During a significant meeting in Beijing, Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, a key figure in the Pakistani government, hailed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game-changer, revolutionizing social and economic development in Pakistan. Speaking during a roundtable conference held under the CPEC framework, the Prime Minister highlighted the substantial progress made in Pakistan’s social and economic landscape, crediting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the CPEC projects for boosting productivity, enhancing the ability to fulfill people’s needs, and facilitating government debt repayments.
Emphasizing the tangible outcomes of the CPEC collaboration, Kakar stated that the initiative had significantly augmented Pakistan’s societal and economic outlook over the past decade. Investments totaling $25.4 billion have poured into the country, spearheading Pakistan’s economic growth and welfare. The Prime Minister underscored the transformative nature of CPEC, pointing out that it had facilitated a smooth path to advancement, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable sections of society.
In addition to economic achievements, Kakar stressed the significance of Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with China, highlighting that the bond between the two nations goes beyond mere trade partnerships. He reassured that Pakistan would not allow anything to jeopardize the strong Pak-China ties, emphasizing mutual trust and understanding as the cornerstones of their relationship.
During the Prime Minister’s visit, a groundbreaking agreement was reached, further strengthening the economic ties between the two countries. Reports indicate that a Chinese company will establish a consortium named “Pakistan Consortium,” which will undertake various projects in collaboration with Pakistani companies. Under this agreement, the Chinese company will establish the Pakistan Consortium and import diverse products from Pakistan, including red chili and meat, among others, boosting Pakistan’s exports significantly. Additionally, the Chinese company will initiate joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts, fostering cooperative initiatives that promise mutual economic benefits.
The visit also saw a high-level roundtable conference in Beijing, presided over by Prime Minister Kakar. Leading thinkers, scholars, and researchers from both China and Pakistan actively participated, discussing various aspects of the CPEC initiative. The conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing experts to share insights on the project’s progress, challenges, and future endeavors.
This visit marks a milestone in the Pak-China economic partnership, signaling a deepening collaboration and reinforcing the countries’ commitment to mutual growth and prosperity. The agreements made and the discussions held during this visit underscore the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, emphasizing their joint efforts toward a more prosperous future.