ISLAMABAD: During the upcoming four-day visit of caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to Beijing, starting from Oct 16, China and Pakistan will sign significant agreements regarding motorways and highways under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
PM Kakar will visit China to attend the ‘Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation’ in Beijing from Oct 17 to 18. He will attend the BRF’s opening ceremony and address the high-level forum titled ‘Connectivity in an Open Global Economy’.
The premier will also hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and meet several other leaders during the two-day event. Senior Chinese officials, business leaders, investors, and leaders from 130 countries, including representatives of the Taliban administration, will attend the Forum.
The Beijing Forum commemorates the 10th anniversary of President Xi’s global infrastructure and energy initiative, aiming to revive the ancient Silk Road to enhance global trade.
Highway Research & Training Centre
One of the significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that Pakistan will sign pertains to the establishment of a modern Highway Research & Training Centre (HRTC) with Chinese assistance. HRTC, a subsidiary of the National Highway Authority (NHA), will conduct indigenous research in various areas of highway engineering and offer technical training.
The HRTC will collaborate with the government of China under CPEC, launching a joint research program from 2023 to 2027 in various aspects of highway engineering. During the PM’s visit, they will sign an MOU for this extension.
The HRTC Research Institute, to be built on 530 acres, will receive Chinese funding of $52 million for construction and equipment. It will focus on long-term pavement performance, research in reclaimed asphalt, bridge, and tunneling projects, and the development of engineering design manuals and standards for Pakistan.
Additionally, Prime Minister Kakar will sign an MOU to upgrade the Karakorum Highway (KKH) and discuss the construction of a motorway from Dera Ismail Khan to Zhob. Gwadar Port will also be a key topic during the meetings in Beijing.
