MS Gwadar Newsbooks 2015

GWADAR NEWSBOOK 2015 www.alnoorgwadar.com/newsbook2015

I n a ssoc ia t ion w it h

AL-NOOR CARGO CITY GWADAR NEWS & UPDATES From January 2015 to December 2015

GWADAR NEWSBOOK 2015

January 2, 2015 Fri All Day

NHA to connect Gwadar with Khunjerab under CPEC project -- BR

National Highway Authority (NHA) would connect Khunjerab with Gwadar Port, under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the project would be completed as short-term and long-term solution, in various phases.

An official of NHA informed on Thursday that in short-term the connection between Khunjerab and Gwadar shall be established using Khunjerab-Raikot-ThakotMansehra-Abbotabad-Havelian-Haripur-Islamabad (Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway)- Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2)-Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad Motorway (M-3)-Faisalabad -Multan Motorway,(Sukkur)-Shikarpur (N-65) and RatoderaoGwadar Motorway. The total length of this link is estimated as 2,740 Km. To a question, he said 335km Khunjerab-Raikot section had already improved under Chinese loan while Atabad Slide section was under construction and would be completed early next year. About 235km Raikot-Thakot section, he said feasibility study had been completed by Chinese side. However, the alignment falls under the four dams planned by Wapda, namely; Bhasha, Dasu, Pattan and Thakot. The Road construction is planned to commensurate with dam construction activities. In the meanwhile the existing KKH is being improved in its present condition.

He said feasibility study of 82km Thakot-Mansehra section had been completed and the project and its implementation would start soon. About Mansehra-Abbotabad section and Abbotabad-Havelian section, he said feasibility study had been completed and the projects were included in Early Harvest Project List, to be implemented under Phase-I. He said construction tender of 34km Havelian-HaripurSirya was under award stage, and it would be financed by Asian Development Bank.

Feasibility study of Sirya-Islamabad Motorway (M-1) has been completed and the project is included in Early Harvest Project List. He said 306km Motorway link from Islamabad up to Faisalabad was completed and 241km Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M4) was under construction under Islamic Development Bank financing and ADB Financing. As far as 392 Multan-Sukkur (Motorway M-5); this section of Motorway would form part of Karachi -Lahore Motorway and also provides a link to Khunjerab-Gwadar Route.

He said the design of first 100km was completed having six-lane with Design Speed of 120KPH. Feasibility study of remaining section has been completed. It is included in list of Early Harvest Projects under Chinese loan arrangements, he added. He said Sukkur-Shikarpur section (N-65) had been completed under ADB loan arrangements, while 243km Ratodero-Khuzdar (M-8) was under construction under Government of Pakistan financing arrangements.

He said Hoshab-Gwadar (M-8) Section of M-8 had been substantially completed and its balance works were taken up recently. He said under the long-term project to provide short link to Gwadar with China border alignment route would be from Islamabad-Fatehjang-Darya Khan-D G Khan - Dera Allah Yar -Khuzdar-Nag Hoshab - Turbat - Gwadar and its total length is 1950km. It is planned to be executed in 10-15 years period.

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January 7, 2015 Wed All Day

Nine projects of Rs4.72bn cleared by CDWP -- Dawn

ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved on Tuesday nine projects in the education, culture, agricultural engineering, livestock, women development and communication sectors at a cost of Rs4.72 billion.

In addition, the CDWP recommended to Ecnec for approval two projects in the energy and education sectors worth Rs14.64bn.

The CDWP meeting chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal approved a project for enhancement of research facilities at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Pattoki, costing Rs980.22 million.

In the communication sector, it approved two projects worth Rs1.27bn for Shangla Hill Interchange on M-3 and the dualisation of the remaining portion of Sukkur bypass. A project for ‘Grow Green Gwadar and Smart’ worth Rs410m was approved.

Under the Pak-China Economic Corridor, a support project of the Ministry of Railways was also approved by the CDWP at a cost of Rs252m.

Other projects approved are: the second phase of archaeology community tourism field school project worth Rs52.53m; establishment of ‘Seerat Chairs’ in public sector universities involving Rs192m; strengthening of academic facilities at Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai University in Khairpur costing Rs712.60m; and strengthening of agricultural engineering and women development programme worth Rs843.18m.

The projects recommended to Ecnec are 500KV substation at Faisalabad west worth Rs1.1b, and the Balochistan education project costing Rs3.57b.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Iqbal said Pakistan could not afford to be left behind in the development race as other countries in the region were riding on the wave of Asian growth. “Our development strategy under ‘Vision 2025’ has brought a paradigm shift in priorities for allocation of resources,” he said.

Listing the seven priorities of the development strategy, Mr Iqbal said the first priority was to focus on human resource development and put people first in development process.

“Our neglect of human resource development has put us behind other nations. The Rs10b ‘National Human Resource Endowment Fund’ approved by the government is a proof of our commitment, he added.

The second priority, he said, was to focus on indigenous sources of growth for sustainable and inclusive growth. There is focus on research and development, innovation and export promotion. The target of increasing exports to over $150bn by 2025 is a step in this direction.

The third priority is to reform public sector and civil service to make it performancedriven and citizen-friendly, while the fourth priority is energy, water and food security. The neglect of this sector has brought unprecedented damage to economy with acute power and energy shortages and a looming water crisis. New dams and energy projects have been initiated to not only solve the crisis but also to cater for future demand, he said.

According to the planning minister, the fifth priority is to revamp productive sectors with strong academia and research input for value addition and Knowledge Economy. “We want to move from commodity to high-value platform. ICT sector is being developed as engine of growth,” he said.

The sixth priority is development of private sector and small and medium enterprises for job creation and investment, and the seventh priority is development of modern infrastructure for greater regional connectivity. He said the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor was a giant step in this direction. All development 1380

January 7, 2015 Continued Wed projects would be judged for their contribution and relevance to these priorities, he added.

All Day

Tajikistan, Pakistan cooperation growing in all fields, says envoy -Express Tribune Tajikistan, Pakistan cooperation growing in all fields, says envoy

Ambassador of Tajikistan Sherali Jononov has said relations between his country and Pakistan are growing in all fields adding these relations would surely get new dimensions in the coming days.

He expressed these views while talking to DNA on Tuesday.

The ambassador further said, “Let me begin with the recent visit of our State Minister for Reserves who visited Pakistan along with a delegation on December 22-23. During this visit both sides discussed various avenues of cooperation, especially cooperation in the energy sector”.

He added, a 5-member Tajikistan delegation led by Nurmahmad Akhmedov, Minister, Chairman Agency on State Material Reserves of Tajikistan, held a meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, discussing matters on enhancement of bilateral trade relations, particularly immediate import of sugar and wheat from Pakistan.

Nurmahmad Akhmedov also informed the Finance Minister that they had plans to import crude oil from Kuwait and avail refinery facilities of Pakistan before onward supply to Tajikistan.

Pakistan’s private sector companies he said were very active in Tajikistan and there were bright prospects of growth in trade and business linkages between the two countries.

Tajikistan is a landlocked country which needs better connectivity in the region. Bulk of Tajikistan’s trade takes place through railways and partly by road through Afghanistan. Tajikistan looked to Pakistan for facilitation in transportation.

Tajikistan also had plans to avail the facilities at Karachi and Gwadar Ports for trade. Tajikistan has been purchasing wheat, fertiliser and sugar from Pakistan and wished to continue that in future. With the realisation of the Pak-Afghan-Tajikistan transit trade agreement, trade between these countries and in the region would flourish.

Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif told our delegation that the gas, road, railways and transmission line link between Tajikistan and Pakistan is necessary for the economic interests of the two countries. Our delegation was comprised of Minister of State for Reserves of Tajikistan, Nurmahmad Akhmedov and other officials.

Let me tell you that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan established diplomatic relationship with the Republic of Tajikistan in 1992 but cooperation between our two countries started from 1991. Geographically Tajikistan is the nearest Central Asian State to Pakistan -- there is only fourteen kilometres between two countries.

Following the acquisition of Tajikistan's independence, our bilateral relations have entered a new phase. Pakistan is one the first countries who recognised the independence of Tajikistan and established diplomatic ties with it, and opened its embassy in Dushanbe in 1993. The Republic of Tajikistan opened its diplomatic mission in Pakistan four years later, in 1997. Thus, bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries started developing in different fields.

Tajikistan and Pakistan together took part in settlement of regional issues, contribute to building up integration processes within the Organisation of Economic Corporation, the Conference for the mutual confidence of the Asian countries and the Shanghai Corporation Organisation.

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January 7, 2015 Continued Wed Pakistan really can be a gateway of the Central Asia for trade and commerce and that would be a tremendous source of revenue from the states of this region. From the Pakistan point-of-view, and equally, it would provide opportunities for Central Asian states such as Tajikistan, to boost cheaper exports, the ambassador added.

While giving a brief account of bilateral cooperation to cope with the menace of terrorism, the ambassador said indeed terrorism, drug trafficking, religious extremism and other transnational crimes pose serious challenges before any country, particularly in our region, and to combat them requires cross-border collaborations.

Both sides work on countering regional terrorism, drug trafficking, religious extremism and ensuring stability and security in Asia. Our law-enforcement authorities have a good cooperation links for dealing with all these, so-called “modern threats�.

Tajikistan, he said, is in a dire need of access to the world through Pakistani port like Gwadar. For the advancement of the communication projects, the government has adopted strategy to construct new highways and bridges to link Tajikistan with neighbouring countries.

Opening the highways of Kulob-Khorugh-Kulma-Karakorum, Istiqlol Tunnel, 4 bridges between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, reconstruction of DushanbeQurghonteppa highway and also the construction of Dushanbe-Nurobod-JirgatolSaritosh are considered as positive steps for the communication advancement.

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January 11, 2015 Sun All Day

ICCI lauds Pak-China deal on bank branches -- The Nations

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has welcomed the understanding reached between Pakistan and China during the third meeting of second phase negotiations on Pak-China FTA (Free Trade Agreement) to soften the requirements for establishing bank branches in each other’s country.

ICCI has termed understanding reached between Pakistan and China highly positive development that would help in boosting bilateral trade and yield fruitful results for both countries. Muzammil Hussain Sabri, President ICCI, said that Pakistan and China possessed immense potential to improve bilateral trade, however, lack of banking facilities was a big stumbling block for Pakistani businessmen to promote trade with China as presently the LCs were routed through foreign banks.

He said the opening of Pakistani banks in China would greatly facilitate trade promotion with China as the financial transactions would be routed through Pakistani banks. This arrangement would not only benefit our banking reserves, it would also help in expansion of our economy and GDP growth. He stressed that both countries should remove all impediments on urgent basis to establish bank branches on reciprocal basis.

Muhammad Shakeel Munir, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry also appreciated the Pak-China move to re-negotiate tariff reduction on tradable goods under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He said both countries had signed the FTA in 2006, but its concessions could not be better utilized as yet.

He said India-China bilateral trade has reached $ 70 billion during 2013, but Pakistan’s trade with China was still far below the available potential. He urged that Government of Pakistan should provide helping hand to its businessmen in taking full advantage of FTA for improving trade with China. He said though Pak-China bilateral trade has improved from $4.10 billion in 2006-07 to over $ 10 billion in 2014, however, the volume of trade was highly tilted in favor of China, which needed to be made balanced for both countries.

Muhammad Ashfaq Chatha, Vice President ICCI stressed that both countries should take measures to address issued related to technical barriers to trade (TBT).

He said that Chinese government should also look into the strict conditions of its inspections and quarantine processes to remove the concerns of Pakistani exporters in order to facilitate them in promoting exports to China.

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January 12, 2015 Mon All Day

Secretariat being set up to facilitate long-term China projects -- Dawn Secretariat being set up to facilitate long-term China projects

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved an allocation of Rs252 million for establishment of the secretariat at the railways ministry, official sources said.

According to them, the secretariat will also provide support to steering committee of the China-Pak Economic Corridor in the procurement of the specialists and experts required to fill the existing capacity gap in handling the regional economic integration projects worth $4 billion in the ministry of railways and the Pakistan Railways.

To expedite, facilitate and oversee development of the long-term plan as well as the designing and implementation of the projects contained in it both sides have already constituted a joint cooperation committee at the ministerial level besides joint working groups on transport, energy and planning.

All the plans and projects pertaining to the corridor are discussed in the joint working groups and then recommendations are made to the joint cooperation committee to finalise the high-priority plans and projects.

A number of strategic projects are being envisaged under the economic corridor scheme, especially in the transport, infrastructure and energy sectors, which will further enhance regional cooperation.

During Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China in July 2013, an agreement was signed which envisaged greater connectivity and trade linkages between the two countries through a network of roads, railway tracks, fibre-optic cables and fuel pipelines.

To expedite implementation of these projects a secretariat has already been set up at the Planning Commission. However, to expedite implementation of the prioritised projects and to gain momentum and continuous achievements, a need was felt to create capacities at the ministry of railways.

The secretariat will facilitate, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the projects. It will provide a much-needed platform for multi-sector coordination and a consultative, ‘informed’ approach vis-a-vis trade and transport reforms and policy formulation

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January 13, 2015 Tue All Day

Development schemes: New Gwadar Airport gets ECNEC’s approval -Express Tribune

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Monday approved nine mega development schemes requiring a total expenditure of Rs105 billion including construction of the New Gwadar International Airport at a cost of Rs26.6 billion.

Called the apex project-sanctioning authority, Ecnec directed the Aviation Division to change the design of the Gwadar project in order to facilitate the landing and take-off of Boeing 777 aircraft.

The Planning Commission proposed to revise down the project cost to Rs21.5 billion, but because of further modifications in the design, it would cost no less than Rs26.6 billion, said an official of the Ministry of Finance.

As part of its $46.6 billion investment programme for Pakistan, China is expected to provide $662 million in assistance for developing land, airport and seaport facilities in Gwadar.

Oman has promised a grant of $17.5 million for the new airport while the Civil Aviation Authority will bear one-tenth of the total cost from its resources.

Initially, Ecnec had approved the Gwadar airport in January 2010 at a cost of Rs7.7 billion. Since then, the project has been facing delays because of its cost estimate and design structure. Until June last year, Rs803 million had been spent on its development.

The project featured on the PML-N government’s priority list following a strategic partnership accord between Pakistan and China for establishing an economic corridor.

Under the partnership, China is planning to use the Gwadar Port for developing its western parts, which have been roiled by insurgency and separatist movement because of its largely underdeveloped status.

