Strategic Partnership Unveiled: Prime Minister Imran Khan's Virtual Meeting with China's NDRC Chairman
Today, the Prime Minister engaged in a virtual meeting with Mr. He Lifeng, Chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Beijing. They delved into the current status of the ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and charted the course for upcoming endeavors.
Accompanied by cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials, the Prime Minister emphasized the enduring Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, CPEC projects have advanced steadily thanks to the collaborative efforts of both nations. He commended the NDRC and relevant authorities on both sides for their dedication.
Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored the strategic significance of CPEC as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), highlighting its tangible benefits for both countries. He expressed satisfaction that CPEC's initial projects have already transformed Pakistan's economic landscape, establishing a robust foundation for sustainable growth.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the timely completion and high-quality development of CPEC. They pledged to accelerate efforts to realize Gwadar's potential as a regional commerce and industry hub, while also prioritizing preparations for the ML-I and other vital energy projects.
Chairman NDRC expressed China's unwavering commitment to CPEC's progress and development, acknowledging China's status as Pakistan's leading investment and trade partner over the past seven years. Both parties were eager to sustain the momentum of their economic and trade ties.
Chairman He announced that NDRC and relevant Chinese institutions would continue to encourage state-owned and private enterprises to invest in CPEC projects. They agreed to establish new corridors in the realms of green technology, digitalization, healthcare, trade, and industry, fostering sector-specific collaboration.
Expressing gratitude for the Prime Minister's unwavering support, Mr. He Lifeng extended China's readiness to assist Pakistan in industrialization, agricultural modernization, science and technology, and socio-economic development.
During the meeting, both sides celebrated the signing of the Framework Agreement on Industrial Cooperation between the Board of Investment (BOI) and the NDRC. This agreement will facilitate the relocation of Chinese industrial units to CPEC Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and expedite investments from China and other sources.
Furthermore, they signed the Minutes of the 6th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Gwadar, held on December 30, 2021. The minutes were endorsed by Mr. Asad Umar, the Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, and Mr. Ning Jizhe, the Vice-Chairman of NDRC.