BEIJING: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary held an exclusive session with heads and representatives of leading Chinese Think Tanks and emphasised importance of Pakistan China relationship and reaffirmed Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China, which is time-tested and timeless.

Minister reiterated that as flagship of BRI, CPEC had strategic significance for both Pakistan and China and has delivered tangible benefits to people of two countries.

Minister emphasised that both China and Pakistan should continue to expedite efforts to achieve Gwadar’s potential as hub of regional commerce and industry, while also prioritizing work on ML-1 and other key energy projects.

He appreciated China’s positive and key role in helping to normalise relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This will give great impetus to regional peace and trade.

Ahsan Iqbal said that China has become Pakistan’s largest investment and trade partner in last ten years due to CPEC and both sides are keen to maintain momentum of overall economic and trade ties in future as well. Next phase of CPEC envisages industrial cooperation and Business to Business links. He appreciated interest of Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan, highlighting deepening economic and trade ties between two countries, he sought ideas and suggestions from Chinese think tanks about steps to create conducive environment for Chinese investment in export-oriented industries in Pakistan and development of Pakistani SEZs and industries on Chinese model.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 04 2023

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