CPEC transformed into strategic partnership between Pakistan, China: PM Imran Khan

PM Imran Khan asserted that a new area of cooperation [between China and Pakistan] is agriculture.

BEIJING (Dunya News) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday vowed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led federal government would ensure implementation of effective measures to facilitate investors in Pakistan.

He addressed Pakistan and China Investment Forum in Beijing, and pledged that Pakistan’s government would eradicate all hurdles which resist foreign investors from investing in Pakistan.

Specifically, he praised Chinese investors for having foresight in terms of investment by stating that they were well aware of in which country to invest.

PM Khan has emphasised that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has transformed into a strategic partnership between Pakistan and China and encompasses more areas of cooperation.

He said CPEC, that was considered a network of roads and a few power projects, has now blossomed into various areas of cooperation.

He said a new area of cooperation [between China and Pakistan] is agriculture, while calling it backbone of Pakistan.

He said Chinese help in seed and agriculture development would help increase Pakistan’s agricultural productivity manifold. “It will also increase growth trajectory in order to improve lifestyle of our people.”

“During today’s meetings with Chinese president and premier, the issue of Chinese assistance in Science and Technology to Pakistan also came into discussion. We want to learn from Chinese expertise in information technology and other areas,” he added.

He said that following his experience of Road and Belt Forum for two days, he has came to a conclusion that the forum would evolve into much bigger thing that even Chinese leadership would not have realised.

“The concern among all participating countries in the forum was regarding climate change, and how to mitigate its adverse impacts,” he continued.

“Pakistan is among one of the countries that have taken revolutionary steps to survive in the environment of climate change. Pakistan planted a billion trees to make the areas greener and to control the effects of changing climate,” he went on to say.

Regarding the peace process in Afghanistan, the prime minister said it would help increase connectivity between Pakistan, central Asia and the entire region. “We are now engaged in helping the peace process in Afghanistan. There is a prospect of peace in Afghanistan after many years and Pakistan is playing its part in bringing Taliban and Afghan government representatives to sit together to resolve this decades old conflict.”

Referring to India, he said we [Pakistan] hope that Indian general election is soon concluded and there is no incentive for Indian politicians to get votes on anti-Pakistan sentiment. “We want to build a civilised relationship with our Eastern neighbor and there is a possibility that if we can resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, things can improve.”

He also invited Chinese businesspersons to visit Pakistan and explore the investment opportunities in various sectors. “Pakistan is looking towards relocation of Chinese industry in Pakistan. Pakistan is blessed with a youth bulge and its future is very bright.”

He concluded that the new government has been giving incentives to Chinese businessmen. “Pakistan has become a secure country, thanks to efforts and sacrifices of our security forces and intelligence agencies.”

Deals worth more than $64b signed as part of BRI

Chinese President Xi Jinping, while addressing a roundtable conference on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Beijing, urged the need to expedite work for basic infrastructure and industrial development to meet the challenges of economy being faced by the world.

President Jinping urged opening borders among the countries for boosting trade and to upgrade the living standards of people.

He said BRI is an important forum for the economic development of the entire region. He also called for joint efforts to meet the challenges of climate change.

Mr Jinping said market principles will apply in all Belt and Road cooperation projects and that his signature initiative to recreate the old Silk Road joining China with Asia and Europe will deliver green and high-quality development.

In his closing remarks, the Chinese president said this cooperation would enjoy higher quality and brighter prospects.

He hailed deals worth more than 64 billion dollars, signed during the second BRI Forum meetings.

Total value of projects in the scheme stands at 3.67 trillion dollars, spanning countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and South America.