Our Correspondent Islamabad
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasised on Friday that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would focus on industrialization, cooperation in information technology and agricultural transformation.
According to a press release, PM Imran Khan held an exclusive session with the heads and representatives of leading Chinese think tanks, universities and Pakistan study centres.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Fayaz Tarin, Information Minister Ch Fawad Hussain, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, SAPM on CPEC Affairs Khalid Mansoor, National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yousaf and senior officials.
During the meeting, the premier highlighted the importance of CPEC as a flagship project of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Phase-I of CPEC was focused on infrastructure development and connectivity, the communique stated.
It further quoted the premier highlighting that Pakistan was offering incentives for investments that are at par with or better than other investment destinations.
“Prime minister emphasized the importance of Pakistan-China relationship and ensuring regional stability and prosperity. He highlighted China-Pakistan common position on multilateral forums and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to One-China Policy and other issues of core interests,” the press release stated.
The premier also thanked China for its unwavering support on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Furthermore, the prime minister underlined that in view of myriad global challenges, the world did not need another Cold War. Divisions could result in mounting suffering and prevent common benefits. “Pakistan was, therefore, of the belief that the key driver in international politics should be cooperation, rather than confrontation,” the press release stated quoting the PM as he recalled that the country in the past had played a role in building bridges and remained ready to do so again.
Referring to Pakistan’s National Security Policy, the premier stressed that his government put economic security at its core.