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China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) | Updates & Discussions

Pakistani papers have various takes on the engagement in Beijing - however, Daily Times, it seems to me has the most hopeful:

But before we get to that, below is a quote from Robert B. Zoellick, former World Bank president, U.S. deputy secretary of state and U.S. trade representative, is currently a distinguished visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center. The quote below is from his address delivered before the Shanghai Forum at Fudan University in Shanghai, on May 25, 2013.

TODAY, CHINA’S Asian allies are few, poor, unreliable and often isolated, while America’s allies are prosperous and expanding. If China’s assertion of influence is interpreted as a threat to others, China will inevitably evoke a counterreaction. To avoid creating its own encirclement, China has an interest in building ties with U.S. allies and friends, not in increasing their fears. The United States and China together have an interest in fostering regional integration, within a global system, without threats that weaken confidence or escalate tensions.

This is how the Daily Times carried and interpreted the interaction:

China vows to lend Pakistan a hand

* Nawaz, Li Keqiang pledge to pursue people-centric policies that could mitigate poverty, promote social and economic development and diminish roots of conflict

BEIJING: China on Friday vowed to support the efforts of the Pakistani government in addressing its urgent energy needs and continue to encourage and support Chinese enterprises’ investment in Pakistan.

The two sides also resolved to promote the policies aimed at advancing the cause of peace, co-operation and harmony creating a win-win situation in the region. In a joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang here, both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to pursue people-centric policies that could mitigate poverty, promote social and economic development and diminish the roots of conflict.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed the strong commitment of his government to further promote and deepen the bilateral strategic cooperation.

Nawaz Sharif underscored that the recent political transition in Pakistan was a historic development, which would create political cohesion, social stability and internal growth. “It will also improve governance and lead to sound macroeconomic management; thus creating an enabling environment for foreign investment in Pakistan,” he observed.

The two sides reviewed with satisfaction the development of China-Pakistan relations, and were of the view that this relationship had acquired growing strategic significance in the emerging dynamics of the 21st century.

Both sides decided to continue to deepen the Sino-Pak strategic partnership in the new era. The two leaders appreciated that Asia was the engine of global economic growth and more than 40 percent of the global population resided in this vibrant and dynamic region. A major urbanisation and technological advancement was underway in this region, which would unleash enormous potential for regional economic development, read the statement.

The two countries decided to further deepen practical cooperation in all sectors and strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues.

China also reaffirmed that its relationship with Pakistan was always a matter of highest priority in its foreign policy, and it would continue to strengthen this strategic partnership. China appreciated Pakistan’s long-term, staunch support on issues concerning China’s core interests.

China vowed to continue extending its full support to Pakistan in the latter’s efforts to uphold its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while respecting the development path chosen by the people according to its national priority, and support Pakistan in maintaining social stability and economic development.

Pakistan reiterated that friendship with China was the cornerstone of its foreign policy that enjoyed a national consensus, and appreciated the support and assistance of the Chinese government and the people for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socio-economic development.

“Pakistan will continue to adhere to its one-China policy, oppose Taiwan and Tibet’s independence and support China’s efforts in combating the ‘Three Evils’ of extremism, terrorism and separatism. We regard ETIM (East Turkestan Islamic Movement) as our common threat and stand united in combating this menace,” Nawaz said.

The two sides believed that maintaining the tradition of frequent exchange of visits and meetings between their leadership and fully leveraging arrangements, such as annual meetings between their leaders, was of great importance in advancing bilateral relations.

They also agreed to enhance the role of mechanisms such as foreign ministers’ dialogue, strategic dialogue and other consultative mechanisms between the relevant ministries and departments, so as to strengthen the strategic communication and coordination between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Pakistan expressed commitment to reviving the national economy and realising its ‘Asian Tiger’ dream. The development strategies of the two countries therefore coincided with each other. Both sides decided to further strengthen the ties of pragmatic cooperation between them, with a view to translating their high-level political relationship into wider economic dividends. “To this end, the two sides will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, mining, food security, environment, finance and other fields,” the statement read. It was agreed that both sides would support enterprises of the two countries in conducting cooperation on establishment of industrial zones in Gwadar.
 
