Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, who arrived in Beijing to participate in the 3rd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation, seized the opportunity to invite China to invest in solar parks. Kakar emphasized that this move could aid Pakistan in its fight against climate change and simultaneously reduce the country’s energy import bills. During his visit, PM Kakar underlined the profound and enduring friendship between Pakistan and China and lauded the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a symbol of their strategic cooperation. He proposed the need for deeper economic integration, diversification, and innovation in the next phase of CPEC to maximize its benefits.
Friendship and Cooperation:
Addressing a conference in China, Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the exemplary friendship between Pakistan and China based on mutual trust and shared interests. He asserted that this bond remained resilient despite international politics and garnered broad national consensus in Pakistan. Kakar categorically stated that there should be no doubt about Pakistan’s unwavering affection for China, emphasizing the irreplaceable importance of this relationship.
CPEC as a Transformative Project:
PM Kakar described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative project central to advancing Pakistan’s national agenda for sustainable development. He noted that the geoeconomic landscape of Pakistan had undergone a remarkable transformation, extending from Gilgit-Baltistan to the deep-sea ports of Karachi and Gwadar, thanks to CPEC. This transformation involved infrastructure upgrades and the unleashing of the potential of Pakistan’s significant youth population. CPEC has acted as a catalyst for job creation, poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and socio-economic development.
The Next Phase of CPEC:
Prime Minister Kakar expressed his vision for the next phase of CPEC, focusing on deeper economic integration. He proposed diversification and innovation as key elements to drive growth that would not only benefit Pakistan but also extend its positive impact to the wider region and beyond. PM Kakar emphasized the importance of skill development and vocational training programs, considering them essential for the continued success of CPEC.
Kakar’s Ongoing Invitation:
Highlighting the progress brought about by CPEC, PM Kakar expressed Pakistan’s openness to inviting new partners who wish to join in reaping the benefits of this transformative initiative. Since Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan, Pakistan has witnessed significant additions to its infrastructure, including roads and motorways, and a considerable increase in energy generation, contributing to job creation and economic development.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s call for Chinese investment in solar parks and his emphasis on the enduring Pakistan-China friendship underscore the significance of this diplomatic visit. CPEC continues to be a critical project for Pakistan, driving economic growth and development while fostering closer ties between the two nations. The next phase of CPEC, as envisioned by PM Kakar, holds the promise of deeper integration, diversification, and innovation to further bolster the region’s prosperity.
