ISLAMABAD: China’s Vice Premier, He Lifeng, is set to embark on a three-day visit to Pakistan, starting on Sunday, to participate in the festivities commemorating the 10-year milestone of the joint corridor project initiated by both nations.
During his stay, Vice Premier will also engage in meetings with top leaders in Islamabad.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pivotal project for infrastructure development and regional connectivity, was jointly launched by China and Pakistan to construct a significant trade route connecting the Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan with China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang.
Although the groundwork for the multibillion-dollar CPEC projects was laid in April 2015, the initiative gained even greater significance when President Xi Jinping visited Kazakhstan in September 2013, marking its integration into China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The BRI’s mission is to revitalize the ancient Silk Route on a grand scale, fostering connections between China and neighboring countries while extending its reach to various regions in Europe and Africa.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, it was announced that Vice Premier He Lifeng, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, would be visiting Pakistan from July 30 to August 1, 2023, at the invitation of the Pakistani government.
The agenda of the visit includes attending the 10th-anniversary celebrations of CPEC and holding meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Moreover, He Lifeng will also serve as the chief guest at an event commemorating the decade of CPEC’s successful journey.
The ministry further emphasized that Vice Premier He has played a key role in implementing the BRI, with CPEC being a flagship project within this initiative.
As the chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (2017-23), he actively contributed to the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan.
To accommodate the Vice Premier’s visit, the Islamabad administration has declared a two-day closure of all educational institutions, private firms, markets, and commercial banks on Monday and Tuesday.
The ministry underscored that this visit reflects the regular high-level exchanges and dialogue between China and Pakistan, highlighting China’s strong commitment to supporting Islamabad’s core strategic interests.
In addition to celebrating the CPEC milestone, China has played a significant role in Pakistan’s economy, joining other countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to provide financial assistance by depositing substantial amounts in its central bank and rolling over billions of dollars of loans.
Besides, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently expressed gratitude to Beijing for its selfless financial support during his visit to Gwadar.
Source: Arab News