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Pakistan, China sign USD 18 billion deal on Arabian Sea link

By PTI | 5 Jul, 2013, 07.44PM IST

BEIJING: China and Pakistan today signed eight agreements, including a whopping USD 18 billion deal to build a 200 km-long strategic tunnel through the rugged ***, as the two all-weather allies sought to boost economic ties and supply critical oil to the energy-hungry Communist giant.

The agreements were signed after visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang here at the Great Hall of the People.

China has strategic interest in the Pak-China Economic Corridor, Li said on the 200 km-long tunnel which will connect Pakistan's Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea and Kashghar in Xinjiang in northwest China.

China took control of the strategic Gwadar port this year, which gave it access to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz through which a third of the world's oil is transported.

According to experts, the corridor will speed up development in Xinjiang, which has seen frequent unrest, and also open up a new route for China's energy imports from West Asia. The corridor will pass through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (***), which borders Xinjiang and provides the only feasible transport link between China and Pakistan.

The USD 18 billion deal was inked by Pakistan's Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman National Development and Reforms Commission of China, Xu Shao Shi.

Earlier welcoming Sharif, who chose to visit China for his first foreign tour after returning to power in May, Li said, "I greatly appreciate your great warmth and deep affection for the people of China."

Sharif said his welcome "reminds me of the saying, our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey".

While discussing bilateral and regional issues, the two leaders agreed to promote the policies aimed at advancing the cause of peace, co-operation and harmony creating a win-win situation in the region, Pakistan's state-run news agency APP reported.

China reaffirmed that its relationship with Pakistan was always a matter of highest priority in its foreign policy, and it would continue to strengthen this strategic partnership.

It vowed to continue extending its full support to Pakistan in the latter's efforts to uphold its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while respecting the development path chosen by the people according to its national priority, and support Pakistan in maintaining social stability and economic development.

Pakistan reiterated that friendship with China was the cornerstone of its foreign policy, enjoying a national consensus and appreciated the support and assistance of the Chinese government and people for Pakistan's sovereignty and socio-economic development.

"Pakistan will continue to adhere to its one-China policy, oppose Taiwan and Tibet's independence and support China's efforts in combating the "Three Evils" of extremism, terrorism and separatism. We regard ETIM as our common threat and stand united in combating this menace," Sharif said.

Ahead of Sharif's visit, China's restive Xinjiang province bordering *** was rocked by violence, claiming 35 lives.

The violence in the Muslim-majority province brought to the fore Beijing's concerns that the Uygur militants of the separatist East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) are being trained in terror camps in Pakistan. An agreement for cooperation between Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) was also signed.

A USD 44 million project was also agreed between the two countries to erect a fibre optic cable from the China-Pakistan border to Rawalpindi, which aims at providing Pakistan more connectivity to international networks. Trade between China and Pakistan exceeded USD 12 billion for the first time last year, while it is targeted to rise to USD 15 billion in the next two to three years.

Yesterday, Sharif held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and sought China's assistance to tackle a severe energy crisis and economic woes. Xi said the all-weather strategic cooperation were treasures to both countries and the foundation for the future development of the bilateral relations.

China and Pakistan are "good neighbours, friends, partners as well as brothers," Xi said.

Pakistan, China sign USD 18 billion deal on Arabian Sea link - The Economic Times
 
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Is it a 'tunnel' or an 'economic corridor?

Definition of tunnel: An artificial underground passage, esp. one built through a hill or under a building, road, or river.

So is this 200km an underground tunnel? :woot:

200Kms made up of different tunnels through Karakoram Mountains, its not a single tunnel.
 
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Tindu looks frustrated and angry and Chinese look upset as well.

What type of 'sweeter than honey' friendship is this? :undecided:

LOL, the Chinese guys there don't look angry at all. :no:

They look suitably serious for an event of diplomatic importance.
 
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Pakistan and China are serious allies.

We are the first troops allowed to train on Chinese soil.


