belt and Road Initiative to promote tourism.
Addressing Leader’s roundtable session of 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Saturday, the prime minister said that project should also consider digital connectivity, mobility of labour and transfer of skills, cultural links and knowledge and innovation connectivity to further expand its scope.
To implement these additional areas of connectivity, the prime minister said that the BRI countries should establish a tourism corridor for cultural tourism exchanges.
They should develop programmes for improving the skills of labour from labour surplus countries to assist the labour deficient countries.
He said we should also create multilingual digital platforms for connecting producers, consumers and skilled job seekers.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan is at the crossroads of important regions and throughout the history, it has played a crucial role in connecting ideas, cultures and commerce.
He said connectivity has been a part of our heritage and the CPEC is giving it modern shape in the 21st century.
Alluding to the Chinese successes, he said the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, has given the BRI vision to break barriers, connect people, integrate economies and share prosperity.
