PM’s visit to China will open ‘new chapter of development’: Chinese FM

BEIJING: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s upcoming visit to China would provide an opportunity for leaders of the two countries to open a new chapter of development of bilateral relations under new circumstances, said China’s Foreign Ministry.

Mr Khan will visit China from Nov 2 on the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping.

According to Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Lu Kang, Mr. Khan will also attend China International Import Expo (CIIE) being held in Shanghai.

During the visit, PM Khan would hold talks with President Xi and Premier Li, the spokesperson said.

He said the two sides would have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral ties and cooperation and issues of common interests.

Pakistan will participate in the CIIE as the guest of honour. Mr Khan will attend the opening ceremony of the CIIE and deliver a keynote speech.

The Chinese official expressed the confidence that relations between China and Pakistan would not be affected by a change in international and the domestic situations.

According to officials, the two sides would also formally sign papers to include Social Sector Joint Working Group of the CPEC. The officials from the two governments were currently in the process of sharing final papers.

CPEC – How it all came into being

In April 2015, China had announced mega development projects in Pakistan worth $46-billion under CPEC project, which focuses on road building and energy infrastructure to end chronic power shortages in Pakistan and to link China’s landlocked north-west with the deep-water port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea.

The plan, which would eclipse U.S. spending in Pakistan over the last decade or so, is part of China’s aim to forge “Silk Road” land and sea ties to markets in the Middle East and Europe.

The two sides had also agreed to strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear energy, space and maritime technology, counter-terrorism and defense.

Meanwhile China will also expand industrial capacity cooperation in diverse sectors including chemical, pharmaceutical, engineering, agro, iron and steel. The two countries will also increase exploration and development of resources.

Under CPEC, a number of new economic zones will be created along the corridor.