Sources indicate that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is slated to embark on a visit to China from June 4-7.
During this four-day state visit, he is expected to hold discussions with the Chinese president and prime minister, focusing on matters related to CPEC phase-II and other pertinent issues. If realized, this visit would mark PM Shehbaz’s first official trip to Beijing since assuming office after the February 8 general elections.
Currently, the prime minister is on a day-long visit to the UAE, where he is scheduled to meet with the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other Emirati dignitaries, businesspersons, and heads of financial institutions.
Notably, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar recently visited Beijing, co-chairing the Fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his four-day visit.
Pakistan, China agree to expedite CPEC projects
It’s worth mentioning that Pakistan and China have agreed to expedite the implementation of projects across various sectors under CPEC.
This consensus was reached during a meeting between Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Zhao Chenxin, in Beijing on Friday.
Both parties have committed to executing the Industrial Cooperation Framework Agreement and formulating an Action Plan for the modernization of industry, mines, and mineral sectors.
Furthermore, they have pledged to prioritize collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and the modernization of agriculture in the next phase of CPEC.
Additionally, they have expressed their commitment to enhancing connectivity for the coastal city of Gwadar by constructing the Eastbay Expressway, with the aim of fully leveraging the potential of its port and industrial zone.