The Indian anus may burn with extreme heat, but we are working together for a better Asia.
@Indians check out our troops. Superior in strength than you hungry skinnies. :lol:
 
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Nawaz’s Beijing visit: Trade corridor tops MoU bonanza
BEIJING: Pakistan and China on Friday signed a bonanza of agreements, including one on a long-term economic corridor, capping a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in the Chinese capital.

The 2,000-kilometre road and rail link connecting the northwestern city of Kashgar to Gwadar port was among eight pacts inked by the two countries. The corridor is expected to cost around $18 billion. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal inked the pact from the Pakistani side while the chairman of the National Development and Reforms Commission signed it from the Chinese side, as Premier Li reiterated his country’s strategic interest in the project.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) pertaining to the Lahore-Karachi Motorway was signed on Friday as well, following which Prime Minister Nawaz ordered concerned departments to complete the project within two-and-a-half years.

Talking to PTV after the signing ceremony, the premier said the authorities will have to finalise the project’s feasibility study within three months. He made it clear, however, that the government would not allow any compromise on quality.

“Once this project is completed, travel time [between Lahore and Karachi] will be drastically reduced … this will ultimately promote business activity in the region,” Nawaz maintained, adding that all four provinces would benefit from it. He added that the Lahore-Karachi Motorway would be connected to the Kashgar-Gwadar highway as well. Other agreements signed on Friday included a pact on economic and technical cooperation between the two countries – signed by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi – and two letters of exchange regarding training courses for textiles, flood relief and disaster management, and the provision of equipment for eradicating polio from Pakistan.

An MoU was also signed for cooperation and exchanges between PML-N and the Communist Party of China. Fatemi, meanwhile, inked another MoU for cooperation between Pakistan’s Institute of Strategic Studies and the China Institute of Contemporary Study. The two countries also reached a $44 million agreement on setting a fibre-optic cable from the China-Pakistan border to Rawalpindi. The document was signed by Strategic Communication Organisation of Pakistan and Huawei Technologies Company.

Punjab Energy Minister Sher Ali Khan and the chief of ZTE Corporation signed an MoU on a solar energy project as well.

Meanwhile, the Chinese company tasked with the construction of the stalled Nandipur power plant has agreed to resume work on the project. According to a news channel, the Chinese company has decided to send its engineers to Pakistan in this regard, following a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Shahbaz, who is part of Prime Minister Nawaz’s delegation, assured the company’s officials of his government’s full support.
Separately, in a meeting with the president of China Overseas Port Holding Company, Nawaz expressed his desire to develop Gwadar port on the Hong Kong model.

Nawaz’s meeting with Li
Nawaz and Li on Friday resolved to promote polices to advance the cause of peace, cooperation and harmony in the region.

In a joint statement issued after their one-on-one meeting, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to ‘people-centric’ policies aimed at mitigating poverty, promoting social and economic development, and diminishing the roots of conflict.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz once again reaffirmed his government’s commitment to deepening the bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. The Chinese leader appreciated his decision to choose China as his first foreign destination after being elected premier.

The two sides reviewed the development of Pakistan-China relations and observed they had acquired growing strategic significance. Premier Nawaz and Premier Li noted that Asia was the engine of global economic growth and major urbanisation and technological advancement was underway in the region.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Prime Minister Nawaz received a rousing red carpet welcome from Premier Li. He said his welcome reminded him of ‘the saying, our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey’.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2013.
 
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Oh sorry ! :oops:

Waisee bhii I'm more of a Kate Beckinsale kind of a person ! :D

But our @SHAMK9 has a crush on Hellen Mirren ! :lol:

sharam karo who kuri dadi ki umar ki hai though she looked stunningly gorgeous in "Caligula"

on topic excellent news, the sooner this corridor is built the better for both the countries as it has enormous economical & geo-strategic significance
 
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BEIJING: Pakistan and China signed eight agreements on Friday agreeing to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

One of the agreements includes the construction of a 200km-long tunnel that amounts to $18 billion in cost. The “Pak-China Economic corridor” will link Pakistan’s Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea and Kashghar in Xinjiang in northwest China.

For the development of the Economic Corridor, the two countries agreed to collaborate on connectivity construction, people-to-people construction exchanges and exchanges between local governments and organisations.

