Pakistan and China are likely to sign over two dozen pacts at the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) on October 17-18, 2023, in Beijing, to be attended by the caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, well-informed sources in the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives told Republic Policy.
According to Chinese embassy, National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) has proposed to sign MoUs with relevant authorities in Pakistan during caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to China to attend the forum covering eight areas: Urban Sustainable Development, major Issues of the Belt and Road Cooperation Mineral Development and Industrial Cooperation, Research of the Routes for Industrial Cooperation, Expert Exchange Mechanism, Expert Communication Mechanism on Gwadar port Development, Green and Low-carbon Development, and Digital Economy Cooperation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Mission in Beijing has shared a list of 19 MoUs, which are expected to be signed/ announced during the visit of the caretaker Prime Minister.
Sharing details on Main Railway Line-1 of the Ministry of Railways, the sources said Pakistan has revised the project’s scope, and its associated financial study has yet to be finalised by the Pakistan side. An addendum to the Framework Agreement ML-1 project firming up design and content can be signed at the 3rd BRF.
On Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), a project of the Economic Affairs Division, the sources said, a revised feasibility study on KCR has been shared with the Chinese side. Pakistani side is keen on signing the Framework Agreement at the 3rd BRF.
Talking about the realignment of KKH (Thakot-Raikot), a project of the Ministry of Communication, the sources said that the project has remained under discussion at JWG-TI. The construction of dams alongside KKH has submerged a portion of the KKH. The situation necessitates an announcement of this project at the 3rd BRF.
