BEIJING: Prime Minister Imran Khan has solicited Chinese support in improving Pakistan’s agriculture and AI sectors, suggesting that Chinese companies may relocate their industries to Pakistan due to its unique advantages.
The prime minister made the proposal during a meeting with Chairman National People’s Congress, Li Zhanshu, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister, Minister of Railways, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy and other senior officials.
The prime minister stressed that completion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was the top priority of the government and hoped that Phase-II of CPEC would pave way to promote further socio-economic development and livelihood opportunities for the people of Pakistan.
Congratulating Chairman Li on 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the prime minister reiterated that Pakistan and China were close friends, steadfast partners and ‘iron brothers.
Prime Minister Imran Khan underlined that China’s economic transformation in last few decades had been very impressive and worth emulating. He particularly noted that Pakistan wanted to learn from China’s experience of poverty mitigation and expressed his determination to reduce poverty in Pakistan by following China’s model. He thanked China for its steadfast support to Pakistan on all issues of Pakistan’s national interest.
He underscored that India’s illegal actions of 5th August had created a dire humanitarian situation in the Indian-held Kashmir and urged that the curfew imposed for over two months needed to be lifted immediately enabling people to have access to basic human needs. He also highlighted the risks for peace and security in the region due to those actions.
Chairman Li Zhanshu reaffirmed Chinese leadership’s commitment to support Pakistan on issues of its core national interest. Recognising the promise of Pakistan with its forward-looking policies, he maintained that China would support Pakistan in initiatives proposed by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Mr Li also maintained that both China and Pakistan could propose new projects that could be included in CPEC. Both leaders agreed to carry forward the momentum of bilateral visits and enhance parliamentary linkages which would further cement Pakistan-China bilateral ties.
They also underscored commitment to enhance cooperation in political, cultural, educational and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Imran Khan invited Chairman NPC to visit Pakistan which he graciously accepted the invitation.
