Pak-China welcomed the signing of the Framework Agreement on Industrial Cooperation between the Board of Investment (BOI) and the NDRC. It would, among other things, facilitate the relocation of China’s industrial units to CPEC SEZs and accelerate investment from China and elsewhere.
Prime Minister Imran Khan held a virtual meeting with Mr. He Lifeng, Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) & Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Beijing today.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing CPEC projects and discussed the preparations for future initiatives.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials for the meeting while Mr.He Lifeng was accompanied by Vice Chairmen Ning Jizhe and Tang Dengjie and other senior officials of the NDRC.
PM said that the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership of Pakistan-China is time-tested and timeless. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, work on all CPEC projects progressed steadily due to joint cooperation of both sides.
The PM appreciated the efforts of the NDRC and relevant authorities of both sides in this regard. PM Imran Khan reiterated that as the flagship project of BRI, CPEC had strategic significance for both and was delivering tangible benefits to the people of two countries.
He noted with satisfaction that CPEC’s early-harvest projects have transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape thus laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.
PM reaffirmed the commitment of two sides to the timely completion of CPEC and its high-quality development. Prime Minister also said that both sides would continue expediting efforts to achieve Gwadar’s potential as a hub of regional commerce and industry. While both sides can also prioritize preparatory work on the ML-I and other key energy projects.
Chairman of NDRC China on Pak-/china Industrial Cooperation
The Chairman of NDRC said that China attached immense significance to CPEC. China is committed to the steady progress and development of CPEC.
He noted that China has become Pakistan’s largest investment and trade partner in the last seven years. Both sides were keen to maintain the momentum of overall economic and trade ties in the future as well.
Chairman, He added that NDRC and all relevant Chinese institutions would continue their efforts to encourage Chinese state-owned and private enterprises to invest in CPEC projects.
In this regard, both sides had decided to establish new green, digital, health, trade, and industry corridors. These corridors would enhance sector-wise cooperation in these areas.
Mr. He Lifeng thanked the Prime Minister for his firm support. Mr. He Lifeng also expressed China’s readiness to assist Pakistan in the areas of industrialization, agricultural modernization, science and technology, and socio-economic development.
Pak-China also signed the Minutes of the 6th JWG meeting on Gwadar. The meeting was on 30 December 2021. Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Asad Umar signed the Minutes. The Vice-Chairman of NDRC.’s industrial units to CPEC SEZs and accelerate investment from China & elsewhere, Mr. Ning Jizhe also signed the minutes.
