World cannot afford another Cold War: PM Imran

Premier invites Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s SEZs

BEIJING:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said the world could ill afford another cold war, warning that divisions could result in mounting sufferings and preventing common benefits, as he began his official engagements during his four-day China tour.

In an exclusive session with the heads and representatives of leading Chinese think tanks and universities, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the key driver in international politics should be cooperation, rather than confrontation.

“In view of myriad global challenges, the world did not need another cold war. Divisions can result in mounting sufferings and preventing common benefits. Pakistan is, therefore, of the belief that the key driver in international politics should be cooperation, rather than confrontation,” he said.

Accompanied by federal ministers, advisers and senior officials during the visit, the prime minister also held a series of meetings with leaders of China’s leading state-owned and private companies in Beijing besides attending the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games.

In his address to the Chinese think tanks, the prime minister emphasised the importance of Pakistan-China relationship, regional stability and prosperity. He recalled that Pakistan in the past played a role in building bridges, adding that the country remained ready to do so again.

Referring to Pakistan’s National Security Policy, the prime minister stressed that his government put economic security at its core. “This vision is built upon connectivity and development partnership for which China remains an indispensable partner of Pakistan,” he said.

He highlighted China-Pakistan common position on multilateral forums, reaffirming Pakistan’s firm commitment to One-China Policy and other issues of core interests. He thanked China for its unwavering support on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The prime minister highlighted the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. He added that Pakistan was offering incentives for investment that were at par with or better than other investment destinations.

Discussing the regional dynamics, Imran believed that ensuring peace and security in Afghanistan was in the mutual interest of Pakistan and China. He called upon the international community not to leave Afghans in this time of need.

Read More: CPEC delivering tangible benefits to people of Pakistan, China: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran also highlighted India’s aggressive behaviour and the prevailing Hindutva ideology as a threat to regional peace and a cause of lingering instability in the region. He stressed that the world must also pay attention to India’s oppression against the Kashmiri people.

Meanwhile, talking to heads of China’s leading state-owned and private companies, the prime minister appreciated the keen interest of Chinese companies in investing in Pakistan, the Prime Minister Office said in a series of tweets.

Imran apprised the Chinese corporate leaders of the steps being taken to create a conducive environment for Chinese investment in Pakistan and encouraged them to benefit from the business-friendly policies for investment in CPEC special economic zones (SEZs).

The executives who met the prime minister included leadership of the China Communication Construction Company (CCCC), Huazhong Technology, Zhejiang Seaport Group, Challenge Apparel, Hunan Sunwalk Group, Royal Group, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Zhengbang Group and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC).

“The corporate leaders briefed the prime minister on the progress of their ongoing projects in Pakistan,” a tweet read. “They evinced keen interest in expanding investments in Pakistan in projects related to recycling of metals and paper, energy, textile, fibre-optics networks, housing, dairy and water management,” it added.

The CCCC is a leading global construction and infrastructure development company; Huazhong Technology, specialises in integrated papermaking equipment; Zhejiang Seaport Group is one of China’s largest port operator; Challenge Fashions is a leading textile company, Hunan Sunwalk’s core business is in communications, 3D printing and construction; Royal Group is China’s largest buffalo milk producer; CRBC focuses in civil engineering and construction projects; Zhengbang Group is Jiangxi province’s largest agricultural enterprise and CMEC is one of the Chinese top agro-industrial machinery company.