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Editor's Note:
The writer, Mr. I. Hussain Janjua is a senior media professional and analyst having experience of research & broadcast journalism in different organisations. He is a non-resident fellow of Chengdu Institute of World Affairs (CIWA). (Email: [email protected]; twitter: @ihussainjanjua)
Prime Minister Imran Khan sees the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China as "exemplary" for the world while the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in his opinion, is not only a harbinger of economic growth for Pakistan but also a path to development for the entire region and subsequently the world.
He feels it imperative to promote investment in areas of mutual interest and provide all possible incentives to investors to transform these relations into strong economic ties.
During a recent meeting on different investment initiatives under the CPEC, the facilities provided by the government to Chinese investors, and the problems faced by investors and their immediate solutions, the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to remove obstacles to the issuance of long-term visas to the Chinese investors particularly.
He, in fact, ordered the introduction of a separate visa category for people associated with CPEC projects and provision of all possible incentives to investors and has sought a summary from the Home Ministry to be present in the federal cabinet.
Having expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Special Economic Zones, the Premier also ordered to set up a CPEC Special Economic Zone in Karachi while the Board of Investment has been asked to formulate and present a detailed plan, with the consultation of the business community, for further promotion of foreign investment in the country.
Meanwhile Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson has appreciated Pakistani Prime Minister’s assertions on the CPEC and said that the Chinese side was having discussion with third parties, including Afghanistan on the extension of the flagship project.
“We have noted the relevant remarks by Prime Minister Imran Khan and we appreciate it,” Zhao Lijian said during his regular briefing while responding to a question on PM Imran Khan’s remarks about CPEC.
The spokesperson said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was an open and inclusive international economic cooperation initiative that was dedicated to improve connectivity and to achieve common development.
Zhao Lijian said that China would like to work with Pakistan for high quality development of the CPEC and extend it to regional countries, improve people’s well being and play a bigger role in regional connectivity and economic integration.
The two sides were having consultations through diplomatic channels, he said and added, “We notice that Afghanistan is importing and exporting goods through Gwadar and Karachi ports. High speed highways are also being extended to Afghanistan.”
Pakistan-China over 70-year long friendship is everlasting and unprecedented one and as they say the all weather strategic cooperative partnership is based on mutual trust, respect and goodwill between the two countries despite many global political, diplomatic and economic inequalities and ups and downs to disturb these relations.
Undoubtedly, Pakistan-China diplomatic friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the sea. Many important defense strengthening projects and CPEC’ s greatest multi-mega flagship project of China’s Belt and Road initiative ( BRI) are practical proof of the same true friendship and full confidence that will not only strengthen Pakistan’s economic, communications, defense, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, security socio- economic development but also its impact in all walks of life.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had proposed "building a community with a shared future for mankind" almost seven years ago and he has been reiterating this flagship vision as China's solution to collectively address global challenges.
The world is witnessing the rise of protectionism, unilateralism and bullying practices, with the COVID-19 pandemic compounding the challenges. Certain countries and political forces keep playing the blame game, clamoring for "decoupling," and pulling out of international organizations and agreements. What they are doing is sabotaging international cooperation, stoking confrontation between ideologies and social systems, and putting the world in serious jeopardy.
Yet, peace and development are still the prevailing trend of the day. Through cooperation and mutual benefit, countries are increasingly becoming a community with shared interests, shared responsibilities and a shared future.
Thus President Xi's notion, as stressed on various occasions, including at the UN General Assembly, the national congress of the Communist Party of China, and meetings with foreign leaders, has gained widespread international recognition. Now the concept bears greater significance and relevance at the UN's high-level meeting, as leaders of countries, large and small, rich and poor, are expected to jointly forge solutions on issues including global public health, full equality and climate action, among others.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