Ecnec gave its seal of approval to the construction of an expressway on the east bay of Gwadar Port at a cost of Rs14.1 billion. China will provide Rs13.5 billion for the project, part of the early harvest programme of the economic corridor.

The committee considered and cleared the development of Gorkin-Matiltan hydropower project of 84 megawatts at a rationalised cost of Rs20.7 billion.

The project will bring an annual income of Rs3.5 billion after completion in about seven years. A fifth of the cost will come from the Annual Development Plan of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the remaining 80% will be injected in terms of loan from the Hydel Development Fund of the province.

A project for the construction of 73.7km Torkham-Jalalabad road, costing Rs7.4 billion, also won Ecnec’s nod. The need of funds is proposed to be met out of the $500 million pledged by Pakistan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

The committee cleared the Balochistan educational project with an expenditure of Rs3.6 billion. Finances are being arranged in the shape of a grant from the Global Partnership for Education under the supervision of the World Bank with guidelines for the province to provide access to primary education.

The project will cover the entire 32 districts of Balochistan. A total of 2,000 mixedgender primary schools will be established and 60 girls’ schools will be upgraded.

This will bring 100,000 out-of-school children to educational institutions and will provide employment to 4,000 teachers.

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January 13, 2015 Continued Tue A project for the rehabilitation, upgrading and conservation of 400 coaches of the Pakistan Railways also got Ecnec’s green signal. With an investment of Rs5.2 billion, 400 coaches will be rehabilitated. Ecnec approved, in principle, the construction of Amri-Kazi bridge over Indus River at a cost of Rs7.2 billion. The federal government will bear half of the cost and the rest will be paid by the Sindh government.

With spending of Rs7.7 billion, the water sector capacity building and advisory services project was also cleared. The project will lead to improvement in water resources management and investment planning in the Indus River basin in order to strengthen the water sector’s sustainability.

The committee cleared the 500-kilovolt sub-station Faisalabad west project at a rationalised cost of Rs9.4 billion.

All Day

Pakistan to get max benefit from Pak-China FTA Phase-II: Dastgir -Daily Times, 41-N, Guru Mangat Rd, Block N, Gulberg, Lahore 54030, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan on Tuesday said that the second phase of Pak-China Free Trade Agreement would help in reducing the balance of trade with China.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that the meeting between the both sides for the agreement the second phase of Pak-China Free Trade Agreement were in process and next meeting in this regard would be held in March this year.

He said that the second phase would be independent from the first one as it was not in favour of Pakistan. He said that in the first phase of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which was signed in 2006 between the two countries, the tariff reduction provided by China to Pakistan was insufficient as Pakistan could not get maximum benefit.

“Now in the second phase the both sides have proposed to increase tariff concessions from existing 35 per cent to 90 per cent,” said Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce Robina Ather who is currently leading the Pakistani side for bilateral dialogues with China. She however said that the tariff reduction would be in favor of Pakistan as China was proposing 70 per cent immediate tariff reduction while the remaining would be increased gradually by 10 per cent every five years whereas Pakistan was proposing 50 per cent immediate tariff reduction while the remaining would be increased by 10 per cent every 10 years.

She said “our period would be longer while tariff reduction would be lesser as compared to that of China”. Dastgir said that the two sides were agreed on three principles first of which was that the second phase would be independent from the first one and it would have nothing to do with the previous one. Moreover, he said that the two sides have also agreed that tariff reduction would not be on reciprocal basis and it would be in favour of Pakistan. He said that the two sides also agreed that if there is surge in imports of any product from either side, both countries would have right to put safeguard measures and quotas on that particular product.

He said that the both sides also agreed on softening up requirements for establishing branches of Banks in each other's countries. He said that as per agreement, for establishing bank branches, asset requirement would be reduced to $ 15 billion from $ 20 billion, for all Pakistani Banks, at the end of the year prior to the submission of the application. He said that Working Groups on Customs also shared some information on modalities of establishing customs Electronic Data Exchange related to the implementation of Pak-China Free Trade Agreement.

Both sides agreed that this Working Group would have first face-to-face meeting in January, 2015 in Beijing, he said. To a question he said that it was noticed that the trade figures quoted by both sides differed greatly. He said that the Pakistani data shows that currently Pakistan exports to China were $2.5 billion while the import from China were $7.5 billion while according to Chinese documents the exports to 1386

January 13, 2015 Continued Tue Pakistan were around $14 billion while the imports from Pakistan to China were around $10 billion.

He said that both sides agreed that a study may be conducted respectively to find out the reasons for this discrepancy and outcome of the study would be shared by end of January, 2015. In evaluating the first phase of Pak-China Free Trade Agreement, both sides raised concerns regarding insufficient utilisation of concessions, influence to local industry as a result of concessions and misuse of certificate of origin which could be addressed in the second phase. The minister said that it was also agreed to establish a working group on Trade in Services and Investment, which will have its meeting with next Pak-China Free Trade Agreement meeting, scheduled to be held at the end of March, 2015.

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January 14, 2015 Wed All Day

Infrastructure projects at Gwadar Port: Pakistan, China to expedite efforts to achieve 15 targets -- BR

Pakistan and China have agreed to expedite efforts to achieve as many as 15 targets for development of infrastructure projects at Gwadar Port, it is learnt. The commitment on 15 targets was made by the two countries during the Joint Working Group on Gwadar held on December 10, 2014 in Islamabad.

The meeting highlighted the investment commitments in the Public Sector Development Program made by the government of Pakistan including allocation for infrastructure projects at Gwadar and the expenditure of around $66 million for purchase of land for the Free Zone area. Different infrastructure projects including connectivity to the North of Pakistan via N85 and M8 were also discussed.

The officials of the two countries discussed the importance assigned to the LNG gas pipeline project by the government for Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG terminal and pipeline project. They also highlighted the need to operationalise the Port to its optimum capacity consistent with past agreements, finalise the business plans of all port companies, bring closure to signing the lease agreement for the Gwadar Free Zone Land, and expedite the implementation of infrastructure for connectivity and social well-being.

The sources said that the government assured the delegates that security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is a top priority and several initiatives in this regard have already been taken.

The sources said that the President of China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd (COPHCL) introduced the Operation Planning for Gwadar Port in the meeting and shared hard copies of the final draft report. Both sides agreed that the Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) and President COPHCL would be the focal persons to co-ordinate and finalise the Port Operational Plan after obtaining comments of relevant stakeholders as necessary within 15-day.

The two sides agreed that Chairman GPA and President COPHCL will develop consensus on Lease Deed Agreement within 15-days and further deliberations to reach consensus would be co-ordinated and overseen by Secretary, Port and Shipping, Government of Pakistan. In the meeting, it was also decided that Secretary, Ports & Shipping and Chairman, GPA would share the initial inputs from Pakistan on the Conceptual Plan in 20-days with President COPHCL and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

Chinese side needs to submit specific proposals with regard to preferential policy requirements for Gwadar and the Preferential Policy requirement of Chinese side will be taken up with respective authorities once the lease agreement is signed, it was further agreed.

The meeting also decided that a framework for the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) will be prepared in three months by the two sides. From Pakistan side Board of Investment (BOI) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were to provide the required inputs.

However, it was agreed that the way forward for signing of the Lease Deed agreement would not be impacted by an agreement on the framework for the Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

Both sides will further discuss LNG Terminal Projects and it will be included in Early Harvest Program (EHPs) with approval of the JCC and in this backdrop a comprehensive proposal will be prepared.

For Eastbay Expressway, Right of Way (ROW) for Rail connectivity will remain part of the project and will be towards landside. Work on this will be carried out in second phase. The meeting also decided that the process for approval of ECNEC PC-I of New Gwadar International Airport Project will be expedited.

The sources said that the meeting also decided that feasibility study for Power Plant at Gwadar will be carried out by the CCCC for which the CCCC committed to 1388

January 14, 2015 Continued Wed complete the study in two months. The CCCC also confirmed their offer to undertake the project on IPP basis. Ministry of Water and Power and Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) would be focal agencies from their side.

The meeting also decided that PC-I for fresh water supply at Gwadar would be approved by March 2015 after fulfilling the requirement for the feasibility study. The meeting also agreed that MoU on Social Sector Planning and Development of Gwadar Region will be signed on an appropriate occasion after examining its important aspects like who will do the planning, how to fund it, what will be the implementation arrangement, and what will be the time frame.

Chinese side will identify a port city to declare a sister-city relationship of Gwadar with a Chinese Port city. Social Sector Study for Gwadar will be carried out. From Chinese side Hu Hao, DDG, CCCWS will be the lead expert. From Pakistan side provincial government of Balochistan will nominate a social sector expert.

Chairman, GPA and DG, GDA would assist the joint expert team in the study. The time frame for this social sector plan would be a 5-year plan and timeline agreed for completion of this study would be 31st March 2015.

For developing a security framework for the port city CSO/RPO Gwadar would act as Focal Person and tender through Ministry of Interior from Pakistan side. The Chinese side would intimate a Focal Person/agency after internal consultation. In forthcoming meetings of the JWG on Gwadar, tourism development in the Gwadar region will also be deliberated upon. Initially, MPD&R would be the lead agency from Pakistan side. Chinese side endorsed the suggestion and agreed to intimate the focal agency after internal consultation.

In the end, the two sides recognised that much clarity was attained during the extensive visit of Gwadar on different initiatives of EHPs of Gwadar Package under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and during one-day long in-depth comprehensive discussion concrete agreements were reached. It was hoped that this would set a fast-track implementation of Gwadar plans and projects during first quarter of 2015.

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January 16, 2015 Fri All Day

Dar seeks Pak-China corridor-like package in Japan -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD/TOKYO - Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that Pak-China economic corridor is not going to benefit China and Pakistan alone, but it will bring benefits to the entire region - to the Central Asian states, to India, to Afghanistan, and to other neighboring countries.

“Even Japan won’t have to go to the Gulf to get things done if this economic corridor from Kashgar [in northwestern China] to Gwadar [in southwestern Pakistan] is activated,” he told Nikkei Asian Review in an interview which is Japan’s leading economic journal.

“It’s a win-win for everybody. We are quite grateful for China’s support, which they announced. Now we are looking to Japan for an equal package, hopefully”, he added. Finance minister urged Japanese investors to take optimum benefits of the investment friendly policies and opportunities in various sectors of economy.

“China has indicated that they are willing to finance coal-based generation and if Japanese companies would like to come, they are most welcome”, he remarked.

Replying to a question about economic growth projections of Pakistan, the minister said that the economic position of Pakistan was fairly unstable [prior to the 2013 general election] and that’s why many international institutions stopped working with Pakistan.

But now the political party headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif - the Pakistan Muslim League - had a very clear road map of how to make an economic recovery, he added. “Our fiscal year starts July 1. Soon after we took the oath [of office] in June 2013, we [pursued] very strong structural reforms to fix the economy. They’re always painful, but I’m glad to share with you that all of our macroeconomic indicators have shown very good performance”, he told the Japan’s Economic daily.

“We had almost an average [gross domestic product growth rate] of 3pc in the [previous] five years. But we pushed for over 4pc in our very first year. [We resolved] to make a full attempt to have GDP growth of 4pc, and the next year 5pc, the third year 6pc and the fourth year 7pc.

So our projected GDP growth is 7pc in the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year”.

Meanwhile, Dar called on Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso here on Thursday where both the leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including cooperation in the field of economy, trade and investment and agreed to increase economic cooperation between the two countries.

Dar highlighted the economic reforms undertaken by the government since June 2013 and expressed his satisfaction over the performance of the economy saying that “it had taken the right direction”.

He apprised Aso, who is also Japan’s Finance Minister, of the successful completion of five reviews by the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility Program and expressed optimism of completion of sixth review by February.

He dilated upon some of the challenges still facing the economy including shortfall in electricity generation, requirements of rehabilitation of TDPs and countering the militants.

He informed Aso that there was considerable interest in electricity generation using coal and LNG. He further stated that Mitsubishi had expressed interest in energy projects in Pakistan provided financing from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) was made available.

He opined that all friendly countries should participate in energy projects in Pakistan. Briefing Aso about some of the areas where Pakistan would welcome Japanese assistance, finance minister suggested that JICA may consider financing infrastructure projects, particularly in the transport sector.

JICA, he opined, should also participate in phase II of energy sector reform programme with possibly increased funding, while the Japanese government could also assist in the rehabilitation of TDPs. He also suggested that JBIC should study in-depth Pakistan’s improved economy, particularly in view of Mitsubishi’s interest in investing in Pakistan’s energy sector.

He also invited Aso to visit Pakistan, while also expressing the desire for a possible visit to Pakistan by the Japanese Prime Minister.

The Japanese Deputy Prime Minister assured that Japan would continue its cooperation with Pakistan. He expressed his happiness over increased stability in Pakistan and stated that with patience and steadfastness all problems could be overcome.

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January 16, 2015 Continued Fri Ishaq Dar also met Ijima, Vice President of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) at its Headquarters Thursday and discussed with him possibility of financing Japanese companies that are interested in investing in Pakistan.

He informed that his visit would have been incomplete without a meeting at JBIC and dilated upon the economic performance of the government in past 19 months, including five successful IMF reviews under the Extended Fund Facility Programme.

He informed Ijima of the positive response of the Japanese businessmen to the Pakistan Investment Seminar organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), as well as the JETRO plans to establish a 800 square metres Japan pavilion at the Expo Pakistan being organized in Karachi in end February.

This, he said, was proof that many new companies and businesses were looking to do business with Pakistan, some of whom may require financing.

The JBIC Vice President welcomed the finance minister and stated that it was JBIC’s responsibility to support Japanese companies that invested abroad.

He said that Pakistan, being a developing economy, needed concessional loans and assured that as Pakistan’s economy took-off, more and more Japanese companies would be interested in Pakistan.

Ijima informed the finance minister that JBIC financed Japanese companies on need basis and had no cap on financing in a particular country.

He assured that JBIC would study in-depth the economy of Pakistan so as to be ready for financing any Japanese company that may approach it.

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January 17, 2015 Sat All Day

Chinese president to visit Pakistan next month -- The Nation

ISLAMABAD - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi would visit Pakistan later this month to Chinese president to visit Pakistan next month

Last year, China promised Pakistan investment worth $42 billion in various fields as Islamabad and Beijing had signed 19 agreements and memorandum mostly related to energy sector.

