Pakistan and China to launch health, industry, trade, green and digital corridors
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen partnership across multiple levels, cementing mutual strategic, diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
The two leaders appreciated the finalisation of a number of agreements and memorandum of understanding in the fields of trade, infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture modernisation, science and technology and socio-economic well-being of local people.
PM Imran Khan returned to Islamabad on February 6 after wrapping up a successful visit to China. Khan congratulated the leadership and people of China on the successful hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics, extended his best wishes on the Chinese Lunar New Year and renewed his invitation to President Xi to undertake a visit to Pakistan at his early convenience.
After completing the tour, the prime minister, along with his delegation, returned to Islamabad.
PM Khan said he had a “great meeting” with the Chinese president. “We agreed to further enhance our strategic and economic relations and to fast track the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” he said.
Khan lauded China’s continued support to Pakistan’s socio-economic development that had greatly benefitted from the high-quality development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also welcomed increased Chinese investments in second phase of CPEC that centered on industrialization and improving people’s livelihoods.
Khan and Xi reviewed the entire gamut of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and issued a joint statement after the meeting.
The two countries reaffirmed support to each other on core issues. While the Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, and promoting its socio-economic development, the Pakistani side expressed its commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.
Pakistan and China agreed on Sunday to continue the momentum in defence cooperation at various levels between the armed forces of the two countries.
Noting close bilateral cooperation in the areas of health, environment and information and communication technology, the two sides agreed to launch the China-Pakistan health, industry, trade, green and digital corridors.
Highlighting the significance of Gwadar as a central pillar of CPEC and an important node in regional connectivity, they expressed determination to safeguard CPEC from all threats and negative propaganda. According to the ‘1+4’ layout, the two sides agreed to jointly accelerate the construction and operation of Gwadar Port and build Gwadar low-carbon circular industry zone. They agreed to build high-quality livelihood projects for the socio-economic development of Gwadar city and its residents.
They also decided to expand bilateral trade relations by fully utilizing the second phase of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement. The Chinese side welcomed more of Pakistan’s high-quality food and agricultural products to the Chinese market.
Hailing the establishment of Pakistan’s pavilions on Chinese e-commerce platforms, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, setting up online payment systems and cooperating in logistics, warehousing and customs facilitation.
China has also announced to arrange the return of Pakistani students to China and resume classes in a prudent manner while ensuring safety against COVID-19.