Pak-China Economic Corridor Secretariat inaugurated in Islamabad

[Edevelop]

ISLAMABAD: With an aim to transform the strong political relations into even stronger economic ties between the two friendly countries, the Pak-China Economic Corridor Secretariat was formally inaugurated here on Tuesday.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Prof Ahsan Iqbal and Vice Chairman, National Development and Reforms Commission (NDRC) China, Zhang Xiaoqiang jointly inaugurated the Secretariat at the Planning Division.

Earlier the inaugural meeting of Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of Pak-China Economic Corridor was held between the Chinese delegation and representatives of different ministries led by Zhang Xiaoqiang and Prof Ahsan Iqbal respectively.

The Chinese delegation comprised high government officials and prominent entrepreneurs.

Ahsan Iqbal, in his opening remarks, said, "It is high time to transform our strongest political relations into economic relations. These relations are of great significance for the people of Pakistan."

He said the corridor was not merely a transportation link but energy and telecommunication corridor also.

China's development experience of past three decades is a role model for the people of Pakistan, he added.

Pakistan, he said, supported one China policy on every forum.

He said after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, there would be a vacuum, which could only be filled by creating economic opportunities in the region to create jobs and economic alternatives.

In this regard, he said, the economic corridor was of high potential for the people of Afghanistan.

"Pak-China economic corridor has bilateral links with India, Afghanistan and Iran and would bolster the development in South Asia, and the Middle East," he remarked.

Prof Iqbal said, "Gawadar offers strategic opportunities not only to Pakistan and China but also to the rest of the world. We are keen to have Chinese investment in energy and infrastructure. We are already working with Chinese companies in Gaddani coastal energy park and insolar energy projects."

He further said the main challenge was to make economic relations as stronger as the political relations.

He assured his Chinese counterpart of full cooperation from the government to materialize economic relations.

Zhang Xioqiang said that Pakistan and China had great potential for economic cooperation in future, which would further strengthen brotherly relations with both countries.

"This will not only promote trade but also bring stability in the region by creating jobs", He added.

"This project is important for the whole region", he added. Prof Iqbal briefed the delegation about functions and working of the Planning Commission. (APP)

Pak-China Economic Corridor Secretariat inaugurated in Islamabad - thenews.com.pk

 

[Edevelop]

China to consider raising investment ceiling to $10b

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has asked China to raise investment ceiling of Export Import Bank of China to $10 billion from existing $3 billion in an effort to create more financial space for funding mega development projects.

The request came in the inaugural meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Representing Pakistan, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal asked Zhang Xiaoqiang, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reforms Commission, to increase the ceiling and make available more funds for development projects.

Xiaoqiang promised to take up the issue with the Exim Bank of China, according to the Ministry of Planning. Iqbal praised China for waiving the condition of sovereign guarantee before providing loans.

Pakistan urged China to take steps and deepen economic relations like the way political and strategic ties had strengthened. According to Iqbal, bilateral economic ties did not reflect the deep-rooted political relations between the two sides.

Now, the two countries have kicked off work on achieving a medium to long-term goal of setting up an economic corridor. Pakistan has offered China to use its territory to connect with South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Far East Asia.

The economic corridor is said to be not only a transport link but can also serve as an energy and telecommunications corridor.

Pakistan also reiterated its support for the One-China policy. Iqbal said US withdrawal from the region would leave a vacuum that could only be filled by fostering economic opportunities in the region such as job creation and providing economic alternatives.

In this regard, the economic corridor can be beneficial to the people of Afghanistan. The corridor would create links with India, Afghanistan and Iran and bolster development in South Asia and the Middle East, Iqbal said.

He stressed that Gwadar offered strategic opportunities not only to Pakistan and China but also to the rest of the world.

Pakistan is keen to see Chinese investment in energy and infrastructure. It is already working with Chinese companies to establish the Gadani coastal energy park as well as develop solar energy projects.

The main challenge is to make economic relations as stronger as political ties are.

In his opening remarks, Xiaoqiang said Pakistan and China had great potential for economic cooperation which would further deepen relations between the two countries.

“This will not only promote trade but will also bring stability to the region by creating jobs,” he said.

Xiaoqiang said the economic corridor would also create a link with the region. China would invest in energy, transport, infrastructure and export industries.

He expressed the hope that this landmark project would serve as a backbone for Pakistan’s economy and said China would encourage its investors to play a positive role in Pakistan’s development.

Deepening ties: China to consider raising investment ceiling to $10b – The Express Tribune

 

[Kompromat]

So its real this time.

 

[SBD-3]

So its real this time.

And its just the beginning, InshaAllah Pakistan will be in a far better shape at the end of next 5 years. Performance and democracy are necessary for each other's continuity and I think NS has realized it.

 

[Genesis]

one of the reasons I like cooperation with Pakistan and other south Asia nations is their location.

The Chinese interior seems like a different country, and if some would have their way it would be. With more projects like these it is only a matter of time before the interior also advances, not sure if it will ever catch up, but it would be good enough to raise living standard enough to be considered semi developed, while the coast can developed into a fully developed standard.

Also good for Pakistan, with more investments means better economy. Better living standards.

It's not just selfless reasons, also selfish, stronger Pakistan means an India that is in check, it means a stable western border, and access into Indian ocean.

Pakistan in the best case scenario can be what Japan is to US to China. Economically sound and militarily powerful.

 

[Kompromat]

And its just the beginning, InshaAllah Pakistan will be in a far better shape at the end of next 5 years. Performance and democracy are necessary for each other's continuity and I think NS has realized it.

We have to walk a VERY clear line. Remember, we are creating a 'Dry suez canal' here.

one of the reasons I like cooperation with Pakistan and other south Asia nations is their location.

The Chinese interior seems like a different country, and if some would have their way it would be. With more projects like these it is only a matter of time before the interior also advances, not sure if it will ever catch up, but it would be good enough to raise living standard enough to be considered semi developed, while the coast can developed into a fully developed standard.

Also good for Pakistan, with more investments means better economy. Better living standards.

It's not just selfless reasons, also selfish, stronger Pakistan means an India that is in check, it means a stable western border, and access into Indian ocean.

Pakistan in the best case scenario can be what Japan is to US to China. Economically sound and militarily powerful.

Nope - the relationship we should be modeling for the future is what US-France or the US-UK relationship is. Pakistan doesn't want to become a parasite/liability for our Chinese friends. We want to become self sufficient in economics as well as in defense, so that we don't burden Chinese for our defense.