The new agreements paved the way for Chinese State-owned companies to help build at least four new power stations in Pakistan, while the deals also cover the supply and mining of coal in a bid to help Pakistan overcome its chronic electricity crisis.

The deals signed between China and Pakistan are worth $42 billion and the whole investment is being made by China, Pakistan has for decades been China's closest ally in South Asia, and Beijing is a major trading partner and key supplier of military technology to Islamabad.

Pakistan borders the far-western Chinese region of Xinjiang, which has seen a series of clashes and attacks on civilians that have left more than 200 dead in the past year.

Beijing blames some of the region's violence on an organised terrorist group it calls the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) seeking independence for the region, home to the mostly-Muslim Uighur minority.

On the other hand, people of Pakistan anxious for the Chinese President's visit to give shape and directions to a number of landmark projects, which are necessary for Pakistan's economy.

These agreements envisaged an initial investment of $34 billion the China-Pak Economic Corridor Support Project (CPECSP) approved by CDWP. A number of new agreements/MoUs between Pakistan and China in the fields of energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, Railways, communication, information, media, culture etc were ready to be signed.

The Economic Corridor project become very significant after Pakistan gave control of its deep Gwadar port to China's State-owned China Overseas Ports Holding in February 2013.

Built by Chinese workers and opened in 2007, Gwadar is undergoing a major expansion to turn it into a full-fledged transshipment hub to cater for the needs of landlocked Central Asian Republics.

Pakistan and China have also signed agreements for constructing an international airport at Gwadar, upgrading a section of the 1,300-kilometre Karakorum Highway connecting China to Islamabad and laying a fibre-optic cable from the Chinese border to Rawalpindi.

In the energy sector 14 power projects including hydel, wind and coal projects with total investment of 15.5 billion dollars and a total production capacity of 10400 mega watts were likely to be signed during the visit.

Besides, projects having total production capacity of 6,120 mega watts are also contemplated to be installed with a total investment of 18.3 billion dollars.

China is also pouring its investment into alternative energy production. Bahawalpur solar park in the South Asia and 100 mw wind energy project-II are under construction in this sector.

The projects for the construction of Lahore-Karachi Motorway and the RaikotIslamabad section, necessary for the construction of Bhasha Dam are also to be signed during the visit of President Xi Jinpang.

Another Railway project for the expansion and reconstruction of existing line ML-1 having a length of 1736 km and Havelian Dry port are also to be constructed with Chinese investment at a cost of $3.7 billion.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has recently inaugurated construction of Pak- China motorway.

The Chinese had also agreed to invest in the establishment of economic zone, an optical fiber cable project and in the field of communications at a total cost of US$ 1.64 billion dollars.

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January 20, 2015 Tue All Day

China considers Pak concerns as its own -- The Nations

RAWALPINDI - At an important point in time, China has once again reaffirmed friendship with Pakistan and said that both the countries share concerns on a range of issues both in the region and beyond.

Meng Jianzhu, member of Politburo — Communist Party’s second highest council — on Monday had a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and termed China’s relationship with Pakistan “beyond individuals”.

“Pakistan’s concern is China’s concern,” he said.

The COAS’ visit to China has attained significance against the backdrop of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, as it is believed as a step to tilt balance in favour of India with regards to China, Pakistan and regional politics.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif’s visit to China has opened new doors of cooperation between the two countries.

The army chief held important meetings with the Chinese leadership, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted.

In a meeting with the COAS, State Leader and Peoples Conference Chairman Yu Zhengsheng also termed Pakistan as the “most reliable friend” and said just as Pakistan has always stood by China, the Chinese government and its people will stand with Pakistan and help it in all respects.

General Raheel thanked the Chinese leadership for its support to Pakistan and said, “The world must understand the evolving environment . . . greater international focus, coordination [is required] to logically conclude the fight [against] terrorism. ” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Pakistan is China’s “irreplaceable, allweather friend” and that both the countries are part of a community of shared destiny.

Meanwhile, China called on India to take more steps to satisfy the standards of a global organisation that controls atomic exports after US President Barack Obama said the United States was in favour of India joining the group.

Obama reaffirmed on the weekend during a visit to India the US position that India is ready for membership into the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), according to a US-India joint statement.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said India’s admission to the group “requires very careful consideration from all the member countries”.

“We support the group carrying out discussions on admitting new members and at the same time we encourage India to take the next steps to satisfy the relevant standards of the group,” Hua told a daily news briefing.

She did not elaborate.

The United States, Britain and other members have argued in favour of India joining the organisation, established in 1975 to ensure that civilian nuclear trade is not diverted for military aims.

But India would be the only member of the suppliers’ group that has not signed up to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a 189-nation treaty set up four decades ago to prevent states from acquiring nuclear weapons.

This has caused some NSG states to raise doubts about India joining the group, which plays a pivotal role in countering nuclear threats and proliferation.

Some also argue that it could erode the credibility of the NPT, a cornerstone of 1393

January 20, 2015 Continued Tue global nuclear disarmament efforts.

India has yet to formally apply to join the NSG and would need the support of all member states in order to be successful.

Diplomats have said China was among the doubtful countries.

Its reservations may be influenced by its close ties to Pakistan, India’s rival, which has also tested atomic bombs and is also outside the NPT, analysts say.

Separately, Hua criticised both Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for statements calling for “freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the region, especially in the South China Sea”.

“We hope that external countries can play a constructive role on the South China Sea issue,” she said.

China claims most of the South China Sea and rejects claims to parts of it by neighbours including the Philippines and Vietnam.

It also rejects outside calls for negotiations between the rival claimants.

All Day

Hubco to set up 1,320MW coal-based power plants -- Dawn

ISLAMABAD: The Hub Power Company on Monday announced that it will set up 1,320MW coal-based power plants next to its thermal power station at Hub in Balochistan and gradually enhance coal based generation to 3,600MW. Speaking to journalists, Hubco’s Chief Executive Officer Khalid Mansoor said the company’s board of directors had formally approved development of two coal-based power plants of 660MW each.

The two plants would be initially run on imported coal for which a coal jetty would also be developed, he said.

He added that the solution to re-emergence of circular debt and power sector problems lied in improvement in energy mix that was too expensive at the moment and induction of coal based power generation was one of the cheaper energy sources.

Mansoor said the coal-based power would continue to be cheaper with an increase in its generation in contrast to expensive oil based power generation.

He said Hubco had enough land available near its 1,292MW thermal power plant to house six coal plants of 660MW each and the company has added 1,320MW capacity in the first phase.

“We can construct 3,600MW coal-based power plants at Hub and LNG based plants should be set up in Punjab following dip in prices,” Mansoor said.

He said the government of Pakistan and Chinese banks had agreed to set up a revolving fund to maintain money equal to one month’s invoice to avoid payment issues due to circular debt in power sector for extending loans for Thar coal project.

He informed that Chinese banks had accepted the government guarantees of Pakistan with the setting up of a revolving fund during the visit of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to China.

He said the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) had capped upfront fee for Sinosure (insurance cost) at seven per cent, but because of the presence of circular debt, the company asked for a fee of 9pc for credit risk insurance.

“Now, China has agreed to cap fee at 7pc and therefore this issue has been resolved,” he added.

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January 20, 2015 Continued Tue He said that tariff for coal based power plants had been estimated to reduce by 10 cents per unit from existing 22 cents per unit.

“The price of LNG have come down to $8 to $9 per unit from over $16 per unit and the time is ripe to set up a 3,000MW LNG based power plants near load centers in Punjab where transportation of coal would not be feasible,” he said.

He said Hubco was also interested to take part in privatisation of generation companies on competitive basis.

He said that the root causes of circular debt included inappropriate energy mix, lack of governance and slow response from the regulatory framework.

“Despite payment of around $5 billion circular debt in 2013, it had again reached similar levels within a year,” he said.

Therefore, he said coal based IPPs should be pursued immediately for reduction in the cost of energy mix.

He said no project could reach financial close unless the menace of circular debt was controlled.

“There is no other solution to resolve circular debt other than, enhancing the power subsidy or increasing consumer tariff and improvement on power sector governance issues,” he said, adding Pakistan’s $15bn spending on oil imports was not sustainable.

Responding to a question, the Hubco chief said Thar Projects were included in PakChina economic corridor priority projects list and both mining and power projects had been categorised as “Early Harvest Projects (EHP).” He said the government will provide $700 million sovereign guarantee for Thar mining project.

He said it should be national goal to curb dependence on foreign oil and look towards investments in indigenous resources like coal and hydro to help build local energy economy.

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January 21, 2015 Wed All Day

Ahsan calls on Gwadar working group -- APP Ahsan calls on Gwadar working group

ISLAMABAD – A nine member Gwadar sub working group led by Wang Jing Chun here on Wednesday called on Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal to review Gawadar related development projects.

According to a statement issued here said that a delegation of Gwadar sub working group is visiting Pakistan to expedite implementation process of Gawadar projects under China-Pak Economic Corridor. In light of decision taken during Gwadar working group meeting, approval process of Gwadar projects has been expedited and ECNEC has approved Eastbay Expressway and new Gwadar international airport projects.

Projects for social well being which play an instrumental role in inclusive and sustainable growth were also discussed and status of already agreed social sector projects was reviewed. The meeting provided opportunity to further fine tune some of the items that were discussed during the Gwadar joint group and will help completion of Gwadar projects on time.

A delegation from Promotion and Protection Center for Chinese Overseas Interests led by its Chairman Yan Li Jin also called on Minister for Planning, Development and Reform. The federal minister assured government's cooperation and assistance in addressing the issue of Chinese security concern and acknowledged that peace and security in Pakistan which attracts more Chinese investment companies on energy for investment.

To provide greater connectivity to Gwadar port, he said, “Various initiatives have been taken as Gwadar can act as a hub for trade between Pakistan, China, Central Asia, Gulf Region and Afghanistan", he added. He said that Gwadar port has the potential to become the most convenient, economical and popular access route for Central Asian commerce and as an energy corridor.

“The Gawadar port will serve as gateway of China-Pak Economic Corridor. It will create new development opportunities in Balochistan and government is using all resources to accelerate the pace of the projects,” he said.

All Day

Thar coal, power project: Company expected to start production in 2018 -- The Nations Thar coal, power project: Company expected to start production in 2018

ISLAMABAD: Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), which is working in Thar on coal-based power production, has announced it will be able to supply 660 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by the first quarter of 2018 if the project’s financial closure is achieved this year.

Speaking to the media during a two-day visit to the Thar coal field, SECMC Chief Executive Officer Shamsuddin Ahmad Shaikh said the company being a joint venture partner of the Sindh government was working on setting up two power plants of 330MW each for generating electricity from coal in the first phase of the project.

He said land area in block-II of Thar field, spread over 5,925 acres, had been allotted to SECMC. It requires an injection of $2 billion, of which $0.9 billion will be spent on mining and $1.1 billion will go for developing coal-fired power plants.

This coal mining and power production project is part of the Pak-China Economic Corridor for which a bank will arrange Rs60 billion, while the remaining money will be provided by China. “We are targeting financial closure by the middle of 2015,” Shaikh said.

Keeping in view the fact that Tharparkar ranks the lowest in Sindh’s social development index, the company has decided to spend 10% of the project cost on relocation and purchasing while 2% (before tax) will be spent under the head of corporate social responsibility.

“We would provide maximum jobs to the people of Thar, besides ensuring proper water supply, health and educational facilities,” he said.

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January 21, 2015 Continued Wed Stakeholders and shareholders had so far injected Rs3.8 billion of equity into the project, he said, adding the scheme of such a scale needed government’s support in providing infrastructure. At the outset, Shaikh said he was grateful to both the federal and Sindh governments for their support and keen interest in the project.

He said work had begun on three out of six segments for the rehabilitation of road from Thatta to Islamkot while PC-1 for a 500-kilovolt-ampere 250km transmission line had been approved.

The National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) has assured timely availability of transmission lines and the Sindh government has agreed to provide funds for the purpose.

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January 22, 2015 Thu All Day

Rs 20 commemorative coin to mark “Pak-China Year of Friendly Exchange” -- APP

ISLAMABAD - The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will issue Rs 20 commemorative coin on January 31 to mark “Pakistan-China Year of Friendly Exchange 2015”, in pursuance of the federal government notification dated January 8, 2015.

The coin weighs 10 grams with 75 per cent copper and 25 per cent nickel. Its shape is round with serration on the edge and a diameter of 27.5mm, said an SBP statement here Wednesday. The waxing crescent moon and a five pointed star facing north-west in rising position are in the centre of the obverse face of the coin.

Along with periphery on the top of the crescent star the wording “ISLAMI JAMHURIA PAKISTAN” in Urdu script is inscribed. Below the crescent and at the top of two springs of wheat with arms curved upward, there is the year of issuance 2015.

The face value of the coin in numeral “20” in bold letters and (RUPIA) in Urdu script are written on the right and left sides of crescent star respectively. There are national flags of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and People Republic of China in the centre of reverse side of the coin. Pakistani flag is shown at right side of the coin, whereas Chinese flag at the left side. The wording “YEAR OF FRIENDLY EXCHANGE 2015” is inscribed above these two flags and along with the periphery of the coin.

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January 23, 2015 Fri All Day

Iran-Pakistan pipeline: Work to start as soon as sanctions go -- Express Tribune Iran-Pakistan pipeline: Work to start as soon as sanctions go

Pakistan and Iran have reached an understanding that they will start implementing the gas pipeline project soon after sanctions imposed by the United States are lifted.

“We have agreed with them (Iran) that we will execute the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project once the curbs are removed,” Petroleum Secretary Arshad Mirza told the Senate standing committee on petroleum and natural resources in a meeting chaired by Muhammad Yousaf on Thursday.

“The agreement is between two nations under the umbrella of the United Nations, which bars us from implementation because of the embargo,” he said.

State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal told the panel that Pakistan could not afford sanctions while pushing ahead with the pipeline.

“The current petrol crisis has paralysed the country and you can imagine how we can face sanctions,” he said. “Gas imports from Iran are subject to the lifting of sanctions, it’s in the national interest.”

The country has other choices as well to meet its growing energy needs. It is working on the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (Tapi) gas pipeline, Gwadar liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline and is also undertaking measures to tap domestic oil and gas reserves.

Kamal said the Gwadar LNG pipeline would be connected to Iran after the restrictions on Tehran were removed. “We have not given up the project and talks are under way with Iran.”

The government was also increasingly focusing on exploiting the untapped domestic oil and gas deposits and gave targets to exploration companies to double the output in the next five years, he said.

