- High-profile Visit: H.E. He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, to visit Pakistan from 30th July to 1st August 2023.
- Bolstering Bilateral Cooperation: Discussions to encompass economic collaboration, infrastructure development, and joint initiatives in key sectors.
- Symbol of Solidarity: Visit reinforces the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, signifying shared commitment to regional development and stability.
In a significant diplomatic development, H.E. He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, is set to visit Pakistan from 30th July to 1st August 2023. This high-profile visit comes as a result of the cordial relations between the two countries and reflects the mutual commitment to further enhance bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership. The visit holds great importance as it seeks to strengthen bonds and foster collaboration across various sectors, paving the way for a new chapter in the longstanding friendship between China and Pakistan.
China and Pakistan share a deep-rooted friendship that spans decades. Both countries have stood by each other through thick and thin, forming a strong strategic alliance. The diplomatic ties between the two nations have consistently remained robust, characterized by mutual trust, respect, and support on regional and international issues. The upcoming visit of H.E. He Lifeng is yet another testament to the warmth and importance both countries attach to their relationship.
Exploring Bilateral Cooperation
During his visit, H.E. He Lifeng is expected to engage in high-level talks with Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister and President, to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation. The discussions are likely to encompass economic collaboration, trade relations, infrastructure development, and joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest.
- Economic Partnership: China and Pakistan have a history of fruitful economic cooperation, particularly through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The visit is expected to further explore opportunities to bolster economic ties and promote investment in key sectors. Strengthening economic bonds will not only contribute to the prosperity of both nations but also create more employment opportunities and improve the overall business climate.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity: Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan partnership. Both countries will likely focus on enhancing existing infrastructure projects and exploring new avenues for connectivity, such as transportation and telecommunication links. These efforts will not only facilitate trade and commerce but also foster people-to-people exchanges.
- Energy and Sustainable Development: Given the global emphasis on sustainable practices, the two countries may also discuss collaborations in renewable energy projects and efforts to address environmental challenges. China’s expertise in renewable technologies can play a vital role in Pakistan’s energy sector transformation and environmental conservation.
- Security and Regional Stability: As close allies, China and Pakistan have collaborated on security matters and regional stability. The visit will provide an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and support peace initiatives in the region.
H.E. He Lifeng’s visit to Pakistan holds immense symbolic significance, highlighting the enduring nature of the friendship between the two nations. It sends a strong message to the international community about the strength of their strategic partnership and their shared vision for regional development and stability.
The visit of H.E. He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China, and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party to Pakistan marks a momentous occasion in the longstanding relationship between the two countries. It is an opportunity to further fortify their strategic partnership and explore new avenues of cooperation in various sectors. The visit not only symbolizes the mutual trust and respect between China and Pakistan but also reaffirms their commitment to working together for the greater good of their peoples and the region at large. As both nations seek to enhance economic ties, invest in infrastructure, and collaborate on security matters, the visit heralds a new chapter of growth and prosperity in their bilateral relations.
” At the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, H.E. He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party will visit Pakistan from 30 July to 01 August 2023. During the visit, Vice Premier He will attend the 10th-anniversary celebrations of CPEC and call on the President and the Prime Minister. He will also be the chief guest at an event celebrating the Decade of CPEC. Vice Premier He Lifeng has played a prominent role in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, of which CPEC is a flagship project. As the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (2017-23), he was instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The visit is part of regular high-level exchanges and dialogue between Pakistan and China. It reflects the importance attached by Pakistan and China to further deepen their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”; enhance economic and financial cooperation; advance high-quality development of CPEC; and explore new avenues for strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.
As China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) reaches its 10th anniversary, it marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between China and Pakistan. This ambitious infrastructure project has not only transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape but also played a crucial role in job creation, providing numerous employment opportunities for the country’s growing workforce. This article delves into the significance of CPEC for Pakistan, particularly its contributions to job creation over the past decade.
The Birth of CPEC
Formally announced in 2013, CPEC is a monumental initiative aimed at connecting China’s western regions with the deep-sea port of Gwadar in Pakistan through a network of roads, railways, pipelines, and energy projects. With an estimated investment exceeding $60 billion, CPEC encompasses various sectors, including transportation, energy, telecommunications, and industrial cooperation, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive infrastructure projects in the world. One of the most compelling aspects of CPEC for Pakistan is its positive impact on job creation. The project has stimulated economic growth and opened up new avenues of employment across various sectors, directly benefiting the country’s workforce. According to an estimate, 90,000 jobs have been created under various projects of CPEC.
- Infrastructure Development
CPEC has been instrumental in transforming Pakistan’s infrastructure, and this process has created a surge in job opportunities. From the construction of roads, highways, and railways to the development of industrial parks and special economic zones, numerous projects have required a large workforce. Skilled and unskilled workers alike have been engaged in these ventures, thus reducing unemployment rates and boosting the overall economy.
- Energy Projects
The energy sector has received considerable attention under CPEC, with the construction of several power plants and renewable energy projects. These developments have not only helped alleviate Pakistan’s chronic energy crisis but have also generated job opportunities in engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance of power plants. Additionally, the availability of reliable and affordable electricity has attracted more industries to set up operations in the country, leading to further job creation.
- Gwadar Port and Economic Zone
The development of Gwadar port and the establishment of the Gwadar Economic Zone have been pivotal in enhancing Pakistan’s strategic maritime significance. This has led to an upswing in job opportunities in port operations, logistics, transportation, and trade-related services. As Gwadar evolves into a regional trade hub, it is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, benefiting both the local population and the country’s overall economic growth.
- Industrial Cooperation and Special Economic Zones
CPEC has encouraged Chinese and Pakistani enterprises to collaborate in various sectors, leading to the establishment of special economic zones (SEZs). These zones aim to attract foreign investment, boost local manufacturing, and promote exports. As these SEZs mature, they are expected to generate thousands of jobs, particularly in manufacturing, services, and trade-related activities.
- Human Resource Development
CPEC has also prioritized human resource development through vocational training and skill enhancement programs. With the support of Chinese expertise, Pakistan has been able to train its workforce in various technical and vocational fields, making them more employable not only in CPEC projects but also in other sectors of the economy.
Conclusion
CPEC’s 10th anniversary signifies a decade of unprecedented economic transformation for Pakistan. The project’s significance lies not only in the massive infrastructural developments it has brought about but also in its commendable role in job creation. As CPEC enters its next phase, it is crucial for Pakistan to continue focusing on maximizing the employment potential of this game-changing initiative. By investing in skill development, creating an enabling environment for businesses, and fostering cooperation between public and private sectors, Pakistan can fully harness the benefits of CPEC, leading to sustained economic growth and prosperity for its people.
