Premier Nawaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding Pakistan-China Economic Corridor. PHOTO: NNI
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday underscored the need for state-of-the-art railway tracks and expressways to connect China with Pakistan through Khunjerab, Gwadar and Karachi.
Such transport links between Pakistan and China will prove to be game-changers for the region.
The remarks came during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister.
“My first priority is to strengthen the economy and pursue projects that would benefit the region -- projects that enhance economic activities, provide jobs and change the destiny of millions of people,” the premier said.
The prime minister added that he had held in-depth discussions on proposed projects with the Chinese premier when he visited Pakistan and was happy to note that the Chinese government was equally interested in the ventures.
The Special Economic Corridors alongside modern railway track and expressway between China and Pakistan were essential to strengthening ties with China further.
“We want concrete projects and tangible results to benefit the people of Pakistan and China,” added the prime minister. He further said that the project is in the greater interest of China as it will reduce distance inside Chinese territory, resulting in reduced transportation costs.
Nawaz maintained that the future belongs to the region due to its huge potential, thick population and massive business opportunities.
“The area is also rich of natural flowing water reserves that would also be used for the energy starved country’s benefits with China’s assistance.”
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal briefed the meeting on the on-going projects and areas for future projects with the Chinese government including Railway Network, Energy Sector and Road Networks.
The prime minister directed the rail ministry to submit solid proposals for building new railway track alignment to facilitate fast moving trains for passenger and cargo servicesbefore a Pakistani delegation leaves for China in a couple of days.
Gwadar projects
The prime minister underscored the need for special economic zones in aconverting Gwadar into an international city and economic hub to bring about prosperity for the people of Balochistan and the country.
He said that the missing links in the existing roads and Railway tracks must be built but the need of the day was to establish new linkages to connect China with Pakistan and give access for Chinese trade to India and Central Asian states.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2013.
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While many companies might want to rush to Gawadar. Can the government incentivize through regulation for the investors to facilitate / set up 'Vocational Training and Health Care Centres' as part of Corporate Social Responsibiity. The benefit and profits of business shall also be shared with locals.
What about Quetta - Kandhar rail link ?
Does our Federal Railway Minister opt to travel by train ?
how can you blame china for that. just check how many years we wasted over Gawader but results are zero. lets give to china and thats not new you leased land to Arabs, bases to USA even you let third party to kill own citizen. might change your Master from Arab to USA To China. Pakistanis are bonded slaves.
I disagree with the comment No. (2) Above. At this juncture we must find a solution to our energy crisis which has has been "gifted" to this nation by its "patriotic" politicians since last forty years. God save us from such "patriotic" politicians in the future.
"Unpatriotic"
Other than low margin yarn what do you sell China? China dumps products in Pakistan costing you jobs and purchases Pakistani yarn which it processes into high margin clothing which competes with you in the export market - costing you more jobs. Your best buddy is one of your toughest economic competitors and I suggest you wake up.
Chinese only buy raw materials or very high quality goods(from japan,Germany)......tell me one developing country that has benefited from trade with China(except raw materials)