A steering committee will also meet next month in Islamabad to pick a consortium leader for undertaking the Tapi project.

Committee member and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Jehangir Badar called the IP pipeline the future of Pakistan, pointing out that the previous government had not abandoned the project despite the sanctions. He suggested the government hold dialogue on the project.

LNG from Qatar Committee Chairman Muhammad Yousaf pointed out that Saifur Rehman, former head of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), was reportedly a middleman between Pakistan and Qatar in striking an LNG supply deal.

Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash, member of the committee, agreed that Rehman was a middleman and the LNG agreement could not have gone ahead without his involvement.

Petroleum Secretary Mirza refused to comment on the matter, only saying talks with Qatar were going on in Doha and the petroleum minister had also left to join the negotiations. “It will take some time to finalise the LNG price.”

Responding to a question, Mirza said the country was still facing shortage of petrol, but the situation had stabilised. He stressed that there was enough stock of furnace oil for meeting the needs of power plants.

Senators from Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa expressed reservations about the lack of gas supply to the locals.

State Minister Kamal responded that they were working on a plan to provide gas to the people of Balochistan.

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January 25, 2015 Sun All Day

Gwadar Free Zone under CPEC on the anvil -- The News Gwadar Free Zone under CPEC on the anvil

ISLAMABAD: The government has purchased 586 acres from Pakistan Navy, Coastal Guards and private individuals for establishing Gwadar Free Zone under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), The News has learnt.

Official documents available with The News disclosed on Friday that in order to finalise projects related to strategically located Gwadar area, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People’s Republic of China’s delegation led by Lin Dajjan paid a visit to Pakistan on December 8, 2014, and reached a consensus in respect of industrial cooperation, infrastructure, social welfare and security projects for Gwadar zone.

To accelerate the process of construction of Gwadar port, China’s Communication Construction Co Ltd General Manager of Overseas Department’s delegation, led by Wang Jingchun, paid the visit to Pakistan from January 19 to 22, 2015, and reviewed progress on Gwadar projects.

Pakistani side informed the Chinese delegation that the government made progress on land lease agreement for Gwadar Free Zone.

Official sources confirmed to The News here on Friday that the government provided alternate land to the Pakistan Navy to the tune of 1,100 acres for establishing Free Zone at Gwadar, which will be hovering in the range of 30 kilometre radius.

The 586 acres, the sources said, will be meant for Free Zone only, and land for Gwadar airport will be obtained separately.

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec), under chairmanship of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, directed the authorities concerned to raise the cost of Gwadar airport by Rs4 billion, increasing from Rs22 billion to Rs26 billion, in order to build this modernize airport which would enable Air Boeing 777 and 380 Airbus to operate from this airport. For this purpose, the runway for Gwadar airport will be increased by 1000 metre and some modernized buildings will be constructed. Now the authorities concerned after revising feasibility plan would again submit the cost of Rs26 billion before the next Ecnec meeting.

For infrastructure, the government has approved projects such as construction of East Bay Expressway and power plant to generate 300MW electricity in the Gwadar area. The government will also construct water plant at Gwadar with estimated cost of Rs12 billion.

The tender for Gwadar Upgrade Planning was published in print media on January 23, 2015. To implement the idea of free zone, the government has decided that although the Gwadar’s Airport would be located outside the Free Zone but the consignments coming through air would enjoy exemption from payment of duties and taxes.

All Day

Gwadar to be declared SEZ to facilitate economic development -- APP

Gwadar will soon be declared a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for a period of 20 to 30 years in order to facilitate rapid commercial and economic development.

The SEZ is likely to cover city of Gwadar and industrial areas currently planned and foreseen.

As per data provided by the ports and shipping division on Sunday, the specific incentive-regime is likely to include general tax-holidays, no VAT and generous incentives pertaining to business ownership. The government has already started working on this proposal.

The main purpose of this concept is to accelerate economic development and 1400

January 25, 2015 Continued Sun investments, both foreign and local, in general. This in turn will spur industrial development and port traffic throughput demand.

The data further revealed that the concept of SEZ had yielded positive results around the world (particularly in China and other South East Asian and Gulf countries) with respect to accelerating local broad-based economic development.

Since designation as China’s first SEZ in 1979, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from industry sector grew from 14pc to 44pc, over a period 26 years.

Gwadar Port draws 9pc of the gross income from marine and port operations each and on development of Free Zone further 15pc of the gross income will accrue to the Port.

Moreover, under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Programme, Gwadar Port City is agreed by the two countries as a Gateway and fundamental mode of the Corridor.

The optimal use of Gwadar Port under this programme will bring a big economic, commercial, and social change in Gwadar region and all along with the Corridor in Pakistan.

The data said Gwadar Port was completed in 2006 at a total cost of US $ 288 million and in 2007 the port operations were handed over to PSA International, a subsidiary of Port of Singapore Authority.

Later, in 2008 Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) decided to import wheat, urea and coal from Gwadar Port and till date 6.04 million tonnes of urea and wheat have been imported through Gwadar Port.

The Port is partially functional and is receiving ships carrying government cargo while the new port operator, China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) has started work on operational plan. Optimal port operationalization will be achieved when works on port connectivity are completed.

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January 27, 2015 Tue All Day

Vision 2025 gives a roadmap for country’s development: Ahsan -- Daily Times ISLAMABAD - Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal says despite challenges, Pakistan is moving forward on the path of progress and prosperity.

He was addressing a launching ceremony of book “Taking Care of Your Personality” written by Nadeem Butt in Islamabad on Tuesday. The minister said that the nation must come forward to defeat terrorism, extremism, eradicate polio and other evils from the society. He said that we have to avoid pessimism and play their due role for the betterment of Pakistan. He said that Vision 2025 gives a roadmap for the development of Pakistan and we will see a more progressive Pakistan in 2018.

He said many power projects including hydel, solar and wind are underway to overcome the electricity shortage. He said that Pak-China Economic Corridor will enhance economic activities in the region. He said that the government is working on new curriculum which will include technical skills as well.

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January 30, 2015 Fri All Day

All hopes pinned on Gwadar Port -- Dawn All hopes pinned on Gwadar Port

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prosperity is tied with the development of the Gwadar Port, which has the potential to bring peace to the troubled province of Balochistan and economic prosperity for Pakistan.

This was the conclusion drawn at the seminar titled ‘Gwadar Port Potential and Prospects’ organised by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) on Thursday.

The minister for states and frontier regions, Abdul Qadir Baloch, said that Gwadar is an important project for Pakistan. He said that Baloch people have been deprived of their basic rights in the past. If the wrongs are redressed there will be no insurgency.

“I don’t agree with the way of the insurgents but I do agree with their demands,” said the minister.

He said that Gwadar could be made into a free and special economic zone which would bring prosperity to the province. “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken keen interest in this project and the government is committed to completing it as soon as possible,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Naveed Jan Baloch, vice president of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, urged all stakeholders including provincial and federal governments and Chinese firms investing in Gwadar to provide maximum opportunities to the Baloch people.

“Baloch are not against development. We liberal and business minded people,” he said.

Earlier, Ahsan Iqbal, planning development and reforms minister, highlighted the geographical importance of the port. He said that the port is at the juncture of three regions-South Asia, West Asia and Central Asia-and home to close to three billion people. “This port will bring enormous business opportunities,” he said.

The minister said that the government is building a road that will connect Gwadar to the rest of Pakistan through Rattodero.

Ahsan Iqbal also talked about the unique natural landscape of Gwadar and said that the area has potential for the development of tourism, fisheries and construction industries.

Also addressing the participants of the seminar, Dr Sajjad Hussain Baloch,Gwadar Development Authority director general, said substantial investment is required to develop infrastructure in Balochistan. He said that improving road network will allow access to the area’s abundant natural resources.

Retired Vice Admiral Muhammad Haroon said that Gawadar port is the least vulnerable to attack by Indian air force and navy and in time of war it would be very difficult to block the port.

Mian Anjum Nisar, ATS group of Industries chairman, speaking at the occasion underlined the importance of Gawadar development project for the future of Pakistan. “This port is our hope and it will open new vistas of opportunities and business for the region,” he said.

He said that the Chinese are financing this project as the development of Gwadar port will decrease the distance to their trading destinations and will provide them with the opportunity to export goods to the Middle East.

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January 30, 2015 Continued Fri All Day

Govt approves upfront tariffs for Thar coal-fired power projects -- Daily Times

KARACHI: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved upfront tariffs for brand new coal-fired power plants in Thar, thus, removed a key hurdle to the investors’ plans to finance projects in the rigid desert projects under Pak-China Economic Corridor.

The return on equity (RoE) of 30.65 percent/annum has been allowed for the projects having construction period of 40 months and 34.49 percent/annum for the projects having a construction period of 48 months.

Nepra has notified upfront tariff of 8.5015 cents/unit for Thar coal-based power projects of 330 megawatts on foreign financing, while tariff for similar capacity projects on local financing has been fixed at 9.5643cents/unit.

The upfront tariff will be 8.3341 cents/unit for coal-fired power projects of 660 megawatts on foreign financing, while tariff for similar capacity projects on local financing has been fixed at 9.5668 cents/unit.

The upfront tariff will be 7.9889 cents/unit for power projects of 1,099 megawatts on foreign financing, while tariff for similar capacity projects on local financing has been fixed at 9.1368 cents/unit.

The tariff period is 30 years and will be applicable only for the mine-mouth projects in Thar area.

The sponsors of the plant will be allowed to select plant of any technology based on the quality of coal as far as the minimum efficiency thresholds are ensured.

The regulator has calculated capital cost for coal-based power project of 330 megawatts at $408.245 million; $767.868 million for 660 megawatts plant and $1.192 billion for 1,099 megawatts plant.

The capital cost for the coal-based power project includes cost of main plant equipment system, boiler, including auxiliaries, balance of plant equipment system, other mechanical equipment system, electrical equipment system and coal handling infrastructure, engineering and project management, erection and commissioning, land, site development and civil works, transportation and evacuation cost up to inter-connection point.

Under the foreign financing originating from Chinese banks, upfront Sino sure fee of 7.0 percent on the total debt servicing (including principal and mark-up for the entire loan tenor) has been included in the project cost.

The project cost will be adjusted at the time of commercial operation date (COD) on the basis of actual Sino sure fee subject to maximum of 7.0 percent. In case the sponsor managed better alternative Sino sure fee arrangement, the same will be considered at the time of COD An official said no withholding tax on local foreign contractors, sub-contractors, supervisory services and technical services provided by foreign (non-residents) entities has been assumed, adding, the actual expenditure on this account will be included in the project cost at the time of commercial operations on the basis of verifiable documentary evidence.

Construction period for the generation facility having a capacity of up to 330 megawatts will be 40 months and 48 months for the generation facility having a capacity of 660 megawatts and above.

The sponsors of the project can arrange foreign financing in the US dollar, British pound sterling, euro, Japanese yen and Chinese yuan or in any currency as the government may allow.

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January 30, 2015 Continued Fri The upfront tariff has been determined on the basis of debt equity ratio of 75:25, while the minimum equity will be 20 percent and the maximum equity will be 30 percent; if the equity actually deployed is more than 30 percent of the capital cost, equity in excess of 30 percent will be treated as loan.

The Chinese government and banks have committed to finance $45.6 billion worth of energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan over the next six years, according to the deal signed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a visit to China recently.

Both Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and Sino Sindh Resources expect to achieve the financial close by June 2015 for their coal-mining and mine-mouth power projects.

All Day

Pak-China joint ventures in higher education Process starts -- APP

Lahore: Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has initiated a process to develop joint ventures between Pakistan and China in the field of higher education.

Prospects of developing joint degree programmes in Business, Information Technology and Chinese language were discussed in a meeting of the Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry held under aegis of the PCJCCI with University of Management and Technology (UMT) at UMT main campus here Friday.

Mr. Wang Guogui, Supervising President Jiangsu Chamber led the Chinese delegation while Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad, Rector UMT along with his team attended the meeting from UMT side.

Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General, PCJCCI was also present.

Mr. Guogui offered Chinese expertise and information technology support to the education institutes in Pakistan.

He was confident that bilateral collaboration in the fields of higher education could produce graduates of international standards in Pakistan, which could not only serve Pakistan, but also play significant role in the international business activities.

Earlier Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad, Rector UMT delivered address of welcome in honour of the Chinese delegation and apprised them about the University’s ambits of operation.

He invited Chinese entrepreneurs dealing in education centre to evolve joint venture for higher education programmes in business administration, Chinese language and the software development, and offered to allocate an exclusive area of land in UMT vicinity forthis purpose.

The Jiangsu Chamber’s delegation is also going to hold meeting with senior officials of the Higher Education Commission, Punjab to discuss possibilities of collaboration at government level in the field of higher education.

Meanwhile, President PCJCCI Shah Faisal Afridi termed the current visit of Chinese trade delegation highly useful for bilateral trade and investment relations.

He hoped the visit would lead to some concrete joint projects in the fields of construction, steel industry and the higher education.

He assured of making regular follow up to bring the proposals on ground.

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January 31, 2015 Sat All Day

Gwadar Port: Chinese firm agrees to give preferential policy draft -- BR

China Communication Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) has agreed to provide a draft of a preferential policy for Gwadar as per international best practices at the earliest possible for consideration by the government of Pakistan, it is learnt.

According to the sources, this was agreed in a meeting of Gwadar Sub-Working Group held on January 21, 2015 in Islamabad with Chinese delegation led by Wang Jingchun, General Manager Overseas Department China Communications.

It was decided that the entire process of determining preferential policies to be completed by end of March. The sources said that a high level visit of Chinese leader is expected in April/May 2015 to Pakistan for further negotiations and agreements with the government of Pakistan.

Sources said the Chairman of Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) was of the view that the measures required before finalising the lease deed are ready for signature. He stated that GPA Board has already agreed to the proposal regarding lease period of 43 years subject to approval by the federal government. He said since the lease deed is between GPA & China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd (COPHCL), it would not be legally tenable to include assurances of third party in the agreement.

He added that for obvious disagreement between GPA and COPHCL, the Chinese side is requested to consider these matters favourably before signing the Lease Deed Agreement by the middle of February 2015.

Sources said the Chinese side presented the salient features of the planned exhibition & display center as the first project of the free zone. It was informed that the project will be constructed on the land which is part of the concession area of COPHCL and the project would be developed by the Free Zone Company (FZC).

