Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan have launched four mega development projects in the fields of energy, technology and education under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Both the dignitaries unveiled the plaques of the four projects at a ceremony held here during the visit of the Chinese vice president who is here on three-day visit. According to media reports, under the first project, a transmission line of 660KV would be laid between Matiari and Lahore to transmit power from coal-based plants located at Thar, Port Qasim and Hub. The project would have the capacity to supply 2000MW with 10 percent overloaded capability for two hours.
The two leaders unveiled the plaque for Rashakai Special Economic Zone project to promote industrialization through optimally priced, world-class industrial infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The two leaders inaugurated the Confucious Institute at the University of Punjab. The institute mainly provides Chinese education, cultural promotion and cultural exchanges and other projects and activities.
The ceremony also marked the launching of Huawei Technical Support Center to be established in Pakistan as part of Chinese tech giant’s commitment to make massive investment in Pakistan. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of MoUs/agreements between Pakistan and China and inauguration of several projects to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse areas. The MoUs/agreements signed on the occasion include Framework Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation; Memorandum on the Requirements of FMD Free Zone; Letter of Exchange for Disaster Relief Goods; China-Pakistan Economic Agreement; Agreement between CMEC, Government of Balochistan and Lasbela University on Modern Agriculture Comprehensive Development in Lasbela. Both the leaders yesterday resolved to further deepen their ‘all-weather strategic cooperative partnership’. Islamabad and Beijing expressed this commitment at delegation-level talks held here between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan. The Chinese vice president arrived in Pakistan on three-day visit on invitation of the prime minister. Work on China Pakistan Economic Corridor has entered into the next phase and launch of new development projects during Chinese Wang Qishan visit is positive development and it will further boost investment in the country. Pakistan and China have been enjoying brotherly relations and after CPEC these relations are turning into strong economic relations. The inauguration of Rashakai Special Economic Zone project is also good news because it will promote industrialization in the province. Government needs to boost pace of work on CPEC projects and should launch other industrial zones as soon as possible because up gradation of manufacturing and industrial sector will help to increase exports. This will lead to resolve severe current account deficit crisis and will strengthen economy.