CPEC was growing from strength to strength with a focus on high quality development in the second phase: PM Shehbaz

BEIJING, June 08 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with his delegation met Zhao Yide, Party Secretary of Shaanxi province in Xi’an, China on Saturday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Party Secretary Zhao discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, technology, agricultural and cultural exchanges. They reaffirmed  commitment to further deepen Pakistan-China strategic cooperation, including through promotion of B2B linkages and cultural exchanges. They agreed to strengthen local and provincial level cooperative partnerships between Pakistan and China for mutual prosperity.

Underscoring Xi’an’s historical significance as a center of cultural and economic exchanges between the East and the West in the Ancient Silk Road, the Prime Minister emphasized continued collaboration between Pakistan and Shaanxi province in people-to-people exchanges particularly in the culture, tourism and education domains. He also underlined the need to leverage sister-city relationships of Xi’an with Lahore and Multan through practical cooperation at city-to-city level.

The Prime Minister said that CPEC was growing from strength to strength with a focus on high quality development in the second phase. The two sides agreed to strengthen economic cooperation through joint ventures in agriculture, bio-pharmaceuticals, automobile manufacturing, mining, chemicals and textiles sectors.

Secretary Zhao briefed the Prime Minister on the historical significance of Shaanxi province and provided an overview of Shaanxi’s economic and social development highlighting its status as one of the fastest growing regions of China.

The Prime Minister said that China’s phenomenal development and support to the developing countries was an inspiration for Pakistan. He invited the state owned and private enterprises from Shaanxi province to benefit from the investor friendly policy framework and regulatory measures in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister thanked the leadership of the Shaanxi province and the Xi’an city for facilitating Pakistani citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif along with his delegation visited the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi’an, China.

During the visit, the Prime Minister and the delegation were briefed on the preservation and restoration of historical heritage and promotion of tourism.

The Prime Minister visited various parts of the museum and appreciated the beauty of the ancient Chinese historical heritage and Chinese craftsmanship.

In his remarks, he said great nations like China protect their historical heritage. He said the protection and restoration of this historical heritage by the Chinese government is worthy of emulation.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said China has made its mark in every sector through its hard work. He thanked the Chinese President Xi Jinping for his invitation to visit the museum.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is rich in historical and cultural heritage. He expressed the commitment to restore the country’s historical places and convert them into tourist spots.