The first phase of the project would consist of (i) comprehensive service center, (ii) warehouse, (iii) exhibition halls and all municipal engineering works to be completed by end October 2016.

On clarification sought by the Chinese side, Chairman GPA informed that for approval of this phase would be required from Gwadar Port Authority (GPA). It was suggested that Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) town planning regulations/building code for construction should be studied by Free Zone Company for guidance. The initial phase of the project would cost around $100 million.

It was also informed in the meeting that the advertisement will be floated this week in the national dailies and in the first week of February, in international papers. He further stated that the response time for submitting of proposal is 45 days and the last date for submission is 16th March, 2015. The Chinese side showed interest in participating in the bidding process.

Sources said that the lease deed should be ready for signing by the end of February and both parties will try to finalise all remaining processes before the timeline. It was also agreed that without further negotiations progress on new Gwadar International Airport, Gwadar power plant and water supply plant, the lease agreement would be in accordance with the concession agreement except for extension in period of three years in lease period for the free zone. It was also recommended that the CCCC would expedite conduct of pre-feasibility and other allied requirements such that the plant becomes operational by end 2017.

About the Preferential Policy, the sources said that it was noted that majority of the items for preferential policies indicated by the Chinese side were already covered under the existing tax policies for Gwadar. In the meeting the Board of Investment (BoI) presented a brochure containing these policies for the information of the Chinese side. The BoI also committed to provide one window operation to investors through their office in Gwadar. On a query from the Pakistani side, Chinese side intimated that the overall preferential treatment for Gwadar city has not been finalised by National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

It was also informed that the pre-feasibility study report has to be submitted by CCCC by 10th February, 2015. On a query, the Chinese side was informed that the 1406

January 31, 2015 Continued Sat information requested by the company will be submitted to them shortly. They were also intimated that the application for various approvals for obtaining requisite permissions for constructing and operating the Gwadar power plant has to be submitted to PPIB directly. This was also informed that the security plan for entire Gwadar region is currently being formulated for approval of the government.

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Pak-China relations: Banking links should improve, says SBP governor -Express Tribune

Governor SBP and Chinese Consulate Vice Consul General Mu Yong Peng unveiling unveiling of the Rs20 commemorative coin at the SBP Museum on Thursday to mark the ‘Pak-China Year of Friendly Exchange 2015’. PHOTO: NNI Governor SBP and Chinese Consulate Vice Consul General Mu Yong Peng unveiling unveiling of the Rs20 commemorative coin at the SBP Museum on Thursday to mark the ‘Pak-China Year of Friendly Exchange 2015’. PHOTO: NNIThe governor said, “In the financial sector, we find footprints of our friendly relations over a long period of time."

CREATIVE COMMONS KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan Governor Ashraf Mahmood Wathra has underscored the need for improving banking sector links with China, saying that Pakistani banks are already present in China as representative offices.

The governor said this during the unveiling of the Rs20 commemorative coin at the SBP Museum on Thursday to mark the ‘Pak-China Year of Friendly Exchange 2015’. The ceremony was attended by Chinese Consulate Vice Consul General Mu Yong Peng, the Chinese media and dignitaries.

The governor said, “In the financial sector, we find footprints of our friendly relations over a long period of time. The most recent among these is the establishment of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.”

He also mentioned the establishment of Pak-China Investment Company, which is operating as a development finance institution for the promotion of trade, investment and economic growth in Pakistan.

According to a press release, Wathra added that the two countries have strong trade ties but to bring them to the next level where Pakistani exports also become a significant portion of the Chinese imports, the presence of a strong banking network is essential.

SBP Chief Spokesman Abid Qamar said that the government of Pakistan has laid down a detailed map of year-round activities, aimed at further deepening and enrichment of existing relations between the two countries.

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February 2, 2015 Mon All Day

Free trade zone in Gwadar -- Dawn A lease agreement is being processed to hand over 2,281 acres of land to the China Overseas Port Holding Company for the establishment of a ‘free trade zone’ in Gwadar.

According to a senior official of the ministry of ports and shipping, the lease agreement is currently being reviewed by the law division. After the government’s formal approval, the land will be leased out to the Chinese company for 40 years.

The ministry has paid over Rs6.69bn to acquire the land through the deputy commissioner of Gwadar.

The free trade zone is seen indispensable for the success of the Gwadar port, as they are an integral part of all modern ports. The zone is expected to ensure optimal use of the deep sea port. In Gwadar port’s master plan, prepared by foreign consultants, the mouza Dor Gatti area had been earmarked for the free trade zone.

A free trade zone is a designated area that eliminates traditional trade barriers such as tariffs, and minimises bureaucratic regulations. Its goal is to enhance global market presence by attracting new businesses and foreign investment.

The Chinese company has been incorporated as the ‘Gwadar Free Zone Company’. It will finance infrastructure development of the zone area, with the exception of access roads, which will be financed by the Gwadar Port Authority.

The company will bring local and foreign investment to establish the manufacturing assembly and processing plants.

The zone will be located immediately west and adjacent to the planned container terminal. Out of 2,281 acres, 654 acres are naval and coast-guard land, for which the owners will compensate with 1,000 acres under a deal approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping.

In the customs-free zone, all imports would be subject to the applicable duties and charges if and when they are taken out of the free zone, except for the purpose of export. The area will be used exclusively for port-related business and industry.

A 20-year tax holiday will apply to businesses in the free trade zone. Under the agreement, 15pc of gross revenue from the free zone will be paid to the Gwadar Port Authority by the Chinese company. It is expected that the development of the zone will help create job opportunities, and lead to transfer of technology and business activities.

Plans are also afoot to link the Gwadar deep sea port with the hinterland through rail to fully realise the port’s potential.

The chief engineer of Pakistan Railways who is dealing with the project, Basharat Waheed, said out of the total cost of around Rs1.3bn for the 285 acres of land, Pakistan Railways has paid Rs450m for the acquisition of the land required by it through the Board of Revenue of Balochistan’s secretary. The remaining amount of Rs700m is expected to be approved by the Central Development Working Party of the planning commission at its next meeting.

Initially, Pakistan Railways had planned to acquire 373 acres of land, but due to the escalation in the market price in the wake of the port’s construction, the area was reduced to 285 acres.

The land will be used for the construction of a railway container yard, station and other operational facilities and a 30-metre-wide corridor to the deep sea port on one end, and a point outside Gwadar’s limits, at a distance of 25km on the GwadarTurbat-Hushab-Besima-Mastung rail link on the other side.

The proposed container yard will have the capacity to handle about 500 railway 1408

February 2, 2015 Continued Mon freight wagons, including marshalling of freight trains. The laying of a double-track from the container yard to the deep sea port has also been proposed.

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Pak-China to celebrate 2015 as Year of Friendly Exchanges: ambassador -- Daily Times ISLAMABAD - China and Pakistan will arrange series of activities this year to promote cultural exchanges and understanding between the two countries, said Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong.

The two countries are celebrating the 2015 Pakistan-China Year of Friendly Exchanges. According to the China Radio International (CRI), the year will witness a series of activities, laying special focus on strengthening people-to people contacts. In an interview to CRI, the ambassador said that China and Pakistan have long been dedicated to promoting all-round bilateral relations in political exchange, trade and investment, security, among other fields. The two countries are exploring ways and means to elevate the all-weather strategic partnership, bringing it to a new height. In this connection, they are all out efforts to realise the Chinese Dream and the Pakistani “Asian Tiger Dream” by forging a “community of destiny”.

A grand reception was held in Beijing last week, marking its official commencement at first one of a series of activities which the two friendly countries plan to celebrate jointly throughout the year. The event was graced by China Vice President Li Yaunchao from Chinese side, whereas National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq led the delegation of the parliamentarians from Pakistan, who especially attended inauguration of celebrations of the Friendly Exchanges Year.

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February 3, 2015 Tue All Day

PAK-CHINA TO CELEBRATE 2015 AS YEAR OF FRIENDLY EXCHANGES: AMBASSADOR -- Pak Observer

Islamabad—China and Pakistan will arrange series of activities this year to promote cultural exchanges and understanding between the two countries, said Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong.

The two countries are celebrating the 2015 China-Pakistan Year of Friendly Exchanges. According to the China Radio International (CRI), the year will witness a series of activities, laying special focus on strengthening people-to people contacts.

In a interview to CRI, the ambassador, said China and Pakistan have long been dedicated to promoting all-round bilateral relations in political exchange, trade and investment, security, among other fields.

The two countries are exploring ways and means to elevate the all-weather strategic partnership, bringing it to a new height. In this connection, they are all out efforts to realize the Chinese Dream and the Pakistani “Asian Tiger Dream” by forging a “community of destiny”.

A grand reception was held in Beijing last week, marking its official commencement at first one of a series of activities which the two friendly countries plan to celebrate jointly throughout the year.

The event was graced by Vice President of China Li Yaunchao from Chinese side whereas Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq led the delegation of Parliamentarians from Pakistan, who especially attended inauguration of celebrations of the Friendly Exchanges Year.—INP

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February 4, 2015 Wed All Day

Chinese team discusses prospects of joint ventures in HE sector -- BR

A Chinese delegation from the Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with the Secretary Higher Education Punjab here on Tuesday and discussed the prospects of joint ventures between the two countries in education sector. PakChina Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) facilitated the meeting between the Chinese delegation headed by Wang Guogui and Jiang and Secretary Higher Education Aslam Kamboh who gave some practical suggestions that could link the education domains of Pakistan and China.

The delegation also held a separate meeting with Chairman Higher Education Commission Punjab Nizamudin here at the Arfa Karim Tower. Nizamudin informed the delegation that year 2015 is being celebrated by Government of Pakistan as the "Pak-China Friendship Year," in which more avenues for economic co-operation between the two countries were being identified.

He said that mega economic projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Silk Route Revival, construction of dams and Chinese investment in Pakistani textile, energy, banking, commerce and industry sectors would be expedited this year to strengthen the bilateral friendship on economic front. He said that at present both the countries are exchanging a lot of human resource in different fields including education and skills sector. He hoped the joint ventures in education sector would help transfer modern education technology, management skill and innovative trends.

He said that later on Chinese language would be incorporated in the curriculum.

Moreover Nizamudin shared the idea of Chief Minister Punjab of formulating a Knowledge Park in Pakistan that would greatly enhance the skills and Productivity of Pakistani youth.

He said that rather than diploma programmes TEVTA is planning to offer four-year complete degree programmes that would add value to the skill based trainings and expertise.

He said that Sandwich Degree Programme and Student Exchange Programme could be initiated with collaboration of both China and Pakistan. He stressed upon the need to link the educational sector of the countries by setting up Pak-China collaborative research institutes, language and culture centres, technical and innovative training institutes and Chinese work ethics imparting institutes. He also appreciated the efforts made by PCJCCI in bridging gaps between both countries.

Wang Guogui suggested that at the first phase, communication gap should be overcome by learning each other's language so that businessmen, entrepreneurs, investors and students could actively communicate with each other without the need of any interpreter. Jian Li, Secretary General Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce, said that after going back to China, she will discuss with the relevant authorities to propose some concrete proposals for sending language teachers, technical experts, trade and commerce professionals, researchers and innovators to join the proposed Pak-China collaborative institute to be set up in Pakistan. She appreciated the proposals given by Nizamudin and said that next visit is expected in coming May or June that would be a bigger one and present some concrete agenda and proposals. Meanwhile, President PCJCCI Shah Faisal Afridi organised a farewell for the Chinese delegation.

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February 6, 2015 Fri All Day

No change in design of Pak-China economic corridor: minister -- APP

Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal Friday ruled out any plan to change the design of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor – a project symbolising new vision of Pak-China economic partnership.

“The Pak-China economic corridor is not a game changer but a fate changer for Pakistan and for the prosperity of three billion people of the region,” Ahsan Iqbal said addressing a press conference on Friday.

“Pakistan-China economic corridor is imperative for regional trade integration and to enhance economic activities in the country,” he remarked. Ahsan resolved that the mega project was aimed at uniting all federating units including the remote areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan Region.

He added that a transit trade between Pakistan and China would be started from Gwadar, adding that backward areas of Balochistan would especially benefit from the economic corridor project.

The minister said that energy and infrastructure was more important for economic development of any country, and: “our government was working on strategic road map and formulated the vision 2025 to enhance infrastructure and energy projects with the cooperation of friendly China.”

The economic corridor and connected energy projects with a total investment of $45 billion during the next five years was a glaring example of the close friendship between the Pakistan and China.

He added that Pak-China energy corridor also included the project of generating 16,000 MW electricity to benefit the industrial zones and domestic consumers in the country.

The economic corridor would give Pakistan a pivot in the region boosting trade and commerce links with the regional economies, said Ahsan Iqbal. The 2,100-kilometer corridor would include special economic zones, a railways system and a model city, airport as well as a free port at Gwadar, he said.

The government, he said, was planning to establish a state-of-the-art industrial zone in Gwadar which would be a core feature of Pakistan-China trade corridor.

The economic corridor considered the multiple route for the connectivity of urban and remote rural population of the country to provide equal development opportunities to the people.

The corridor, he said, was a landmark project which would connect Pakistan’s deep sea Gwadar port with China’s Xinjiang region bordering Gilgit Baltistan, an area full of natural resources.

Both Pakistan and China have launched a number of mega projects under the umbrella of economic corridor in several fields like energy, infrastructure and connectivity which would revitalise Pakistan’s economy.

To provide greater connectivity to Gwadar Port, he said, “Various initiatives have been taken as Gwadar can act as a hub for trade between Pakistan, China, Central Asia, Gulf Region and Afghanistan”, he added.

He said the Gwadar port had the potential to become the most convenient, economic and popular access route for Central Asian commerce and as an energy corridor. Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan had important geo-economic and geo-strategic position to connect the whole region and convert it as trade hub for the entire region.

He regretted that again some quarters propagated against the Pak-China economic corridor that too when the Chinese president was expected to visit Pakistan.

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February 6, 2015 Continued Fri He added that earlier the Chinese president’s visit was cancelled because of different rumours spread during the PTI-PAT sit-in at D-Chowk.

Ahsan Iqbal said the government had taken necessary steps to enhance economic and trade ties with all regional and other countries including the United States, China and Afghanistan in order to maintain peace and prosperity in the country and the region.

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Pakistan should be champion of regional integration: EU envoy -- The News Lars Gunner Wigemark, the Ambassador of European Union, has said that Pakistan should be champion of regional integration just like six European states that had done a lot in case of EU.

