China visit to focus on CPEC revitalization, says PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that he would hold discussions with the Chinese leadership on strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly revitalization of the multi-billion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project during his visit to China.

The prime minister said the second phase of CPEC promises to usher in a new era of socio-economic progress that would uplift quality of the people’s lives.

My discussions with Chinese leadership will focus on revitalization of CPEC among many other things. 2nd phase of CPEC promises to usher in a new era of socio-economic progress that will uplift quality of our people’s lives. There is a lot to learn from Chinese economic miracle. https://t.co/A6knRLzN6l

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 1, 2022

“There is a lot to learn from Chinese economic miracle,” he said in a tweet, stressing that his discussions with Chinese leadership would focus on revitalization of CPEC among many other things.

The prime minister said he was honored to be among the first few leaders to have been invited after the historic 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

“At a time when the world is grappling with multiple challenges, Pakistan and China stand together as friends and partners,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for China’s capital Beijing on a two-day official visit.

During his first official visit to China after assuming office, the prime minister will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

The prime minister is leading a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister of Communications Maulana Asad Mehmood, Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Minister for Board of Investment Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Defence Production Sardar Israr Tareen, and PM’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Fahd Hussain, Zafaruddin Mahmood, Jahanzeb Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The two sides will review the All-Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments.