AS was expected, brisk and all-encompassing discussions of the visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang with Pakistani leadership have not only helped forge greater understanding between the two countries on the entire gamut of their relationship but also resulted in signing of thirteen Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation in various sectors. The visit also afforded an opportunity for the soft launch of the Gwadar International Airport, which is going to be remembered as another gift of China to Pakistan.
It is a matter of satisfaction for people of Pakistan that China always supported Pakistan fervently and during the visit of Premier Li Qiang the leadership of the two countries reiterated their support to each other on all core issues and pledged to develop CPEC’s phase-II at the highest standards. The two sides expressed satisfaction that the Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership based on mutual trust and shared principles was being further strengthened with time. There was an unfortunate impression that the historic CPEC initiative has lost its original momentum due to some factors. In this backdrop, the completion of Gwadar airport assumed special significance as it would go a long way in improving regional connectivity and help realize the potential of the port city. It is also important to note that the two countries stressed the need for timely completion of all ongoing projects, including industry, modernization of agriculture, information technology, science and technology, for the mutual benefit and the socio-economic development of Pakistan. More importantly, during the meeting of the distinguished guest and Pakistan Prime Minister, substantive discussions were held regarding the relocation of Chinese industry to Pakistan and strategies to increase Chinese investment in Pakistan. The Chinese leader won hearts of people of Pakistan by declaring in unequivocal terms that his great country will continue to work closely with the intimate Pakistani friends in building and benefiting together by pursuing the goals of high standards, sustainability and high quality of Belt and Road Initiative. In an important development, visible progress has been made on the otherwise slow-moving ML-I project with Beijing agreeing to provide financing for the phase-I of the project i.e. from Karachi to Hyderabad section. Security has been a matter of concern both for China and Pakistan in the context of increased terrorist attacks on CPEC projects and manpower. As part of the plan to beef up security arrangements for unhindered execution of all developmental projects, the two sides agreed to maintain a security environment for development. China has expressed willingness to provide six bullet-proof vehicles to support national security and economic and social development of Pakistan. China has successfully tamed its unruly rivers that had been inflicting harm for centuries and is ready to share its experience with Pakistan in river training to help mitigate impact of disasters in vulnerable regions. It is hoped that the MoU on this subject will be translated into a tangible agreement soon to benefit from Chinese experience in harnessing the water resources, especially floods, for economic development. The two countries have also signed another important MoU on information and communication cooperation aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting projects such as cloud services, smart classrooms, and green energy solutions for higher education. This is pivotal for Pakistan’s digital transformation and competitive standing in the global market and will help realize the true potential of the sector. Major fire incidents in Pakistan exposed weaknesses of the country in combating such disasters and with this in view the Chinese offer to provide 19 fire trucks, a multi-functional rescue vehicle, and a rescue excavator will surely boost Pakistan’s emergency response capabilities. In short, the outcome of the visit has proved once again that China cooperates in areas that either help overcome sufferings of the people or promote their welfare.
