Strengthening ties: Zardari, Xi discuss CPEC 2.0 and regional cooperation

In a bid to bolster Pakistan-China ties, President Asif Ali Zardari met Chinese President Xi Jinping. As per reports, both premiers discussed the possibility of increased cooperation between the two economies as part of CPEC 2.0.

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where they went over regional and global matters that concerned both countries. According to reports, the two leaders agreed to maintain high-level exchanges in order to improve bilateral ties.

Officials outlined the imperative role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC’s positive socio-political and economic effects were brought to light as the corridor project fosters a great level of regional connectivity that could help Pakistan prosper.

Those present at the meeting also considered the possibility of including other countries in Pak-China partnerships. If these discussions leave the planning board and are implemented, Pakistan could benefit from the higher level of economic interactions that international partnerships unlock.

Discussions pertaining to cultural exchanges also took place. As per reports, a higher level of “people-to-people” relationships from both countries will foster a greater level of understanding between citizens of both countries. In addition to having a social benefit, trips of citizens to and from both nations will result in economic benefits as well.

Visits from China to Pakistan could boost the sales of local businesses as an influx of Chinese tourists could translate into a rise in demand for local goods and services. Businesses in the hospitality industry are expected to receive the lion’s share of the benefit from cultural exchange programs.

Additionally, the flow of ideas between China and Pakistan could allow domestic businesses to adopt more efficient methods and technologies. As per reports, officials present at the meeting highlighted the importance of such exchanges, claiming that they were imperative to boost community ties, which could be beneficial in the upcoming periods.

Zardari reiterated Islamabad’s target of maintaining the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China. He praised the vision of top Chinese officials, claiming that it was responsible for the extraordinary level of prosperity the country had achieved.

Zardari mentioned that CPEC was a star example of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and commended President Xi for his efforts to boost international development under the initiative. Reports reveal that Zardari pegged the BRI to be a model of “win-win cooperation”.

He also invited President Xi to visit Pakistan as he told the Chinese premier about the high level of hospitality that he would receive because of his status as a special friend of Pakistan.