Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren ensured that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project will commence shortly, which will bring prosperity to the people of the country and the region. He was addressing the national conference on ’73 years of Pak-China Diplomatic Relations: Achievements and Way Forward’ jointly organized by the Centre for South Asia & International Studies (CSAIS) and Punjab University School of Communication Studies at Hameed Nizami Hall. Director School of Communication Studies Prof Dr Noshina Saleem, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce Kashif Anwar, Executive Director Centre for South Asia and International Studies Dr Mahmood ul Hassan Khan and Prof Dr Mian Hanan were the speakers on the occasion.
Consul General Zhao announced Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China in early June, highlighting cooperation in sectors like mining, IT, and energy. He praised Pakistan’s historical significance as the first Muslim country to recognize China’s independence in 1951, emphasizing the enduring trust forged over 73 years. Zhao assured continued collaboration between the Consulate General Lahore and the Punjab government to enhance educational, economic, and cultural ties. He expressed gratitude to Punjab University’s School of Communication Studies for organizing the conference, marking this significant occasion.
Friendship with China has always been a cornerstone in Pakistan’s foreign policy since the beginning of bilateral diplomatic relations. Pakistan and China being iron clad brothers now celebrate its 73 years of diplomatic relations. The real essence of these ties have been based on pragmatisms, realism and idealism, constantly gearing momentum for further strengthening of bilateral relations since its inception.
Over the years, the diplomatic relationship has blossomed into “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” which proved an effective balancing act in regional as well as international politics. The recently held 5th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing vividly reflects the highest level of political understanding, diplomatic unity and socio-economic harmony to expedite the CPEC Phase-II in the country.
Pakistan and China are strategic allies, sharing numerous socio-economic, geopolitical, and geostrategic values, including peaceful coexistence, multiculturalism, international cooperation, and economic globalization. This splendid voyage has witnessed holistic spirits of humanity, openness, transparency, positivity, productivity, peace, progress, and prosperity orientations. It covers diverse sectors of the economy, investment, joint ventures, infrastructure development, energy cooperation, agriculture cooperation, defense, and, last but not least, unshakeable political and people-to-people connectivity since 1951.
For centuries, the people of both countries have been visiting, interacting and carrying caravans of human values, ethnic diversity, knowledge, wisdom, commerce and above all mutual respect and trust through the ancient Silk Route and the Gandhara civilization.
Most recently, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited China and met with counterparts. During which Pakistan and China affirmed their commitment to expedite progress on all China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, including ML-I up-gradation, Gwadar Port, and Karakorum Highway realignment.
The grand construction of Karakoram highway, building of Pakistan-China joint defence ventures of Heavy Mechanical Complex, Heavy Ordnance Foundry and Pakistan’s largest Aeronautical complex and 21st mega development project of CPEC carry spirits of self-reliance, development, deterrence, accommodation, sacrifices and services and we all salute all the martyrs who laid down their precious lives for the glory, consolidation and solidarity of this remarkable journey of Pakistan and China since 1951.
Acquisition of J-10C the most advanced war fighter jet, development of JF-Thunder Bloc III, the launch of Pakistan’s cube satellite ICUBE-Q into lunar orbit, launch of new Hangor-class submarine, holding of Sea Guardian 3, incorporation of Al-Khalid & Haider tanks and inclusion of air defense systems, small arms and unmanned aerial vehicles clearly demonstrate trust worthy strategic cooperation between two countries.
Pakistan and China have closely cooperated to focus on common security challenges including peace in Afghanistan, insurgency, terrorism and maritime security threats, in that way contributing to solidity and peace in South Asia and beyond.
During all these years, China’s investments in Pakistan’s technological sector have been significant. Chinese tech giants are collaborating with Pakistani counterparts in areas like telecommunications, digital services, and e-commerce. These collaborations are instrumental in bringing cutting-edge technology to Pakistan, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and technological advancement.
In the field of education, Chinese institutions are collaborating with Pakistani universities to enhance educational standards and research capabilities. Scholarship programs and joint research initiatives have been established, enabling Pakistani students and researchers to benefit from China’s advancements in education and technology.
Agriculture is another area where China’s involvement has been increasingly noticeable. Chinese expertise and investments in modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and pest control are helping to increase crop yields and improve food security.
This cooperation also extends to livestock and fisheries, with a focus on enhancing productivity and sustainability. China’s role in Pakistan’s economy also involves addressing environmental and social challenges. Environmental sustainability has become a crucial aspect of new projects, especially in the wake of global climate change concerns.
I strongly believe that there are vast opportunities in the diverse fields of economy, investment, joint ventures, special economic free zones, CPEC, oil & gas energy cooperation, agriculture cooperation, infrastructure development, dairy cooperation, hybrid seeds, climate change cooperation, health, education, tourism, banking and finance especially Islamic banking, formation of sustainable supply chains, Software, ICT, fertilizer, textile, pharmaceutical, sugar and surgical plants, SMEs, micro-financing, women empowerment and entrepreneurship, insurance companies and last but not least, science & technology between two brotherly countries. During the last 27 years the exports of China to Pakistan have increased at an annualized rate of 14%, from $616M in 1995 to $21B in 2022.
To conclude, the Chinese President’s global development, security and civilizational initiatives along with further nurturing of Global South and global shared prosperity doctrine should be our joint mantra to move forward.
Last but not the least, formation of Green Corridor consisting of Hydrogen Power Generation, Lithium batteries, solar panels and EVs, Agriculture Corridor comprising of hybrid seeds, rice, wheat and chillies hybrid cultivation drone cultivation, converting sands into green lands and innovative means of farming, Corridor of Social Development mitigating extreme poverty and generation of new jobs, Corridor of Health producing vaccines, ventilators, and medical vessels, Special Economic Zone Corridor replicating successful models of China’s seven major SEZs, Corridor of Qualitative Industrialization, Corridor of Artificial Intelligence and Corridor of Sciences & space should be jointly pursued and implemented under the flagship project of CPEC Phase-II. Long Live Pak-China Friendship.
