Pak-China economic ties significant for region’s future

by Mariam Raheem

ISLAMABAD, July 11 (Gwadar Pro) - A webinar on “Pakistan-China beyond 70: What shall we act upon?” was held by Devcom Pakistan & DTN on Saturday. The panelists envisaged Pakistan’s stronger bilateral strategic and economic partnership with China in the coming years. They agreed that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects would play a central role in domestic economic productivity, connectivity with the countries in the region and beyond, mutual strategic collaboration against the hegemonic designs against China, Pakistan, and peace and prosperity of the region.

Chairing the session, Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed mentioned that how China and Pakistan can collaborate with each other in the upcoming strategic issues that are emerging in the region, strengthen people to people contact and cultural exchanges should be discussed. Speakers are also requested to share their views on higher education commission, universities cooperation, and aspects can be learned from China on poverty alleviation.

Lt General Retd Muhammad Asad Durrani, Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, mentioned on the occasion that Pakistan and China have been playing a very significant role in the region, and their strategic partnership can add more value to the efforts being taken for peace and prosperity of the region. Regarding Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative, he maintainedthat B3W has its own scope and mandate while Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has its own significance.

Maintaining that China is not only an economic power but has raised its strategic and military capacity as well, Lt General Retd Talat Masood, political commentator, further pointed out that Pakistan and China have enjoyed mutual trust and respect for decades, and have played a role in supporting each other on different forums.

Mr. Hassan Daud Butt, CEO, KP-BoIT, highlighted that Pakistan’s relation with China has never been a transactional one and has grown from strength to strength and has withstood the test of time. It is vital that the next generation share the history of the great strategic partnership so that it maintains constant growth.