BEIJING: Prime Minister Imran Khan held a series of meetings in Beijing on Friday with leaders of major Chinese government and private companies who showed keen interest in expanding investments in various projects in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.
Officials meeting the prime minister included leadership from China Communication Construction Company, Huazhong Technology, Zhejiang Seaport Group, Challenge Apparel, Hunan Sunwalk Group, Royal Group, China Road and Bridge Corporation, Zhengbang Group and China Machinery Engineering Corporation.
Corporate leaders briefed the Prime Minister on the progress of their ongoing projects in Pakistan and expressed interest in expanding investments in projects related to the recycling of metals and paper, energy, textiles, fiber optics networks, housing, dairy and water management .
In his remarks, PM Imran Khan appreciated the keen interest of Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan.
Highlighting the deepening economic and trade ties between the two countries, he briefed Chinese corporate leaders on steps to create a conducive environment for Chinese investments in Pakistan and how they should benefit from business-friendly policies for investment in Special Economic Zones. encouraged to.
Progress of CPEC
In the first meeting of his China visit, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), during which both sides reviewed the pace of work on various projects.
Describing the CPEC as of strategic importance to both the countries, he said that Pakistan is getting tangible benefits from this project.
The prime minister expressed these views in a virtual meeting with He Lifeng, chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing.
The Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that the early harvest projects of CPEC have transformed the economic landscape of Pakistan, thus laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Reaffirming the commitment of both sides for the timely completion of CPEC and its high-quality development, the Prime Minister said that both sides will accelerate efforts to realize Gwadar's potential as a center of regional commerce and industry. as well as continue to give priority to preparatory work on ML- 1 and other major energy projects.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the progress of the ongoing CPEC projects and discussed preparations for future initiatives.
The prime minister was accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials for the meeting, while He Lifeng was accompanied by vice-chairmen Ning Jizhe and Tang Dengji and other senior NDRC officials.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister said that the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership was time-tested and timeless.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, work on all CPEC projects progressed rapidly due to the joint cooperation of both sides.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the NDRC and the concerned officials on both sides in this regard.
Chairman NDRC said that China attaches great importance to CPEC and is strongly committed to its steady progress and development.
He said China has become Pakistan's largest investment and trade partner in the past seven years and both sides are keen to maintain the momentum of overall economic and trade relations in the future as well.
The Chairman said that the NDRC and all relevant Chinese institutions will 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, which would enhance sector-wise cooperation in these areas.
Thanking the Prime Minister for his steadfast support, He Lifeng expressed China's readiness to assist Pakistan in the areas of industrialization, agricultural modernization, science and technology and socio-economic development.
During the meeting, both sides welcomed the signing of the Framework Agreement on Industrial Cooperation between the Board of Investment (BoI) and the NDRC, which, inter alia, seeks to relocate China's industrial units to CPEC SEZs, and to relocate to China and elsewhere. This will facilitate faster investment. ,
The two sides also signed the minutes of the 6th JWG meeting held at Gwadar on 30 December 2021.
The minutes were signed by Planning Minister Asad Umar and Vice President NRDC Ning Jizhe.