Pakistan reiterated its desire of following a one-China policy, opposing Taiwan and Tibet’s independence and supporting China’s efforts in combating extremism, terrorism and separatism, a statement issued by foreign ministry on Friday said.

The two countries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of maritime security, search and rescue and disaster relief at sea, combating piracy, maritime scientific research, environmental protection, and blue economy.
Development projects: Nawaz signs $18 bn tunnel deal with China – The Express Tribune

$18 bn just for tunnels, what would be the overall cost for the whole railway project.

Yes, it is a huge engineering challenge, but the real problems will be financial and logistical, to maintain a viable trade link. This will be almost impossible to pull off.

Total construction cost for Tibet railway was some $4.5 bn, this projects seems really expensive. Only tunnels will cost $18 Bn.
 
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Is it a 'tunnel' or an 'economic corridor?

Definition of tunnel: An artificial underground passage, esp. one built through a hill or under a building, road, or river.

So is this 200km an underground tunnel? :woot:

World longest tunnel is 57 km Gotthard Tunnel is Switzerland which is yet to be completed although digging started in 1996(already 17 years passed).
 
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Pakistan, China set sights on Arabian Sea link

July 06, 2013 Agencies
BEIJING - Pakistan and China on Friday set their sights on developing a transport link from northwestern China through rugged Pakistani mountains to the Arabian Sea, a route they hope will boost economic growth and slash shipping times.During first official visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Beijing, the leadership of the two countries vowed to further deepen their ‘sweeter than honey’ relationship, enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen coordination on international and regional issues.In a joint statement issued at the end of the talks between Nawaz and his counterpart Li Keqiang‚ China reiterated support to Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It reaffirmed that its relationship with Pakistan is a matter of highest priority in its foreign policy and it would continue to strengthen strategic partnership.A broad agreement for the “economic corridor” was among eight pacts signed following the meeting between the two prime ministers and their associated. The transport link was described as a “long-term plan” to connect the Chinese city of Kashgar to the port of Gwadar, more than 2,000 kilometres away across the towering Karakoram mountains and Pakistan’s Balochistan province. This ambitious project would cost around $18 billion and involve building around 200 kilometres tunnels.Another agreement will see a fibre optic cable laid from the Chinese border to the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi that will boost Pakistan’s access to international communications networks. China is to provide 85 per cent of the financing for the three-year project’s $44 million budget, with Pakistan covering the rest. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal signed the Economic Corridor pact from Pakistani side while National Development and Reforms Commission of PRC Chairman Xu Shao Shi inked the pact from Chinese side.The Agreement on Economic and Technical cooperation between the Government of Pakistan and China was also inked. The Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi signed this agreement. The document for laying optic fibre link was signed between Strategic Communication organisation of Pakistan and Huawei company. Advisor Tariq Fatemi signed another MoU for cooperation between Institute of Strategic Study and China Institute of Contemporary Study.Two letters of exchanges were also signed – one on training courses for textile, flood relief and disastrous management, and the other on provision of equipment for eradication of Polio. Punjab Energy Minister Choudhry Sher Ali Khan signed MoU on local home solar solution project. The chief of the ZTE signed the documents on Chinese side. Another MoU was signed for cooperation and exchanges between ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Ruling Communist Party of China. All these agreements and MoUs were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Premier Li Keqaing.The two countries recognising the existing opportunities and the challenges pledged to promote policies that can advance the cause of peace‚ co-operation‚ and harmony. The leadership of both the countries also reaffirmed their commitment to pursue people-centric policies that could mitigate poverty‚ promote social and economic development and diminish the roots of conflictChinese leadership appreciated Pakistan's long-term‚ staunch support on issues concerning China's core interests and assured to continue its full support to Pakistan in its efforts to maintain its independence‚ sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leadership said it also supports Pakistan in maintaining social stability and economic development.Pakistan reiterated that friendship with China was the cornerstone of its foreign policy‚ enjoying a national consensus. Pakistan appreciated the support and assistance of the Chinese government and people for Pakistan's sovereignty and socio-economic development. Nawaz said Pakistan will continue to adhere to its one-China policy‚ oppose Taiwan and Tibet's independence and support China's efforts in combating the "Three Evils" of extremism‚ terrorism and separatism.The two sides agreed that the evolving situation in Afghanistan has great implications for the regional security and stability and they reaffirmed their support for an ‘Afghan-owned and Afghan-led’ peace and reconciliation process‚ and said they would work with the regional countries and the international community to help Afghanistan achieve peace‚ stability and security.China and Pakistan also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting multilateral arms control‚ disarmament and non-proliferation measures. Both believe that global disarmament measures should not be discriminatory. Both sides also decided to further strengthen the ties of pragmatic cooperation between them‚ with a view to translating their high-level political relationship into wider economic dividends.The Chinese leaders also appreciated that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had chosen China as his first destination for his visit abroad. The Chinese side agreed to support the efforts of Pakistan in addressing its urgent energy needs. The two sides agreed to hold the third meeting of the China-Pakistan Joint Energy Working Group at an early date and deepen cooperation in conventional energy‚ renewable energy and other sources of energy.The two sides agreed to fully implement the Additional Agreement to Extend the Five Year Development Programme on China-Pakistan Trade and Economic Cooperation and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement; fast track work on the projects identified under the Five Year Development Program; hold the second phase of tax-reduction negotiations of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement on speedy basis; further liberalise trade‚ and advance economic integration between them.The two sides would also support enterprises of the two countries in conducting cooperation on establishment of industrial zones in Gwadar. In a meeting with President China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited Sun Ziyun, Nawaz said his government desires to develop Gwadar Port on Hong Kong model and it may be given special status through necessary legislation to ensure speedy work. Nawaz said the govt wanted to develop an airport of international standard in Gwadar and called for early completion of the repair and rehabilitation works on Karakorum Highway. Nawaz ordered the completion of Lahore-Karachi Motorway within two and half years after finalising the feasibility study of the project in three months. Talking to PTV after signing of an MoU between Pakistan and China for this motorway, he said government was committed to provide comfortable and affordable transport facilities to its citizens within minimum possible time.
Pakistan, China set sights on Arabian Sea link

