ISLAMABAD, May 25: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is set to embark on a significant visit to China in the first week of June, marking his participation in the formal commencement of the second phase of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a media report revealed on Saturday.
A source within the Prime Minister’s Office disclosed to the Dawn newspaper that Prime Minister Sharif’s departure for China is scheduled for June 4, with a possibility of slight adjustments to the date.
The CPEC, a transformative initiative linking Pakistan’s Gwadar Port with China’s Xinjiang province, has drawn opposition from India due to its passage through Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). As the project transitions into its second phase, both nations are poised to expand cooperation beyond infrastructure and energy ventures, with a focus on agriculture, enhancements to Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-I, bilateral business agreements, and the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), among other endeavors.
During a recent meeting with representatives of Chinese companies, Prime Minister Sharif underscored Pakistan’s eagerness to leverage Chinese expertise to bolster its IT sector and amplify exports.
“China has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s development journey, extending invaluable support during challenging times. The entire nation, including myself, is deeply grateful to the Chinese leadership and its people,” remarked Prime Minister Sharif, reaffirming the significance of bilateral ties.
Assuring the safety of Chinese personnel engaged in various projects under the CPEC, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to their security, citing a comprehensive plan in place for their protection.
In a bid to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector, Prime Minister Sharif extended invitations to Chinese companies to invest in the country’s burgeoning electric and hybrid auto industry, along with other promising sectors.
Meanwhile, Minister for Planning, Development Ahsan Iqbal and China’s Vice Chairman of the National Development Reform Commission Li Chunlin co-chaired a meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), where Pakistan expressed appreciation for China’s visionary approach towards enhancing the CPEC’s second phase.
Iqbal reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with China to finalize the scope and implementation plan for new corridors envisioned by President Xi Jinping, highlighting the imperative of replicating Chinese success in developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) within Pakistan.
The CPEC, a flagship initiative launched a decade ago, has already witnessed the completion of several energy and infrastructure projects. As Pakistan and China forge ahead with the CPEC’s second phase, both nations remain committed to realizing its transformative potential and fostering sustainable development across the region.
