Tazeen Akhtar
The speakers at a seminar highlighted the tasks and targets that remained undressed in 10 years of China Pakistan Economic Corridor on the contrary to the tall claims and long promises of Pakistan governments while the Acting Ambassador of China Ms Pang Chunxue was determined that the cooperative partnership with Pakistan will be taken to new heights in the second Phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC.
Ms Pang Chunxue was sure that Innovations in cooperation will continue. We will enhance communication between the countries of the region. She said this in her keynote address to the participants of a seminar on the completion of 10 years of CPEC hosted by Chief Editor Diplomatic Focus magazine Mian Fazal Elahi in partnership with Chairperson Center of Pakistan and International Relations Ms Amna Munawwar Awan (Amna Malik)at Serena Hotel on 04 Sep 2023.
Caretaker Minister of Heritage and Culture Mr. Jamaal Shah was chief guest in the seminar. Former Deputy Speaker National Assembly Mr. Faisal Karim Kunddi, Ambassadors R Masood Khalid, Khalid Mehmood, Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi, Former Chairman KPK Investment Board Mr. Daud Butt and other experts also shed light on the topic.
Ms Pang Chunxue expressed her determination to continue the progress on CPEC inspite of all challenges and hurdles created in the way by local or international players.
“We will start Green Initiative under second phase in Pakistan. It includes green investments, green infrastructure and green development, She said referring to the cooperation in agricultural sector.
Ms Pang said that CPEC has contributed a lot in the economic and employment sectors of Pakistan. We will continue our work hand in hand with Pakistan. We seek economic integration with our partners.
China and Pakistan are holding next government level dialogue in Oct this year. Both countries can reach many new agreements in this session.
Pakistan in the World – Feb-March 2023
Minister Jamaal Shah spoke very high about Pak China relations and cooperation. He appreciated the transformation of China into a modern developed country during last few decades. He was optimistic about further enhancing the cultural ties with China. He recalled his work as an artist and as the head of Pakistan National Council of Arts in this regard.
The other speakers were mostly hopeful for the results of the connectivity and infrastructure in the near future as was promised by the Pakistani authorities to the people of Pakistan during the early years of signing of CPEC agreement in 2013.
Mr. Faisal Karim Kunddi recalled his visits to China. He was happy that thanks to CPEC infrastructure roads construction, he can travel to his home town Dera Ismail Khan from Islamabad within 3 hours than 7 hours in the past.
Some speakers pointed out the slow pace of first phase and expected the issues will be solved with efforts from both sides soon.
Ambassador R Khalid Mehmood said that the second phase should be focused on commerce, agriculture, industry and science technology transfer to Pakistan. He emphasized the establishment of Special Economic Zones , especially as envisaged bilaterally at the beginning of the work on CPEC. Khalid Mehmood has close working experience in Pak China relations.
Ambassador R Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi praised the work done so far and expressed his optimism about the flagship project of BRI.
Lt Gen R Talat Masood, regardless of his senior most age, attended and spoke vehemently on the subject. He mentioned political uncertainty, security challenges as the main hindrances in the true accomplishment of the idea of CPEC.
” We have not seen what we had visualized” he lamented.
He said that our problems and infrastructure could not match the pace required to secure the results as they were planned. He admired the role of Pakistan Military in providing security and helping the authorities to complete the projects. Lt Gen R Talat Masood has been posted on different high profile position regarding security and connectivity with China. He has traveled to China many times.
Ambassador R Nayla Chohan recommended the second phase should be between Business to Business while first phase was between gov to gov.
“Unfortunately, CPEC and BRI remained affected by the misunderstandings and misconceptions. There were lot of apprehensions of the partners in the beginning that were addressed and mitigated to maximum level, She noted.
Ms Chohan’s call attention note was about Sustainable Development Goals achievement in 2030 that seems very hard if we can not fulfill the targets set on CPEC.
Commodore R Babar Bilal Haider recommended activation of Gwader port, the main milestone at the path of CPEC where only 1.5 ships are harbored in a month. He referred to the other ports in this region and shared the number of ships that can harbor there. He termed Gwader port as inactive.
Ambassador R Masood Khalid, Chief Editor Diplomatic Focus Mian Fazal Elahi, Chairperson COPAIR Amna Malik also addressed the guests who included ambassadors, diplomats, business community and media persons.
Pakistan in the World – July/Aug 2023
