Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan Sunday launched four mega development projects in the fields of energy, technology and education under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Both the dignitaries unveiled the plaques of the four projects at a ceremony held here.
Under the first project, a transmission line of 660kv will be laid between Matiari and Lahore to transmit power from coal based plants located at Thar, Port Qasim and Hub. The project will have the capacity to supply 2000 MW with 10 percent overloaded capability for two hours.
The two leaders unveiled the plaque for Rashakai Special Economic Zone (RSEZ) project to promote industrialisation through optimally priced, world-class industrial infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The RSEZ is situated centrally in the CPEC at the junction of Karakoram Corridor and ML-1 development corridor. It is set to become, and will be designed, to be the key trade and logistics hub connecting Kashgar, Kabul and Gwadar on the Belt and Road, and be a high-end host of international commercial, technological and manufacturing hub. The two leaders inaugurated the Confucius Institute at the University of Punjab. The institute mainly provides Chinese education, cultural promotion and cultural exchanges and other projects and activities.
The ceremony also marked the launching of Huawei Technical Support Center to be established in Pakistan as part of Chinese tech giant’s commitment to make massive investment in Pakistan.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan held delegation-level talks with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan. Reaffirming ‘all-weather strategic cooperative partnership’ between Pakistan and China, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and expressed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations in all spheres, including political, economic and trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Recalling his visit to China last month to attend the second Belt and Road Forum, the prime minister expressed satisfaction at the results of the visit and highlighted the significance of high-level exchanges in cementing the abiding friendship between the two countries.
The prime minister appreciated President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative and underscored its significance for greater regional connectivity and sustainable growth.
Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to CPEC, the prime minister highlighted the extension of CPEC into new areas of agriculture, industrial development, and socio-economic uplift. He also stressed the importance of further deepening bilateral economic and commercial interaction, industrial collaboration, and China’s investment in Pakistan’s special economic zones (SEZs).
Reciprocating the sentiments of the prime minister, the Chinese vice president thanked him for the warm welcome and hospitality. He reiterated China’s strong support for the agenda of socio-economic uplift and people-centered development. He also expressed satisfaction at the increasing momentum of engagement between the two countries.
Among other things, the vice president underlined the importance of frequent leadership-level exchanges, CPEC projects in diverse sectors, expansion of bilateral trade in a balanced manner, promotion of investments, and increase in cultural and people-to-people exchanges with a special focus on youth and the media.
The two sides also exchanged views on the regional situation, including recent developments in South Asia. The vice president lauded Pakistan’s constructive approach and new initiatives for forging peaceful and cooperative relations in the neighbourhood. He also expressed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained and successful efforts in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China’s steadfast support in this regard.
The two leaders later witnessed the signing of MoUs/agreements and inauguration of several projects to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse areas. The MoUs/agreements signed on the occasion include: Framework Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation; Memorandum on the Requirements of FMD Free Zone; Letter of Exchange for Disaster Relief Goods; China-Pakistan Economic Agreement; Agreement between CMEC; Government of Balochistan and Lasbela University on Modern Agriculture Comprehensive Development in Lasbela.
Earlier, welcoming the Chinese vice president at the Presidency, President Arif Alvi congratulated him on 70 years of establishment of People’s Republic of China. He underscored that Pakistan and China are linked by deep historical and cultural ties and highlighted that the ‘all-weather strategic cooperative partnership’ enjoys unanimous institutional and strong public support. He added that both countries support each other on issues of their core interest.
The president lauded President Xi Jinping’s visionary Belt and Road (BRI) Initiative. He underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s national development and reiterated the resolve for its expeditious completion. He also underscored the determination to further deepen economic and trade relations for mutual benefit.
Expressing satisfaction at growing cultural ties between the two countries, the president stressed that people-to-people relations are bedrock of friendship between Pakistan and China as they augment bilateral engagements in other spheres of bilateral ties. He lauded China’s constructive role in promotion of peace and stability in the region. Views were also exchanged on recent developments in South Asia.
Reciprocating the warm sentiments, Vice President Qishan conveyed greetings of Chinese leadership and noted that the China-Pakistan relationship continue to grow from strength to strength. He emphasised that bilateral ties are rooted in mutual trust, mutual understanding and shared principles. He reaffirmed China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The meeting was followed by a special investiture ceremony. In recognition of Vice President Wang Qishan’s meritorious services to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship, the president conferred upon him Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civil award.
