Pakistan and China have taken a significant step forward in enhancing their
bilateral cooperation by signing six agreements and Memoranda of
Understanding (MOUs) during a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
The first document signed by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal
and the Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission of
China focused on joint cooperation within the framework of the China Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The second agreement, also signed by Minister Ahsan Iqbal and the Vice
Chairman, established an experts exchange mechanism within the CPEC
framework.
In another step towards collaboration, Secretary Ministry of National Food
Security Zafar Hassan and the Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue signed a
document related to the export of dried Chillies from Pakistan to China.
The realignment of Karakoram Highway Phase II project feasibility study was
addressed in the fourth document, signed by Member Planning of National
Highway Authority Asim Amin and the Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue.
Additionally, the two sides agreed to an MOU on the Industrial Workers’ Exchange
Program, strengthening ties between the workforces of both countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking on the occasion, emphasized that the
signed documents aimed to enhance economic relations between Pakistan and
China. He highlighted the significant investments made under the CPEC,
surpassing twenty-five billion dollars in Pakistan’s power and hydel sector, road
infrastructure, and public transport.
The Prime Minister further stated that Pakistan is ready to contribute to Chinese
President Xi Jinping’s vision of a shared destiny of progress and prosperity. He
expressed confidence in the successful execution of the strategic ML-1 project
and the Karachi circular railway projects, emphasizing their importance in
advancing the country’s progress.
The deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and China was reaffirmed during
the ceremony, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing the two nations as
“all-weather friends” and “iron brothers.” The Prime Minister assured that this
strong friendship would persist and overcome any obstacles in the pursuit of
mutual prosperity and development.
