China announces additional flood relief package for Pakistan during PM Sharif’s visit to Beijing

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday concluded his two-day visit to China after holding a meeting with President Xi Jinping who assured him of Beijing’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic development and announced an additional humanitarian package of RMB500 million for flood-affected people. 
Sharif arrived in Beijing on Tuesday on his maiden visit to the country since assuming office in April. During his meetings with the Chinese leadership, it was agreed to enhance cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthen bilateral strategic partnership. 
Sharif is one of the first foreign leaders to visit China since President Xi secured an unprecedented third term as general secretary at the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th party congress this month. A delegation consisting of federal ministers, special assistants, and senior government officials also accompanied the prime minister during his China visit. 
“President Xi Jinping assured that China would continue to extend support to Pakistan for sustainable economic development and to harness its potential as the geo-economic hub,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad. “He also announced an additional assistance package of RMB 500 million for Pakistan’s post-flood relief and rehabilitation efforts.” 
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, China recognized the significance of Main Line-1 (ML-1) rail track for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and agreed on its “earliest implementation.”  The two sides also decided to “actively advance the Karachi Circular Railway” while describing it as an “urgent requirement for Pakistan’s biggest city.” 
Both countries expressed their strong determination to counter all threats and designs against CPEC and Pakistan-China friendship. 
“Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” said the joint statement. “The Chinese side appreciated Pakistan’s strong determination and vigorous measures in this regard.” 
The two countries also welcomed interested third parties to benefit from investment opportunities in CPEC priority areas which include industry, agriculture, science, information technology, and oil and gas.
The Chinese side expressed willingness to actively support Pakistan in expanding export to China and welcomed quality goods including food and agricultural products to enter the Chinese market. 
“It was further agreed to encourage investments and partnerships in the export-oriented sectors of Pakistan which would contribute to achieving sustainable bilateral trade growth,” the statement added. “The two sides agreed to conduct a Joint Study to further enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation.” 
Appreciating Pakistan’s initiative to combat human-induced climate change and China’s initiative to promote green cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides agreed to step up cooperation in such areas as ecosystem restoration and water resource management. 
The two sides also signed and concluded a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding which covered bilateral cooperation in areas like e-commerce, digital economy, export of agricultural product, financial cooperation, space, geosciences as well as law enforcement and security. 
The prime minister invited President Xi to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience which the Chinese leader graciously accepted.