CPEC and Gwadar port development dominate Pakistani delegation’s China visit

A Pakistani delegation has held high-level meetings with Chinese government officials and representatives of academic and business institutions in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations regional cooperation and the future development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A Pakistani delegation has held high-level meetings with Chinese government officials and representatives of academic and business institutions in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations regional cooperation and the future development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The delegation comprising foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi and government representatives from Balochistan visited China at the invitation of the Chinese government. The visit was arranged by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad.

During their stay, the Pakistani representatives met senior officials from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tianjin University and other important government and commercial institutions. Discussions covered opportunities to expand trade strengthen economic cooperation develop Gwadar Port and advance regional connectivity through CPEC.

Among the Chinese officials attending the meetings were Cheng Wei, Counsellor in the South Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tianjin Li Xiang, Deputy Director-General at the ministry and Gao Yuqing Director of the Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Centre.

Speaking during the discussions Muhammad Mehdi described Gwadar as more than a Pakistani port highlighting its potential to become an important commercial gateway to West Asia. He said it could also provide China with one of the shortest maritime trade routes to Europe and Africa.

Mehdi noted that Pakistan’s security situation in Balochistan was gradually improving through strategies adopted by the country’s security forces. However he stressed the need for Pakistan and China to develop a coordinated approach to address security challenges affecting CPEC projects.

He also congratulated Chinese officials on their initiative to transform Tianjin Port into the world’s first carbon-free port. He expressed hope that similar environmentally sustainable facilities could be developed at Karachi and Gwadar ports.

Mehdi said upgrading Pakistan’s port infrastructure in line with international standards could create additional opportunities for economic cooperation.

Meanwhile Gwadar Port Authority Director Qazi Nematullah appreciated China’s continued support for social welfare projects in Gwadar. He also discussed further cooperation in healthcare including the possibility of establishing a hospital in the port city.

Himal Dashti representing Gwadar Port Development thanked the Chinese hosts and appreciated Mehdi’s detailed discussion of matters concerning Gwadar.

As a gesture of cultural friendship Pakistan Customs representative Hayat Murad presented traditional Balochi shawls and caps to the Chinese hosts and Muhammad Mehdi.

The meetings highlighted opportunities to strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation particularly in trade, port development, regional connectivity and the future of CPEC.