He was addressing a seminar on ‘Deepening of Pakistan-EU Relations: PostAfghan Withdrawal' organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute here on Wednesday. Mome Saleem conducted the proceedings.

The ambassador said that India should not press panic button at this stage. He said we share role being played by India in trade and Pakistan should take steps in regional integration. He welcomed Pak-China economic corridor as long it involves others also. He hoped relations with Iran will also improve one day.

The ambassador said that EU is a union of 21 democracies which arose from ashes of World War-II. He said that we support democracies in the world in education and health sectors in particular. Admitting it was not flawless model if you see past few years “but still Europeans tried to pool resources for an integrated region which seeks the countries to secede some of their sovereign rights.” He said actions undertaken in promoting sovereignty have impact on neighbours.

He said that EU welcomes improvement in Pak-Afghan ties as it is important for the both countries. He highlighted importance of transit trade agreement for SAARC countries. He said that we not only promote trade with regions but also within region and referred to his country Sweden’s trade with Norway and Italy asking Pakistan to explore trade vistas with its neighbouring India.

Mr Wigemark said India has ten times bigger area, population, common history and some disputes. If both New Delhi and Islamabad had positive relations, the ties with Europe will definitely improve, he said sharing Obama’s reservations on protectionism expressed in India adding that we want to end non-trade barriers.

The EU ambassador said Pakistan should move forward after 26/12 tragedy in Peshawar. He said we would like to do more in terms of counter-terrorism and sharing intelligence. He said the answers lie within keeping in view culture and values while moving ahead in this respect. He said Pakistan has diversity and opinion against Taliban is dominant.

He said that EU will work in poor areas in the smaller provinces and south Punjab to combat militancy in Pakistan. He supported local elections as the MPs should not indulge in local issues.

The EU envoy said that EU is the largest donor as well as trade partner of Pakistan.

He said that a country considering to trade with EU should implement the conditionalities of EU especially those related to human rights. He said that death penalty does not help in ameliorating the ties between EU and Pakistan.

Former ambassador to India Munnawwar Saeed Bhatti said that EU countries had been centre of economic and cultural activities and are like a model for us. He said that Pak-EU relationship is long term, friendly and closer than that with many other countries. EU acted as a model for other countries showing how to make their peoples prosperous.

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February 6, 2015 Continued Fri Mome Saleem said that scholarship scheme was very productive which made students knowledge producers and not knowledge managers. She said that labour standards can only be implemented if we address other issues which are very different from EU and other places.

Malik Hussain from Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that GSP Plus status show the confidence of the world community in Pak exports. He said that death penalty was partially restored to combat the challenge of terrorism threatening the entire world.

He said West should not leave Afghanistan and must remain there to fight the menace of terrorism.

Ambassador Shafqat Kakakhel in his opening remarks said that there had been remarkable evolution in integration in the European region. Shakil Ramay from SDPI said that his organisation wants to contribute to peace and development.

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February 7, 2015 Sat All Day

Asif discussed Pak-China ties with Yang Jiechi -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence and Water & Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif Saturday called on Chinese State Councilor Dr Yang Jiechi on the sidelines of the 51st Munich Security Conference, in Germany.

He exchanged views on the bilateral relations between the two countries with special reference to cooperation in eliminating the terrorism in the region, said a message received here from Pakistan Embassy in Berlin, Germany.

The minister said that both China and Pakistan enjoyed good relations which continued to grow.

He also expressed the hope that the Chinese leadership would play a significant role in the near future to bring peace and prosperity in the region.

Dr Yang Jiechi assured him of his country’s full support and cooperation in Pakistan’s Endeavour to overcome the socio economic issues that had gripped the country as well its efforts to bring peace and stability in the region.

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Russian team coming for key talks on $1.7b gas pipeline -- APP

Pakistan and Russia have already signed a protocol for awarding the contract of laying the LNG pipeline to a Russian company in a government-to-government arrangement. CREATIVE COMMONS ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia are set to meet next week to strike a final deal on laying a $1.7-billion gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore, which will carry imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) for overcoming energy crisis in Punjab.

According to officials, the two sides will be deliberating at a time when ministers of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India will meet to make headway and award the financing contract of a transnational gas pipeline to French energy giant Total, which will work as a consortium leader.

Separately, a Pakistani team will hold talks with a Russian delegation on the modalities of the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (Tapi) pipeline.

Pakistan and Russia have already signed a protocol for awarding the contract of laying the LNG pipeline to a Russian company in a government-to-government arrangement.

Apart from this, the Interstate Gas Systems, which deals with gas import projects, is working on an LNG pipeline in Gwadar and the Tapi project. A protocol has been inked with China for awarding the $3 billion Gwadar LNG pipeline and terminal contract.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet has given its, in principle, consent for the construction of the 1,100km North South Gas Pipeline from Karachi to Lahore for the supply of re-gasified LNG to proposed gas-fired power plants in northern Pakistan.

The government has planned to set up 3,600-megawatt LNG-based power plants in Punjab in an effort to tackle outages. In this regard, the Ministry of Water and Power is seeking approval of upfront tariff at Rs8.85 per unit through a petition filed with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).

Officials of the water and power ministry point out that the LNG-fired power plants would help meet the needs of Faisalabad Electricity Supply Company (Fesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and Lahore Electricity Supply Company (Lesco), which have been facing a shortfall.

The gap between natural gas supply and demand in the country has widened to 2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) with supplies at 4 bcfd.

To bridge the shortfall, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources is pushing ahead with different gas pipeline projects. In addition to these, LNG terminals will be built at the Port Qasim and Gwadar Port, which will handle imported LNG with an estimated re-gasification capacity equal to around 2 bcfd of natural gas.

In an ECC meeting, it was highlighted that the existing gas infrastructure was not designed to transport large quantities of gas from the southern to northern regions of the country as it lacked the capacity to handle additional volumes.

Therefore, the Karachi-Lahore pipeline is critical for shipping re-gasified LNG to the power plants. A speedy construction of pipeline infrastructure is necessary to 1415

February 7, 2015 Continued Sat transport higher gas volumes well before the completion of LNG terminal at Gwadar and IP and Tapi pipeline projects.

Gas distribution companies – Sui Southern Gas Company and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines – are engaged in upgrading their infrastructure to prepare for handling higher gas supplies in their system.

Not only will the Karachi-Lahore pipeline enable the ministry to efficiently transport imported LNG, it will also help ship the gas to be imported from Iran and Turkmenistan, the two projects which are expected to come online in the next three to five years.

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February 8, 2015 Sun All Day

Opportunities in China: FPCCI asks businesses to search for avenues -Express Tribne “Pakistan’s exports to China are nearly $3 billion while imports from China are approximately $11 billion.”

KARACHI: Showing his enthusiasm over the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Mian Muhammad Adrees has expressed hope that the trip will further deepen economic ties between Islamabad and Beijing.

In a sign of growing economic relations, the volume of bilateral trade between the two nations is gradually increasing and has crossed $14 billion.

However, Adrees said, the share of Pakistan’s exports is not significant as compared to imports from China. “Pakistan’s exports to China are nearly $3 billion while imports from China are approximately $11 billion.”

Despite the low exports, Pakistani entrepreneurs should continue their search for more business opportunities in China because there are several potential avenues of growth available in the Chinese economy, he suggested.

Adrees said that the traditional friendship between Pakistan and China is now going to turn into a comprehensive strategic partnership in trade, investment and economic development.

Additionally, the Pak-China Economic Corridor will be a milestone that reflects the strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.

“The huge Chinese investment in Pakistan, particularly in the energy sector and infrastructure, will bring an economic revolution in the region,” he said.

“This will be equally beneficial for both Pakistan and China as it will help them further enhance their trade potential in the region.”

Talking about Pakistan’s distinct trade niche, Adrees said the country can offer its neighbour quality industrial products and commodities like rice, cotton, wheat, sugar and leather.

“There are ample opportunities for China to establish industries in Pakistan and export their products to Central Asian states.”

Understanding the importance of the Chinese president’s visit as a key gateway towards economic revival and advantages, Adrees urged all political leaders of the country to show solidarity by foregoing political issues and sticking to an economyfirst agenda.

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February 10, 2015 Tue All Day

On G-to-G contract basis: Chinese company to begin laying 700km Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG pipeline -- BR

A Chinese oil/gas company, China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPP), on Government to Government (G-to-G) contract basis, will start laying 700 kilometer Gwadar-Nawabshah Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline, which will cost $1.5 billion. According to multiple sources associated with the project, Pakistan has officially started constructing the LNG pipeline, which as per government plans, will transport up to one Billion Cubic Feet per Day (BCFD) of LNG once it completed.

The company has assured Pakistan of completing the pipeline and LNG terminal within two-year. The Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG project is started keeping in view future construction of Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project to deal with the serious gas shortage, which at present stands at 2 BCFD. Officials further stated that the Prime Minister of Pakistan during his last Chinese visit has singed an agreement of laying Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG pipeline, which as per government of Pakistan plans, would also be extended to transport gas from Iran under IP gas pipeline project.

"On the request of Pakistan, Chinese government has nominated the CPP to complete the project, which would cost $1.5 billion. The company will not only construct the LNG pipeline, but will also bring the required funds for the project. The company on the directions of the Chinese government will also construct the LNG terminal in Gwadar, costing $800 million which is most likely to be an offshore terminal. Initially the terminal will have a capacity to handle up to 500 Million Cubic Feet per Day (MMCFD) of LNG and its capacity will be further expanded to one BCFD," the official maintained.

The official also said that the government is also seriously considering completing IP gas pipeline project, which will transport 750 MMCFD gas from Iran to Pakistan and once the international sanctions against Iran are removed Pakistan will have to add just 70 kilometers of pipeline to join it with Iranian side of the already constructed pipeline.

A high level delegation of the CPP is currently visiting Islamabad under the G-to-G agreement between the two countries. The company high-ups held meetings with the relevant quarters including Petroleum Ministry and Inter State Gas System (ISGS). Managing Director (MD) ISGS Mobin Saulat during the meeting explained the contractual issues during which CPP local regional head was also present.

The ISGS consultants, who are responsible to develop the design of pipeline, were also there to discuss the design and construction issues. Nespak Project Manager Yawer Ansari, ILF experts Qamar Shah and Azhar Saif were the key members to explain the project technical details.

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February 11, 2015 Wed All Day

Chinese delegation in Gwadar -- APP

GWADAR: A 13-member Chinese delegation arrived here on Tuesday on a two-day visit.

Headed by Wang Qingli the delegation included senior Chinese officials.

Members of the delegation inspected different projects, including Gwadar Port, Gwadar Free Zone, District Hospital and GDA School.

They attended a meeting of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce.

The members of the delegation discussed bilateral trade and investment issues in the meeting and said China was interested in various sectors in Gwadar and other areas of Balochistan.

Chairman of Gwadar Port Authority Dostain Jamaldini and Director General of Planning and Development Munir Ahmed Jan gave briefing to the Chinese delegation on the Gwadar deep sea port.

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Chinese FM arrives tomorrow on two-day visit -- Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Beijing and Islamabad eye a major headway in deliberations over the much hyped multi-billion-dollar project Pak-China Economic Corridor as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is landing here on two-day visit starting tomorrow.

He will lead an eight-member delegation to Pakistan, the Foreign Office said on Tuesday.

According to diplomatic sources, the Chinese delegation would comprise economic experts in addition to the diplomatic functionaries, to hold crucial deliberations with Islamabad on the Pak-China Economic Corridor. The visit is taking place at a time when reports are rife that the designated route of the Pak-China Economic Corridor has been changed, compared to its original route from Kashgar to Gwadar. Certain business quarters have been quoted as having expressed reservations over the reported change in the Corridor’s route. However, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal, on Tuesday slammed these reports on the change in the route of Pak-China Economic Corridor as rumours and a ‘conspiracy’ against the project. In a joint press conference with Maulana Fazlur Rehman he said the work on Corridor continued as per plan and the project was a ‘gamechanger’ in the region. Beijing has committed investing over $45 billion in the project that involves a host of Sino-Pak joint ventures on energy and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the FO, on Chinese foreign minister’s visit, said Pakistan attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China. “Such high-level visits are a regular feature of the time-tested and unshakeable bonds of friendship between the governments and peoples of Pakistan and China.”

The two sides would review and further consolidate all aspects of the bilateral relationship, with a special focus on political, strategic and economic cooperation, the FO statement said. “The visit would also afford an opportunity to both sides to have a free and frank exchange of views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.” During the visit, the Chinese dignitary would hold separate meetings and delegation-level talks with Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs. In addition, he would also call on President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan’s FO and the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad would also co-host the launching ceremony of Pakistan-China ‘Year of Friendly Exchanges’. The FO says Chinese President Xi Jinping would be visiting Pakistan in the ongoing 2015 but the dates have not been confirmed as yet.

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February 12, 2015 Thu All Day

2015 formally inaugurated as year of Pak-China friendship -- The News Tribe ISLAMABAD: The year 2015 has been formally inaugurated as the year of PakChina friendship in China and Pakistan.

A formal ceremony was held at the Pak-China friendship centre in Islamabad on Thursday. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi were chief guests on the occasion.

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, advisor to prime minister on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz and Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Vi Dang also participated in the ceremony.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said that Pak-China relations are higher than the diplomatic agenda of both the countries.

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan and China are time-tested friends, neighbours and strategic partners, saying that this partnership enjoys across-the-board popular, political and institutional support in both the countries.

He said while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, on Thursday to formally inaugurate the “Year of Friendly Exchanges between Pakistan and China.” Mr. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China was also present in the ceremony.

The Speaker said that ever-since the leadership transitions in Pakistan and China in 2013, relations between our two countries have continued to maintain a steady, upward trajectory which testified the essence of Pak-China friendship.

He said that it is based on a bond that has not only stood the test of time but has remained above all domestic or regional changes. Winds of political change have swept across the region and beyond, but Pakistan-China friendship has remained steady as a rock, he added.

He said that the people of Pakistan were impatiently looking forward to His Excellency President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan which would inject fresh impetus into the “all weather multi-dimensional strategic Pak-China relationship’.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that political relations and economic cooperation are not the only drivers of our bilateral relations. Perhaps our greatest asset is that the peoples of the two countries who have a sense of affection and love for each other.

He said that it is our sacred duty to nurture these sentiments among our future generations.

