BEIJING – Pakistan and China have agreed that the implementation of thesecond phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement would lead to moretrade, economic and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The understanding came during a wide-ranging bilateral talks between PrimeMinister Imran Khan and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held at the Great Hallof the People in Beijing today (Tuesday).
The two sides exchanged views on deepening bilateral trade and exploredways of increasing Pakistan’s exports to China. Other areas of potentialcollaboration discussed between the two sides included railways, steel, oiland gas, industry and science & technology.
Extending felicitations on the 70th Anniversary of the founding of thePeople’s Republic of China, the Prime Minister underscored that theAll-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and Chinaserved the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples andcontributed to peace, development and stability in the region.
He emphasized that expeditious completion of CPEC projects is the foremostpriority of his government as this transformational project is pivotal toaccelerating Pakistan’s economic development and regional prosperity.
He apprised of the actions undertaken recently to fast-track CPEC projectsand to push the development momentum in Gawadar.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s issuesof core national interest.
He thanked Imran Khan for the measures to advance CPEC projects andmaintained that the second phase of CPEC will be instrumental inreinforcing and consolidating Pakistan’s economic development and pave theway for enhanced Chinese investments in Pakistan.
The two sides also discussed regional security situation including serioushuman rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Imran Khan apprised Premier Li of the latest developments and theimportance of urgent action by the international community to alleviate thesufferings of the Kashmiri people in the lockdown.
The two leaders also witnessed signing of various Agreements and MOUs aimedat deepening Pakistan-China ties in a range of socio-economic sectors.
Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated his invitation to Premier Li to visitPakistan at the earliest opportunity.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan was accorded warm welcome on his arrivalat Great Hall of the People in Beijing today.
Chinese Prime Mnister Li Keqiang received his Pakistani counterpart.
An official welcome ceremony was held in honor of the Prime Minister.
Smartly turned out contingents of the Chinese armed forces presented guardof honor to the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister inspected guard of honor.
National anthems of the two countries were played on the occasion. Later,the Chinese Prime Minister was introduced to the members of the Pakistanidelegation.