Pakistan and China have announced a significant expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), diversifying its scope to include industrial development, ICT, livelihood projects, mining, mineral exploration, and agriculture. This announcement comes as part of the ongoing 3rd Belt and Road Forum, where both nations are engaging in crucial discussions.
The CPEC project, which was initially focused on road and rail connectivity and economic zones, is set to evolve into a multi-dimensional initiative that promises to bring a plethora of opportunities for both countries. This expansion was unveiled during a meeting between Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the forum.
One of the standout developments from this meeting was the signing of an agreement for the strategic Main Line-1 (ML-1) rail project. The Ministry of Railways in Pakistan shared that this transformative rail project, spanning 1,733 kilometers and connecting Peshawar to Karachi, will soon commence. It is a monumental endeavor that could potentially increase the number of trains traveling between these two cities to a staggering 100, resulting in a considerable boost for the transportation sector and the creation of 20,000 technical jobs.
This agreement is expected to have a profound impact on Pakistan’s entire transportation network, as it aims to increase Pakistan Railways’ market share from 4% to 20%. The signing of the ML-1 agreement reflects the commitment of both nations to further strengthen their collaboration, with a focus on economic growth, technology, education, and cultural exchange.
The bilateral discussions also emphasized the need to deepen political, economic, educational, scientific, technological, cultural, and people-to-people relations. Both Pakistan and China are keen on enhancing high-level dialogues and engagements to facilitate even more robust cooperation.
Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, emphasized the monumental significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a project that fosters global connectivity and shared prosperity. He expressed optimism that the next phase of the CPEC project would have far-reaching benefits, including uplifting rural communities, promoting education, supporting small businesses, generating employment, and reducing poverty.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang witnessed the signing of MoUs between China and Pakistan to enhance cooperation in diverse fields in Beijing, today. #PMKakarinChina#3rdBRF#BRI10Years pic.twitter.com/u41PHtAQXO
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 18, 2023
One notable development in this expansion is the $1.5 billion deal signed between the United Energy Group of China and Pakistan Refinery Ltd. This investment is set to significantly boost the refinery’s production capacity, resulting in an increase in petrol production from 250,000 tonnes to 1.6 million tonnes and high-speed diesel production from 600,000 tonnes to 2 million tonnes.
Additionally, the expansion of CPEC into new sectors such as ICT, mining, and mineral exploration is expected to further drive economic growth and innovation in both countries. The development of special economic zones (SEZs) through Chinese investment is predicted to diversify Pakistan’s export portfolio and expand its industrial base.
Caretaker Prime Minister’s Meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Kakar held a bilateral meeting today with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the sidelines of Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing. They were accompanied by Ministers and senior… pic.twitter.com/3K9dIWwucW
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 18, 2023
Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges, particularly in the post-COVID era. He underlined the need for unity in addressing issues such as food security, peace, and the development of sustainable, inclusive economies.
Caretaker Prime Minister Addresses High-Level Forum on Connectivity in Open Global Economy.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is attending today the 3rd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation being held in Beijing.
Addressing the High-Level Forum of… pic.twitter.com/b07US2AYba
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 18, 2023
This historic expansion of the CPEC project signifies a new era of collaboration between Pakistan and China, not only in terms of transportation and economic zones but also in diversified sectors that promise growth and innovation. As they work together to shape a world of shared bonds and unity, both nations are committed to fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for all. The development of the ML-1 rail project, the increased production capacity in the refinery sector, and the broader expansion of CPEC projects serve as testament to the unwavering partnership between these two nations.
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