Scholars from China and Pakistan discuss opportunities and challenges of China Pakistan Economic Corridor

Date : August 06, 2013

Beijing, Aug  05: Pakistan-China Institute in collaboration with China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) held a symposium in Beijing on Aug 5 at CIIS. The symposium was attended by leading scholars and experts on China Pakistan relations.

Mushahid Hussian Chairman Pakistan-China Institute led the Pakistan delegation that included Ahmed Bilal, Executive Director PILDAT, and Muhammad Arif Editor Nihao-Salam. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid, was the chief guest of the seminar.

The Chinese delegation consisted of Mr. Dong Manyuan, Vice President CIIS, Lin Dajian Vice Director General, Department of International cooperation-National Development and Reform Commission, former Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Mr Zhou Gang, Liu Pengfei, Department for Asian Affairs-Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other delegation members included Lan Jianxue, Li Qingyan, , Wang Youming, Xu Hangtian, and Zheng Ruixing.

Speaking on this occasion, Dong Manyuan stated that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor from Kashgar to Gwadar will integrate the economies  of the two friendly countries. China Pakistan economic corridor is a network of road and rail links starting from  Xinjiang to Gwadar port.

Scholars from Pakistan and China highlighted the various aspects of the China Pakistan Corridor ranging from the vision to political will, from feasibility to implementation, and from opportunities to challenges.

Masood Khalid, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China said the economic corridor will transform Pakistan into a hub of trade and commerce as this project envisages establishing several economic zones and physical links. He further added that a task force and secretariat has been established, while team from Pakistan will visit China to further discuss this project. The Ambassador said this is both a long term and short-term strategic plan envisioned by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang; he iterated that the China Pakistan Economic corridor is a mega project with a cluster of industrial parks and economic zones.

He added that the visit of Chinese Premiere to Pakistan and reciprocating visit by Nawaz Sharif in July 2013 shows the interest and strong political will of the two governments to implement this strategic project.

Lin Dajian highlighted the security issues and bureaucratic challenges that impede the progress of the project. She also added that the project would help investment and boost trade and commerce not only in China and Pakistan, but also in the region.

Mushahid Hussian Sayed, Chairman Pakistan China Institute, highlighting the geo-strategic situation said China is driving force of the Asian century adding that China Pakistan Economic corridor will initiate a new of era of strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China; the road and rail links will further strengthen the exiting bond of brotherhood.

Ahmed Bilal, Executive Director PILDAT,  said China Pakistan economic corridor is a new strategic hall mark of Pakistan China all weather friendship  that would expand regional cooperation, boost trade activities, and generate employment opportunities.

Mr Zhou Gang, former Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan  said Pakistan  and China are good brothers and reliable friends while China Pakistan economic corridor will open new doors of multiple strategic cooperation in 21stcentury.