On October 17, 2023, Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq, reiterated the country’s strong commitment to enhancing the transformative potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and turning it into a true game changer.
During an interactive session with a delegation of Chinese think tanks and scholars in Beijing, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq emphasized the need for the next phase of CPEC to focus on deeper economic integration, diversification, and innovation. He expressed Pakistan’s desire to learn from China’s successful model of developing industrial parks and Special Economic Zones.
Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar highlighted the importance of fully utilizing the CPEC framework agreement on industrial cooperation, signed last year, for the mutual benefit of both countries. He also invited Chinese companies to invest in solar energy projects in Pakistan, as Pakistan is actively working to increase the share of renewable energy to 65% of its energy mix by 2030.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening connectivity and linkages between China’s Xinjiang region and Pakistan. He believes that greater integration of this region into CPEC will bolster economic ties between the two countries, ensuring efficient movement of goods, technology, and investments.
Skill development and vocational training programs were identified as crucial for the success of CPEC, as per the Prime Minister’s remarks.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized that CPEC has the potential to unlock unprecedented opportunities that will contribute to regional prosperity. He mentioned the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan and other regional countries, with the aim of creating new drivers of economic growth that will benefit the broader region.
The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s openness to welcoming new partners interested in benefiting from CPEC. He emphasized the shared commitment of China and Pakistan to making Gwadar a regional connectivity hub, facilitating cross-regional trade, especially between Central Asia and the Middle East, which he believes will generate hope for millions of people in these regions.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar stressed that CPEC is more than just an economic corridor; it symbolizes the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan and represents Pakistan’s determination to achieve progress and a brighter future.
The Prime Minister praised the enduring, strong friendship and strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, which he described as unwavering and forward-looking. He underlined the significance of this relationship for Pakistan and stated that it enjoys broad national consensus. He firmly stated that Pakistan will not allow anything to undermine its unique affinity and affection for China.
Chinese academics and scholars at the roundtable echoed the importance and significance of CPEC as a significant partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) between Pakistan and China. They also expressed Chinese companies’ continued interest in investing in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and contributing to CPEC’s growth, regional connectivity, and sustainable development.
In summary, the meeting participants agreed that, through collective efforts, CPEC can serve as a pivotal driver for regional trade, connectivity, and people-to-people interactions.