Nawaz urges Chinese investment in power sector
AGENCIES | DAWN.COM
BEIJING/SHANGHAI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday held meetings with delegations of China’s top business executives and discussed with them energy, development and infrastructure projects in Pakistan.

The prime minister met the delegations on board a high speed train while traveling from Beijing to Shanghai, where he visited the Pakistan-China Energy Forum attended by over 50 prominent Chinese investors.

The Pakistani premier is on a five-day visit to China, his first foreign visit since coming to power in the May 11 general elections.

During his meetings, Sharif put special emphasis on his government’s desire to utilise coal to generate low-priced electricity in Pakistan.

Jin Chunsheng, Vice President China Machinery Engineering Corporation said his company was capable of manufacturing coal turbines having the capacity to generate up to 1000 megawatts, greater than common coal turbines which generate a maximum of 500MWof electricity.

Chunsheng said his company was currently working on a power project in Jamshoro. Sharif also met the Executive President of China’s Gezhouba Company, Yang Yisheng.

Yisheng assured the Pakistan premier that work on the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, the construction of which Gezhouba is involved in, would be completed by 2016.

He said work on project’s $200 million transmission line is yet to begin however his company has already submitted its bid for the purpose.

He also expressed the desire to take part in the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and that his company would strive to seek financial support from the Chinese monetary institutions.

He also expressed interest in executing further power, infrastructure and high speed train projects in Pakistan. The prime minister invited Gezhouba company’s head to visit Pakistan with proposals of interest for further discussion on those projects.

Later addressing the Pakistan-China Energy Forum in Shanghai, Sharif said his government’s top priority was to resolve issues related to energy and that they would welcome all Chinese and foreign investment.

The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the Chinese investment in energy sector would take the lead.
http://dawn.com/news/1023246/nawaz-urges-chinese-investment-in-power-sector
 
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These proposed links are good in theory, but will fail miserably in practice even if somehow they are realized, and even for that the chances are slim to none.

I am sure the Chinese have done numerous research on it before making it a reality.
 
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