Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Monday agreed to further align their development plans and priorities, and build an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)- a pioneering project of Belt and Road Initiative.The two sides agreed to focus on the three key sectors of industry, agriculture and mining, promote the building and operation of the Gwadar Port, ensure the smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development.According to a joint press communiqué of the Seventh Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, the two sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training and education, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.The two sides will also take the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass as an opportunity to deepen two-way trade and people-to-people exchanges. They also welcomed third-party participation in CPEC cooperation that conforms with the modalities set by China and Pakistan.The two sides also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the financial and banking sectors, including extending mutual support at regional and international multilateral financial forums. Pakistan appreciated China for providing support for its fiscal and financial sectors.
