Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar embarked on a crucial journey to China to actively participate in the ‘Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation. A major event hosted in Beijing from October 17-18.
This significant diplomatic mission is a result of a personal invitation extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Pakistani Prime Minister.
During his visit, Prime Minister Kakar is slated to attend the opening ceremony of the BRF. And will play a prominent role in addressing the high-level forum themed ‘Connectivity in an Open Global Economy,’ scheduled for October 18.
The visit is strategically timed, coinciding with the ten-year celebrations of the CPEC, a cornerstone project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The official statement from the PM Office outlined a comprehensive itinerary.
Prime Minister Kakar is expected to engage in bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking Chinese officials. These discussions aim to foster stronger ties and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.
Moreover, the prime minister will take the opportunity to meet with key figures in the Chinese business community. The focus of these discussions will be to expand bilateral trade and encourage greater investment in Pakistan.
Such engagements are pivotal in fortifying economic relations between the two countries. In a bid to diversify the scope of collaboration, Kakar is contemplating a visit to Urumqi in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China.
Here, the prime minister aims to engage with local leaders and business representatives. The objective is to forge stronger trade relations, attract investment, and build robust people-to-people connections.
The extensive agenda also includes significant discussions on upgrading infrastructure. The Karakoram Highway is set to transform an all-weather road to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural connectivity.
Meetings and MOUs
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are anticipated to be signed during the visit. Notable among them is an agreement for the establishment of a modern Highway Research & Training Centre (HRTC) with Chinese support.
The prime minister will also ink an MoU related to the upgrade of the Karakoram Highway from Raikot to Thakot and Raikot to Khunjerab.
Additionally, discussions will revolve around introducing a motorway section from Havelian to Thakot, covering 120 km. The construction of a motorway from Dera Ismail Khan to Zhob. Gwadar Port, a pivotal element of CPEC, is expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
In essence, Prime Minister Kakar’s visit to China is a multi-faceted diplomatic endeavor aimed at reinforcing economic cooperation. Celebrating the achievements of a decade-long partnership between Pakistan and China.
The expected agreements and collaborations signal a commitment to mutual growth and development.
