ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar to Showcase Pakistan’s Commitment to CPEC at Belt and Road Initiative Forum
In a significant diplomatic move, the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, is scheduled to visit China to attend the “Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation” from October 17-18, 2023. The visit comes at a pivotal time, as it coincides with the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
During this high-profile visit, Prime Minister Kakar is set to emphasize the future priorities of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to promoting its high-quality development in partnership with China.
The visit holds great significance for strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China, as it underscores the two countries’ determination to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various domains, particularly in the economic and infrastructural sectors.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced the Prime Minister’s participation in the Belt and Road Forum, highlighting that he would partake in the opening ceremony and address the high-level forum titled “Connectivity in an Open Global Economy” on October 18, 2023.
One of the key aspects of the visit will be the bilateral meetings that Prime Minister Kakar is expected to hold with President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders. These meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore avenues for strengthening economic ties, trade, and investment.
In addition to the official engagements, the Prime Minister is also slated to meet with prominent Chinese entrepreneurs, aiming to expand bilateral trade and investment. This aspect of the visit reflects the commitment of both nations to fostering economic growth and business opportunities.
Furthermore, during his stay in China, Prime Minister Kakar will pay a visit to Urumqi, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, to meet with local leaders and businesspersons. This part of the visit seeks to enhance trade, investment, and people-to-people relations, contributing to deeper cooperation between the two nations.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a pivotal role in transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape over the last decade. It has not only bolstered infrastructure development but has also opened up new opportunities for economic growth, trade, and connectivity. Prime Minister Kakar’s visit will be a platform to showcase the key achievements of CPEC and outline the future priorities, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its high-quality development.
In a move aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries, the Chinese government has extended invitations to several other Pakistani ministers and senior officials to participate in this high-level event. This underlines China’s desire for a close and productive partnership with Pakistan.
As Pakistan’s delegation is yet to be finalized, the visit of the Caretaker Prime Minister is anticipated to be a crucial step in advancing the multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and China, as both nations continue to work together in the spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit.
Prime Minister Kakar’s visit to China is not only a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations but also a significant step in furthering the shared goals of economic development and prosperity. The outcome of this visit holds the promise of fostering greater collaboration, enhancing trade, and strengthening diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China in the years to come.
