Despite utter CPEC failure, Pakistan & China discuss projects under 'Phase-2'

Officials of Pakistan and China on Thursday discussed various mega projects under Phase-two of multi-billion-dollar CPEC.

10th meeting of Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was held through video conference, according to an official statement.

It was co-chaired by Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives As Umar and Vice Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China Ning Jizhe.

two sides held a detailed discussion on various projects being undertaken as part of second phase of CPEC and also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishment of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Information Technology Industry.

A Letter of Exchange of Provision of Balochistan Solar Power Lighting Equipment and Provision of Medical Equipment and Material were also signed, according to statement.

JCC also announced signing of an MoU on Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ) and Agreement of Cooperation Framework between Ningbo Port and Gwar Port as well as Lease deed of Gwar Expo Center.

Umar said Phase-2 of CPEC is even more promising as it broens scope of cooperation and focuses on Industrial, Scientific and Technological as well as Agricultural cooperation.

He said with CPEC second phase accelerating, economic ties between two friendly neighbors will continue to get stronger and stronger.

He emphasised that we are working to ensure a stable policy, ease of doing business, and better incentives for private sector participation for a sustainable development model.

Umar said Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued directions for empowering Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Authorities and Management Companies to provide full facilitation to investors and decided to establish a dedicated Investor Facilitation Centre for Chinese investors.

Umar told Chinese officials that Pakistan was cognizant of threats to CPEC and h enhanced security arrangements to deal with threats in an effective manner.

minister thanked Chinese government for unprecedented support to Pakistan in its efforts to combat COVID-19.

It has been a true testimony to our iron brorhood and a reflection of our historical strategic partnership, he said.

Umar said that CPEC cooperation and work on all projects continued unhindered despite pandemic, mainly due to resolute commitment of top leership and workers from both sides.

During meeting, conveners of Joint Working Groups (JWGs) on Energy, Transport Infrastructure, Gwar, Socio-Economic Development, Security, Long-Term Planning of CPEC, Industrial Cooperation, International cooperation, Science and Technology, and Agriculture Cooperation me a presentation highlighting progress on ir specific areas and future plans of actions.

Or matters discussed during JCC included a 700 MW Az Pattan Hydropower Project; South-North Gas Pipeline; Policy Framework for Thar Coal Gasification; Strategic Underground Gas Storages; National Seismic Study of Sedimentary Area; Joint Prospecting, Exploration, Development, and Marketing of Metalic Minerals and or areas of mutual interest.

10th session of Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) for CPEC was to be held in 2020 but was postponed due to coronavirus. It was later scheduled to take place in July this year but again called off due to a terrorist attack killing several Chinese nationals.

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