PRIME MINISTER IMRAN KHAN’S KEYNOTE SPEECH AT 2ND BELT AND ROAD FORUM IN BEIJING
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing called for greater attention towards tackling climate change and poverty as Pakistan and China enter the next phase of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).He described China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as it “marks a new and distinct phase in the onward march of nations in the world along the path of globalisation”.
Prime minister Imran Khan said:
“The presence of so many world leaders today is proof that we choose hope over despair and cooperation over confrontation. 122 states and 49 international organisations have signed onto the BRI’s vision and this is a historic and monumental development.
The BRI offers a model of partnership, collaboration, connectivity and shared prosperity. Pakistan is proud to have partnered with China in this transformative endeavour. We have been among BRI’s earliest and most enthusiastic proponents.
“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the BRI’s major components-and one of its earliest manifestations - has made substantial progress. Pakistan’s energy supplies have increased massively, critical infrastructure gaps are being plugged, Gwadar - once a small fishing village - is transforming rapidly into a commercial hub. The Gwadar airport will be the largest in our country.”
He informed the audience that special economic zones being set up along the CPEC offer investment opportunities for Pakistani, Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs and invited them to “avail Pakistan’s liberal foreign investment regime and participate in our economy, in particular infrastructure, railways, dams, IT and manufacturing.”
“Together Pakistan and China are entering the next phase of CPEC, with greater emphasis on socioeconomic uplift,” he said, adding that the next phase would be “supplemented” by the signing of an expanded Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement.
He added that Pakistan wants to promote cooperation with China in agriculture, health and education sectors.
“We are changing Pakistan’s economic landscape and Insha Allah, the destiny of our people. I want to thank China and its leadership for their unwavering support for Pakistan,” he said.
Prime Minister Imran suggested that, as the BRI takes on a more concrete shape, world leaders direct their efforts and focus onto the people of their countries by addressing impediments in the path towards sustainable growth.
He suggested collaboration on five points: mitigating the adverse effects of climate change by launching an ambitious tree-planting project; establishing a BRI tourism corridor; establishing an office for anti-corruption cooperation; creating a poverty alleviation fund; further trade liberalisation and encouraging private sector investment.
During his four-day official visit to China, the prime minister held meetings with several heads of states/governments and corporate and business leaders on the sidelines of the BRF.
In addition to participating in the Belt and Road Forum, the premier held bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. Pakistan and China also signed several memoranda of understanding and agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse areas.