BEIJING: In an exclusive meeting with the heads and representatives of the top Chinese think tanks, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, emphasized the significance of the relationship between Pakistan and China and reaffirmed Pakistan’s all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China, which has stood the test of time.
The Minister reaffirmed that as the BRI’s flagship project, CPEC had strategic importance for both China and Pakistan and had provided real benefits to the citizens of both nations. He stated that early-harvest CPEC projects have changed Pakistan’s economic environment, creating a strong base for long-term economic growth. The Minister emphasized that in order to realize Gwadar’s potential as a hub of regional trade and industry, both China and Pakistan should continue to step up their efforts.
He appreciated China’s positive and key role in helping to normalise relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This will give great impetus to regional peace and trade. Ukraine war has proven that conflicts bring shocks for the entire world. Pakistan has seen conflicts too closely therefore it appreciates China’s role in promoting global peace and stability.
Ahsan Iqbal said that China has become Pakistan’s largest investment and trade partner in the last ten years due to CPEC, and both sides are keen to maintain the momentum of overall economic and trade ties in future as well.
The next phase of CPEC envisages industrial cooperation and Business to Business links.
The Minister appreciated the interest of the Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan, highlighting deepening economic and trade ties between the two countries, he sought ideas and suggestions from Chinese think tanks about steps to create conducive environment for Chinese investment in the export-oriented industries in Pakistan and development of Pakistani SEZs and industries on the Chinese model.
He underscored the need to learn from the Chinese experience of export sector development as a permanent solution to Pakistan’s economic crisis lies in fast and speedy growth of exports.
He highlighted the need for joint research projects for Pakistani and Chinese businessmen by think tanks of the both countries for identifying opportunities of mutual cooperation and removing knowledge gaps.
He said 2023 is year of CPEC’s decade and a delegation of Chinese scholars will be invited to Pakistan to observe the progress of CPEC.
The think tanks appreciated Minister’s views and shared their ideas for building Pakistan-China Community with shared future in the New Era.