He said that Pakistan firmly adheres to the “One China Policy” and supports China on issues of its core interests. He said that both the countries were committed to address the common challenges of terrorism and extremism.

The Speaker said that the past six decades have seen the development of a meaningful partnership across Himalayas not only manifested in the construction of Karakorum Highway or sophisticated JF-17 Thunder Aircraft, but is also firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of the people of our two countries.

He said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is yet another flagship project for the new phase of our relationship.

Mentioning the Chinese support for the “Green Parliament Project” at the Parliament House through the generous Chinese grant was yet another milestone and a one-of-its-kind project envisages shifting all the energy needs of the Parliament buildings on solar power, hence making Pakistan’s Parliament the first in the world to go green. Recollecting his recent visit to China on invitation of his Chinese Counterpart, he said that he had the pleasure to represent Pakistan at a similar function in Beijing.

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February 12, 2015 Continued Thu He said that people to people and exchanges at political as well as parliamentary level during the year 2015 will induce impetus to the excellent bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.

He said that parliamentary exchanges reflect the firm commitment of our respective leaderships to each other. The Ceremony was attended by a large number of Parliamentarians, diplomats and diverse gathering of distinguished Chinese and Pakistani citizens.

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Gwadar, Zhuhai named twin cities -- Dawn

GWADAR: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Chinese and Pakistani officials to declare Gwadar and Zhuhai (China) twin cities.

Zhuhai Vice Mayor Wang Qingl Li, Zhuhai Port Authority director general Hauang Wen Zhong, Gwadar District Council Chairman Babu Gulab and Gwadar Port Authority head Dostain Jamaldini put their signatures on the MoU at a ceremony held here on Wednesday.

Briefing the Chinese delegation on Gwadar, Mr Gulab and Mr Jamaldini said the city had a small population of 6,000 in 1903, which increased to 45,021 – according to the 1998 national census – and now stood at 85,000.

Under the Gwadar Master Plan, they said, several development projects were being executed in the city, including those of hospitals, schools, roads and a dam.

Mr Jamaldini said the Board of Revenue and the Board of Investment were working on a plan to declare Gwadar tax-free zone. Under the plan, investment in power, water and infrastructure projects to be executed within 30km radius of Gwadar deep-sea port would be exempted from tax. The facility will also apply to products manufactured in the Gwadar industrial zone.

Later, the 13-member Chinese delegation visited Gwadar free trade zone, Gwadar hospital and other projects. The Vice Chairman of the District Council, Naimatullah Hoat and GDA director general Sajjad Baloch accompanied the guests.

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February 13, 2015 Fri All Day

2015 will open a new era of Pak-China relations -- The Nation

All Day

Projects under Pak-China economic corridor discussed -- APP

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that 2015 will open a new era of Pak-China cooperation and development.

Participating in the Launching Ceremony of 2015 Pak-China Friendship Year of Friendly Exchanges at Pak-China Friendship Center Islamabad on Thursday, the chief minister said that everlasting relations of friendship existed between Pakistan and China. “A new era of cooperation in all sectors has been started between the two countries,” he added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is currently on a tour to Pakistan, and Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq were the chief guest of the ceremony. Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Ambassador of China in Pakistan Sun Weidong, members of Senate and National Assembly, officebearers of different organisations of Pak-China friendship and prominent personalities belonging to various walks of life attended the ceremony.

“Pak-China friendship has stood in every hour of trial. We are not only neighbors but also have always adopted a uniform stance over regional and international issues. Under the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, both the countries have signed agreements of investment of billions of dollars under Pak-China economic corridor,” Shahbaz Sharif said while talking to the media men after the ceremony.

Expressing his delight while participating in the ceremony, Shahbaz said that 2015 would open new phases of cooperation and development between both the countries and people of both the countries would benefit from it.

Projects under Pak-China economic corridor discussed

LAHORE: A meeting was held here on Friday between Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in which promotion of Pak-China cooperation and projects under Pak-China economic corridor were discussed in detail.

Talking to the Chinese foreign minister, the chief minister said Chinese cooperation for progress and development of Pakistan was highly commendable.

He said: “China is a sincere and trustworthy friend of Pakistan which has stood by it in every hour of need.”

Both the countries have always supported each other’s stance on regional and international issues, he added.

He said Pak-China friendship was higher than Himalayas, sweeter than honey, stronger than steel and deeper than ocean.

He said China had proved to be a true friend of Pakistan by helping it in the development of various sectors.

Shahbaz Sharif said exploration work of mineral reserves in Chiniot-Rajwa was also given to a Chinese company in a transparent manner which had discovered deposits of iron, copper and gold through hard work of ten months.

He said that Chinese cooperation and role in the exploration of mineral reserves in Punjab will always be remembered.

He said during the tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Pak-China friendship was turning into beneficial economic relations and new avenues of cooperation were opening in various sectors.

The Pak-China economic corridor was an important step towards strengthening of trade and economic relations between the two countries and will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in Pakistan, he added.

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February 13, 2015 Continued Fri He said 2015 was being celebrated as the year of Pak-China economic cooperation due to which the friendship between the two countries will enter into a new phase.

He said the people of Pakistan were waiting for the visit of the Chinese President as it will further strengthen friendly ties and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

He said China had made tremendous progress through struggle and hard work and become a great economic force.

He said the rapid economic progress made by China was a role model for the world.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China will continue to cooperate with Punjab in energy, minerals, industry and other sectors. He said China highly values its relations with Pakistan.

He said that Chinese people and government consider Pakistan’s problems as their own and were also extending cooperation in overcoming energy crisis in the country.

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February 16, 2015 Mon All Day

Gwadar Port has potential to turn Pakistan into ‘maritime power’ -- APP KARACHI: Maritime economy and environment remained in focus on the second day of the Sixth International Maritime Conference on Sunday.

The three-day conference has been organised by the National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR) in collaboration with the Pakistan Navy at a local hotel.

“China has pledged $52 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, of which $32bn is to be spent exclusively on energy projects in the next five years. If this materialises, Pakistan will become one of the largest recipients of Chinese outbound investment,” said Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Pakistan-China Institute, while presenting his paper titled “Pakistan and the Maritime Silk Route”.

Also read: Gwadar Port to become operational in May, senate committee told In his paper called “The analysis on China’s Indian Ocean strategy”, Zhiyong Hu, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, discussed the growing importance of the Indian Ocean and China’s ocean strategy in the 21st century.

“China took some measures to maintain its security and navigation safety, but at present, because China’s navy lacks advanced equipment, it cannot provide enough strength to safeguard its forces,” he remarked.

Retired Rear Admiral Dr Rakesh Chopra of India had “Maritime politics and challenges of the Indo-Pacific region” as the topic of his paper. “It is a region where the global centre of gravity is shifting and, therefore, requires examination,” he said.

Rear Admiral J.J. Ranasinghe, commander of the Southeastern Naval Area, Sri Lanka, spoke on “International law framework in relation to people smuggling and its ability to combat modern instances of people smuggling”.

“The organised human smugglers operating through transnational networks have chosen rich developed countries as their most preferred destinations,” he said.

During the session on trade and economy, Dr Azhar Ahmad shed light on the Gwadar-Kashgar corridor and its potential impact on the region.

“Despite having a long coastline and overwhelming economic dependence on sea, Pakistan has not been able to evolve into a true maritime nation. However, development of the Gwadar Port, at the crown of the Arabian Sea, has provided Pakistan with a unique opportunity to claim its status as an important maritime power,” he said.

The oceans are vital for security and economic life of the littoral states. But at the same time it is each state’s responsibility to safeguard the oceans and the marine life. Keeping this in view, the second day’s final session highlighted environmental issues vis-a-vis the Indo-Pacific region.

Whereas Dr Yimin Ye of the Food and Agriculture Organisation gave a comparison of the fishery management practices in the Northwest Pacific region with those of the West Indian Ocean region, retired Captain Tariq Masood, director of the NCMPR, talked about the ship breaking industry of Pakistan and how it could be made environmentally safe.

Prof Sikander Ahmed Shah of LUMS, former chief of the naval staff retired Admiral Shahid Karimullah, retired Commodore Syed M. Obaidullah and Federal Secretary of Climate Change Division Arif Ahmed Khan also spoke on the occasion.

All Day

Gwadar Port has potential to turn Pakistan into ‘maritime power’ -- APP The three-day conference has been organised by the National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR) in collaboration with the Pakistan Navy at a local hotel.

“China has pledged $52 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, of which 1424

February 16, 2015 Continued Mon $32bn is to be spent exclusively on energy projects in the next five years. If this materialises, Pakistan will become one of the largest recipients of Chinese outbound investment,” said Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Pakistan-China Institute, while presenting his paper titled “Pakistan and the Maritime Silk Route”.

In his paper called “The analysis on China’s Indian Ocean strategy”, Zhiyong Hu, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, discussed the growing importance of the Indian Ocean and China’s ocean strategy in the 21st century.

“China took some measures to maintain its security and navigation safety, but at present, because China’s navy lacks advanced equipment, it cannot provide enough strength to safeguard its forces,” he remarked.

Retired Rear Admiral Dr Rakesh Chopra of India had “Maritime politics and challenges of the Indo-Pacific region” as the topic of his paper. “It is a region where the global centre of gravity is shifting and, therefore, requires examination,” he said.

Rear Admiral J.J. Ranasinghe, commander of the Southeastern Naval Area, Sri Lanka, spoke on “International law framework in relation to people smuggling and its ability to combat modern instances of people smuggling”.

“The organised human smugglers operating through transnational networks have chosen rich developed countries as their most preferred destinations,” he said.

During the session on trade and economy, Dr Azhar Ahmad shed light on the Gwadar-Kashgar corridor and its potential impact on the region.

“Despite having a long coastline and overwhelming economic dependence on sea, Pakistan has not been able to evolve into a true maritime nation. However, development of the Gwadar Port, at the crown of the Arabian Sea, has provided Pakistan with a unique opportunity to claim its status as an important maritime power,” he said.

The oceans are vital for security and economic life of the littoral states. But at the same time it is each state’s responsibility to safeguard the oceans and the marine life. Keeping this in view, the second day’s final session highlighted environmental issues vis-a-vis the Indo-Pacific region.

Whereas Dr Yimin Ye of the Food and Agriculture Organisation gave a comparison of the fishery management practices in the Northwest Pacific region with those of the West Indian Ocean region, retired Captain Tariq Masood, director of the NCMPR, talked about the ship breaking industry of Pakistan and how it could be made environmentally safe.

Prof Sikander Ahmed Shah of LUMS, former chief of the naval staff retired Admiral Shahid Karimullah, retired Commodore Syed M. Obaidullah and Federal Secretary of Climate Change Division Arif Ahmed Khan also spoke on the occasion.

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February 17, 2015 Tue All Day

30 projects to cost Rs114b: Finance Ministry allocates Rs11.3b for Gwadar Port, other projects -- Custom

ISLAMABAD: The Finance Ministry has allocated an amount of Rs 11.3 billion for 30 projects costing Rs 114 billion in and around the coastal areas as well as Gwadar Port, Balochistan.

“To honor the commitment of the Federal Government for socio-economic development of Baluchistan in particular the up-gradation of Gwadar as an integral part of China Pak Economic Corridor, the Finance Ministry is ensuring uninterrupted releases of funds to the ongoing 30 projects” a well placed source at Finance Ministry told this scribe here on Monday, adding that these projects were being implemented in Gwadar, Ormara, Pasni, Jiwani and other areas.

The coastal areas contribute enormously to the national exchequer in the form of foreign exchange, however, exact contribution of coastal areas in foreign exchange earnings cannot be ascertained due to some inevitable reasons.

This mode in view the Finance Ministry has taken several measures for development of coastal areas of Balochistan including provision of substantial amounts of funds to the Provincial Government for spending on development under 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

Besides provision of funds, the Finance Ministry has also announced several tax incentives including granting income tax exemptions to people hailing from specified classes of income, or persons or classes of persons, subject to the conditions.

Under article 126-A of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, income derived by China Overseas Ports Holding Company Limited from Gwadar Port operations for a period of twenty years, with effect from February 2007.

Furthermore, in accordance with the article 126-B of the said ordinance, profit and gains derived by Khalifa Coastal Refinery have been granted income tax exemptions for a period of twenty years beginning in the month in which the refinery is set up or commercial production is commenced.

Moreover, article (126-D of Income Ordinance, profit and gains derived by a taxpayer from an industrial undertaking setup in the Gwadar has been declared as tax free because this investment will be considered falling within the ambit of Export Processing Zone Authority Ordinance, 1980 as Export Processing Zone, Gwadar, for a period of ten years beginning with the month and year in which the industrial undertaking is set up or commercial operation commenced.

The article 126-H of Income Ordinance also provides income tax exemption to all profits and gains derived by a taxpayer, from a fruit processing or preservation unit set up in Baluchistan Province between July, 2014 and June, 2017.

These units are required to be operational in processing of locally grown fruits, for a period of five years beginning with the month in which the industrial undertaking is set up or commercial production is commenced.

The under Sixth Schedule to Sales tax Act 1990 provides exemption from Sales tax to imports of supplies including plant, machinery and equipment imported for setting up fruit processing and preservation units in Balochistan to be set up by June, 2019.

Under Customs act, 1969, these projects are required to be subject to the same conditions and procedure which are applicable for import of such plant, machinery and equipment and other project related items including capital goods, for setting up of hotels, power generation plants, water treatment plants and other infrastructure related projects located in an area of 30 km around the zero point in Gwadar.

All Day

Gwadar port has offered Pakistan unique opportunity to become maritime nation -- Dawn

The three-day conference has been organised by the National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR) in collaboration with the Pakistan Navy at a local hotel.

“China has pledged $52 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, of which $32bn is to be spent exclusively on energy projects in the next five years. If this materialises, Pakistan will become one of the largest recipients of Chinese outbound investment,” said Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Pakistan-China Institute, while presenting his paper titled “Pakistan and the Maritime Silk Route”.

In his paper called “The analysis on China’s Indian Ocean strategy”, Zhiyong Hu, a 1426

February 17, 2015 Continued Tue senior fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, discussed the growing importance of the Indian Ocean and China’s ocean strategy in the 21st century.

“China took some measures to maintain its security and navigation safety, but at present, because China’s navy lacks advanced equipment, it cannot provide enough strength to safeguard its forces,” he remarked.

Retired Rear Admiral Dr Rakesh Chopra of India had “Maritime politics and challenges of the Indo-Pacific region” as the topic of his paper. “It is a region where the global centre of gravity is shifting and, therefore, requires examination,” he said.

