CPEC Phase-2, SCO Strategic Importance and way forward By Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has now become a “thick” and “tall” tree spreading hope of socio-economic prosperity, human capital development, trans-regional connectivity, regional peace, stability, harmony and, above all, the plight of qualitative life and provision of “basic necessities of life” among all the member countries.
It seems that the Shanghai Spirit comprising openness, inclusiveness, mutual trust, political cooperation and last but not the least economic cooperation among the SCO member countries has become “constitution” of development, stability, progress, security and above meaningful persuasion of common strategies to mitigate the socio-economic consequences of looming threats of non-state actors, mainly climate change, terrorism and national capacity building hurdles in some of the member countries.
It is a good omen that the Chinese Premier Li has visited after the expiry of 11 years in the country. The Chinese premier Li’S visit has become a “value addition” to the 23rd SCO meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG). While in the capital of Pakistan, the Chinese Prime Minister Li addressed a ceremony of the newly completed “Gwadar” airport’s virtual inauguration with the PM Shehbaz termed it as the “landmark” achievement showcasing all about the time-tested friendship between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed hope that the completion of the airport would transform Gwadar’s economy in particular and the blue economy of Pakistan in general. Thus the completion of Gwadar’s airport showed the Chinese leadership’s commitment and dedication to support Pakistan’s economic agenda and to help develop its backward areas. Thus it would further enhance aerial connectivity between China Xinjiang region and Pakistan. Moreover, it would be the gateway of Pakistan and South Asian countries to Central Asia, Middle East and Africa in the days to come.
The Prime Minister said both sides had witnessed the signing and exchange of MoUs between the two countries in various fields of industry, commerce and agriculture. Definitely, these MoUs will shape into agreements very soon through joint efforts of both countries which vividly reflect mutual commitment to promoting friendship between the two countries. PM Shehbaz termed inauguration of Gwadar airport as a gift and value addition to CPEC assuring Chinese counterpart to work closely with him to complete the second phase of the CPEC and the peace and security of the people of the two countries.
On his part, the Chinese premier congratulated the Pakistani nation and the government on behalf of the Chinese government and his people on the completion of Gwadar airport pledging it was a manifestation of the commitment of the Chinese and Pakistani engineers and workers, and also thanked Pakistani society for its support. He termed it as a critical step for realising the vision of regional connectivity, demonstrating the strength of Pak-China friendship and adding that the inauguration would significantly capitalise the promotion of shipping and port activities and enhance regional connectivity in the entire region. Rightly, the Chinese premier Li labelled it as a symbol of deepening cooperation and appreciated the positive, productive and participatory role of the CPEC in Pakistan’s economic and social development and regional integration.
Moreover, the assurance of the Chinese prime minister to continue to work closely with Pakistan in building and benefiting together by pursuing the goals of high standards, sustainability and high quality of the Belt and Road Initiative has great significance in terms of the BRI’s regional as well as global expansion, scope, utility and productivity in the days to come.
Premier Li, referring to the Pak-China ties, termed them as of “special relationship and friendship” and said the all-weather strategic partnership was further deepening. He reiterated to work hand in hand with Pakistan to accelerate mutual economic development in the future.
Furthermore, the two countries also reiterated their support to each other on all core issues and pledged to develop CPEC’s phase-II at the highest standards.
PM Shehbaz and Premier Li led the delegation-level talks at the Prime Minister’s House. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed all aspects of bilateral relations and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two sides also stressed the need for timely completion of all ongoing projects, including industry, modernisation of agriculture, information technology, science and technology, for the mutual benefit and the socio-economic development of Pakistan. PM Shehbaz assured Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in the country. The two sides agreed to continue the high-level contacts, including strengthening all areas of bilateral cooperation.
In the meeting, discussions were held regarding the relocation of Chinese industry to Pakistan and strategies to increase Chinese investment in Pakistan. It was reiterated in the meeting that Pakistan and China would continue close consultations on issues of regional and global importance at the multilateral forums.
In summary, the emerging “triangular” of the CPEC, BRI and SCO have become true hope of economic revival, icon of immense social development, mantra of economic integration, road map of peaceful trans-regional connectivity, an ideal platform of dealing the non-state actors and above all futuristic path for clubbing South Asia with Central Asia, and beyond in the days to come.
The visit of Chinese premier Li to 23rd SCO meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) is a “diplomatic” victory of Pakistan “silencing” the “dissenting voices” in the country and beyond mitigating all false and fake propaganda against the CPEC and BRI. It is a message of further consolidation, cooperation, collaboration and coordination between Pakistan and China.
Thus it is indeed a productive visit and an expression of the importance attached by Pakistan and China to their ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. It further reaffirms mutual support on issues of core interest; advance high-quality development of CPEC; and reinforce regular exchanges on important regional and global developments. Hopefully the SCO summit will focus on enhancing regional cooperation, trade, and financial integrity among member states, significantly boosting Pakistan’s image and future prospects”.
It is crystal clear that Pakistan being sole bearer of the CPEC.BRI has become a trade hub for Central Asia and holding of the SCO summit aims to promote economic integration, a digital economy and cultural exchanges, fostering regional prosperity and stability. Last but not least, the SCO summit will discuss ongoing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, socio-cultural linkages and review the performance of the Organization.
CPEC Phase-2, SCO Strategic Importance and way forward By Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan
Source: https://pakobserver.net/cpec-phase-2-sco-strategic-importance-and-way-forward/