ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their support to CPEC’s high-quality development and the commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of completed projects and the timely completion of under construction projects.
This understanding was reached during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing during his four-day visit to China which concluded today.
According to a joint declaration issued by PM Office, during the visit, both sides acknowledged the major contribution of CPEC projects, particularly in the areas of energy and transport infrastructure.
The leaders agreed to task the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee to strengthen cooperation across all areas including trade, infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture modernization, scientific and technological cooperation and socio-economic well-being of local people.
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.
Pakistan, China also agreed to further consolidate and expand bilateral trade relations by fully utilizing the 2nd Phase of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement.
Welcoming the establishment of Pakistan’s pavilions on Chinese e-commerce platforms, the two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, setting up online payment systems and cooperating in logistics, warehousing and customs facilitation.
The two sides reviewed with satisfaction bilateral cooperation and mutual support after the outbreak of COVID-9 pandemic. Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked Chinese leadership for provision of COVID-19 vaccines to Pakistan which have been a mainstay of national mass vaccination drive.
The leaders reaffirmed their resolve to continue and enhance their existing cooperation for developing emergency response systems, public health infrastructure and joint ventures for development of pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan to tackle similar challenges in future.
Both sides noted with satisfaction robust cooperation between Pakistan and China in education sector and committed to further enhance cooperation between the educational institutions of the two countries.
Pakistan side highlighted that China has become a popular education destination. While ensuring safety against COVID-19, China will arrange for Pakistani students to return to China and resume classes in a prudent manner. APP