Rear Admiral J.J. Ranasinghe, commander of the Southeastern Naval Area, Sri Lanka, spoke on “International law framework in relation to people smuggling and its ability to combat modern instances of people smuggling”.

“The organised human smugglers operating through transnational networks have chosen rich developed countries as their most preferred destinations,” he said.

During the session on trade and economy, Dr Azhar Ahmad shed light on the Gwadar-Kashgar corridor and its potential impact on the region.

“Despite having a long coastline and overwhelming economic dependence on sea, Pakistan has not been able to evolve into a true maritime nation. However, development of the Gwadar Port, at the crown of the Arabian Sea, has provided Pakistan with a unique opportunity to claim its status as an important maritime power,” he said.

The oceans are vital for security and economic life of the littoral states. But at the same time it is each state’s responsibility to safeguard the oceans and the marine life. Keeping this in view, the second day’s final session highlighted environmental issues vis-a-vis the Indo-Pacific region.

Whereas Dr Yimin Ye of the Food and Agriculture Organisation gave a comparison of the fishery management practices in the Northwest Pacific region with those of the West Indian Ocean region, retired Captain Tariq Masood, director of the NCMPR, talked about the ship breaking industry of Pakistan and how it could be made environmentally safe.

Prof Sikander Ahmed Shah of LUMS, former chief of the naval staff retired Admiral Shahid Karimullah, retired Commodore Syed M. Obaidullah and Federal Secretary of Climate Change Division Arif Ahmed Khan also spoke on the occasion.

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February 18, 2015 Wed All Day

Gwadar Port to be connected with railway network -- BR Gwadar Port to be connected with railway network

Pakistan Railways is focussing on connecting Gwadar Port with railways network and establishing new dry port at Havelian to generate revenues.

The government is committed to make Pakistan Railways a profitable organization and a number of steps are being taken in this regard, an official told.

Pakistan Railways is involving private parties in commercial management of four passenger carrying trains and cargo express trains, he added.

He said right mix of passenger and freight trains and a freight transport company is being established to give top priority to freight transportation for generating revenues.

To control corruption in the department, he said there is a strict control over expenditures through computerized payments and pensions to eliminate ghost pensioners and rule out possibility of over payments.

He said that procurement of new boogie oil tank wagons and new state-of-the-art locomotives would also enhance the revenue for the department.

The official said the project of online tracking system and monitoring of locomotives and freight wagons is also on cards.

The terminal facilities are being augmented to curtail loading un-loading time by introducing modern facilities.

He said Pakistan Railways is in process of up-gradation of its existing tracks on main corridor with the collaboration of China.

"Existing speed of trains from Karachi to Lahore would be increased upto 160 kms per hour and from Lahore to Peshawar upto 120 kms per hour,"he added.

Pakistan Railways would renovate and up-grade railway stations in collaboration with National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), he added.

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February 19, 2015 Thu All Day

Pak-China economic corridor likely to write new success story: Former SVP LCCI -- Customs Today

LAHORE: Former Senior Vice President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed grave concern on the controversy being created on Pak-China Economic Corridor urging government to start the project immediately lest issue flares up like Kalabagh dam.

In a statement he said the corridor will prove a game changer in regional cooperation therefore the government should focus on timely implementation of this mega project.

He said that Pak-China Economic Corridor is likely to write a new success story of socio-economic development and it is the duty of the government to save it from any sort of controversies. Large mother ships will board at natural deep sea Gwadar port only if China routes its container cargo through the proposed corridor.

He said resultant revenues that Pakistan would generate from trans-shipment through this corridor would enrich the government purse for development projects.

He appreciated the Planning Commission of Pakistan for choosing an economical, logical and considerably short route for building the proposed economic corridor that will pass through southern districts of Pakhtunkhwa into Balochistan and go onward to Quetta and Gwadar.

Basit said that Pak-China Economic Corridor is not just a big road. It includes rail tracks, oil and gas pipelines, fiber-optic cable, projects for energy resources and Industrial parks. It would bring prosperity to the most backward areas of the country.

He said that Pak-China Economic Corridor will go a long way to revive the area and defeat extremism and terrorism. He said that rumor-mongering about the route change of Pak-China Economic Corridor is a deep-rooted conspiracy that has been hatched to cause undue delay to this important project that bound to change our fate. Abdul Basit said that we had already suffering badly because of delay in the construction of Kalabagh Dam that had fallen prey to anti-state elements and could not come up despite sincere efforts.

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February 20, 2015 Fri All Day

Govt urged to initiate Pak-China corridor -- APP

LAHORE: A former president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday expressed grave concern at the controversy over the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, urging the government to start the project immediately.

Abdul Basit in a statement that the corridor will prove a game changer in regional cooperation.

He said that it is the duty of the government to save the project from controversies.

Large mother ships will visit Gwadar port only if China routes its container cargo through the proposed corridor. He said the revenue that Pakistan would generate from transshipment though the corridor would help the government pursue development projects.

Abdul Basit said that the corridor, which will include railway lines, oil and gas pipelines, fibre optic cables, projects for energy resources and industrial parks, will bring prosperity to the most backward areas of the country. He said that rumourmongering about changes in the route of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor is will cause undue delays in the implementation of this important project.

Abdul Basit said that Pakistan has already suffering badly because of the delay in the construction of the Kalabagh Dam.

1430

February 21, 2015 Sat All Day

Credibility of The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- BR Credibility of The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) envisages construction of highways linking Gwadar in Balochistan to Xinjiang in China with the original route within Pakistan as follows: Khunjerab to Gwadar via Mianwali, D I Khan, D G Khan, Khuzdar and Turbat. Reports of a change in route to benefit Punjab have since surfaced with the Awami National Party accusing the Nawaz Sharif administration of unduly favouring the province that voted the party to power at the cost of smaller provinces. The ANP has since repeatedly warned the government that unless the original plan is maintained, this project may well become as controversial as the Kalabagh dam. These are very serious charges and denials by the Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal, on the floor of the house have not eased opposition concerns. The question is why?

The project is mentioned on the official website of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms but strangely there is no mention of the route. The official website carries five photographs - four of the Minister signing some documents with, one would assume relevant Chinese officials, another where he is shaking hands with a Chinese official while one photograph is of Pakistani delegation members including Tariq Fatemi, special assistant to the prime minister for Foreign Affairs, though it is not apparent where the photograph was actually taken. There is absolutely no mention of the project specifics on the website with only the following reference to the project: "China will help Pakistan in 20,093 MW energy projects and major transportation projects including Karakoram Highway up to Islamabad, Karachi-Lahore motorway, new Gwadar Airport, and economic zones". One would urge the Federal Minister to correct this serious lapse for starters which would ease concerns of the opposition leaders.

To add to the confusion National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman informed the Senate standing committee that the estimated cost of construction of the original route was 12 billion dollars which was not available therefore it was agreed to upgrade the existing infrastructure given the government's insistence to operationalise Gwadar port by May this year. He reiterated that the original route of the CPEC was not possible and the Chinese authorities requested their Pakistani counterparts to upgrade the existing network of roads. However, the Chairman did state that the new plan consists of both long-term and short-term projects and one would assume at this stage that the long-term projects may indicate a change in routing of the corridor to benefit Punjab if unconfirmed reports are accurate. A look at the NHA website does not show the project in detail either, though there are many sub-projects indicated, including Gwadar, Awaran and Khuzdar. And, a serious concern is that there has been no mention anywhere of tenders floated and their outcome though the NHA chairman did indicate to the Senate standing committee that work was under progress.

It is extremely unfortunate that the party that is in power for the third time and was elected to power on a promise to end corruption and make government transparent has been so remiss in meeting even the basic standards and norms of transparency that require the relevant departments/ministries to clearly define a project on its website. A press release noted that during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Pakistan the two countries resolved to work on the CPEC and related projects speedily to ensure that Early Harvest Projects could be completed at the earliest. If this statement was meant to appease those opposition members who were concerned about a change of route then it hardly met its objective.

It is indeed unfortunate that the PML-N government has been extremely lax in terms of meeting even basic norms of transparency associated with democracy and urgent remedial measures are required to save the CPEC from further controversy.

Ahsan Iqbal not only needs to update his Ministry's website, not with his press statements and photographs, but with the actual project, as must the NHA website.

However, at this stage one would assume that the Prime Minister needs to call the Council of Common Interests to share information on the project. He would also 1431

February 21, 2015 Continued Sat need to hold an APC perhaps in-camera if there are security implications but he needs to take all on board or else this project, an essentially good project with portents of being a game changer, would remain mired in a bitter political controversy.

1432

February 23, 2015 Mon All Day

Federal cabinet approved Pak-China economic corridor -- Pak Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet during its meeting gave approval for the PakChina economic corridor. Approval was also given along with for starting negotiations with Beijing for importing 1000 megawatts of electricity from China by laying a new transmission line.

Also during the meeting, the cabinet took notice of alleged horse-trading taking place prior to the Senate elections of March.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed that constitutional amendments must be made to make changes in the Senate elections procedure from secret balloting to show of hands.

The premier also constituted a four member legal committee consisting Attorney General of Pakistan Salman Aslam Butt, Federal Minister Anusha Rehman and Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Khawaja Zaheer Ahmad and Barrister Zafarullah Khan. The committee has been tasked with submitting a report by Monday evening regarding reforms to stop horse-trading.

He further directed all federal ministers present at the meeting to contact all political parties and brief them on Senate elections reforms.

Also during the meeting, a minute of silence was observed in light of Justice (retd) Rana Bhagwandas' demise.

The cabinet was also scheduled to be briefed on the country's energy situation. It is expected to give approvals on an agreement for a discounted loan from China for the Karachi Nuclear Power Projects I and II as well as okay loans from Japan in order to carry out energy reforms.

The approval for commencing talks with Afghanistan for an agreement to hold preferential trade was also scheduled to be discussed in the meeting.

Agreements on protection of security-related information with Egypt and exchange of criminals with Malaysia were also on the meeting's agenda.

All Day

Pak-China economic corridor approved: Govt to initiate talks with China for importing 1000MW electricity -- Customs Today ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has given approval for the Pak-China economic corridor. It was also decided to initiate talks with Beijing for importing 1000 megawatts of electricity from China by laying a new transmission line.

Also during the meeting, the cabinet took notice of alleged horse-trading taking place prior to the Senate elections of March.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed that constitutional amendments must be made to make changes in the Senate elections procedure from secret balloting to show of hands.

1433

February 26, 2015 Thu All Day

Pak-China corridor: Govt intends to approve 10,400MW projects by March -- Express Tribune

KARACHI: As the country continues to take steps in an attempt to tackle the persistent energy crisis, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan on Wednesday said the government intends to approve 10,400-MW projects that fall under the PakChina Economic Corridor by March.

He said this while talking to media during his visit to the head office of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has decided to expedite the work on energy projects to overcome the energy crisis,” he said, while declaring 2017 as the year in which the nation will see huge changes on both fronts — terrorism and energy crisis.

The commerce minister’s visit to FPCCI was part of the events scheduled to take place on the inauguration of the Expo Pakistan 2015 – the biggest annual trade fair of the country.

The event will be held at the Karachi Expo Centre from February 26 to March 1.

“I am here to take the business community in confidence so that they can plan their investments well before 2017,” said Dastgir, “Because with the help of recent steps to overcome terrorism and energy issues, Pakistan’s economy will get a massive boost in 2017.”

The Expo Pakistan 2015 has given the government confidence to display a strong image of Pakistan through its exportable goods, he said, adding that it has also planned a single country exhibition this summer in the United Kingdom to get business orders for our industries.

Replying to a question, Dastgir said that he was not promising to end load-shedding in 2017. “What I am saying is that Pakistan will be able to considerably resolve its energy crisis,” he added.

He said that his visit to FPCCI is also linked with the government’s efforts to start collecting budget proposals for the upcoming federal budget.

Speaking on a specific question on slow tax reforms in the country, he said that Pakistan definitely needs innovative solutions to overcome its problem of low tax-toGDP ratio.

The minister also faced tough questions on why the government was not taking all provinces on board on the Pak-China economic corridor.

All Day

Upgrading railways network Pakistan, China to sign MoU under CPEC -- BR

The governments of Pakistan and China are going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on up-gradation and rehabilitation of railways network under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on March 23, revealed the Railways Ministry officials.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Railways, Secretary of Railways Ministry said that under the CPEC Main Line (ML-1) ie railway network from Karachi-Peshawar would be upgraded in the first phase. Karachi-Lahore railway track has already been doubled while the remaining track upto Peshawar would be doubled. Railways officials further said that under the CPEC dry port would be set up at Havailia, while the signalling system, stations and tracks would be up-graded and rehabilitated. A feasibility study would be carried out in this regard. Main Line (ML-2) would be up-graded in the medium term.

Pakistani and Chinese governments have agreed for the establishment of the CPEC from China border to the Karachi and Gwadar ports. During the 2nd Joint Co-operation Committee (JCC) meeting held in Beijing on 19-02-2014, the rehabilitation and Up-gradation of Main Line -1 (From Havelian to Karachi) and the construction of new dry port/cargo handling facility at Havelian were declared as High Priority Early Harvest projects (HPEHPs), Railways officials added.

In this context, several meetings were held at the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Planning to finalise the modalities, Terms of Reference (TORs), Framework agreements and financing arrangements etc to streamline the work for joint feasibility study. A 13-member Chinese Railways technical team headed by Director 1434

February 26, 2015 Continued Thu General Transport Planning and Research Institute, Ministry of Transport, China along with officials of the NHA and Pakistan Railways visited proposed route of the CPEC from April 14 to 21, 2014. After inspection and detailed deliberations, both sides agreed to carry out a joint Feasibility Study for Up-gradation of ML-1 and construction of New Dry port at Havelian. It was also decided that new rail link will also be provided from Gwadar to Jacobabad via Besima and Khuzdar (1050 Kms) and from Gwadar to Karachi (700 Kms) so as to provide rail connectivity of Gwadar port to the existing railways network and also rail linkage between two ports. The project was declared Medium Term project, as Phase II project of ML-1 and before going for the construction at the site, feasibility study will be carried out.

In this regard, the Feasibility study for laying new rail track from Gwadar to Mustung was carried out during the year 2003-04 which includes track from Gwadar to Besima. As such, feasibility study from Besima to Jacobabad via Khuzdar still needs to be carried out. PC-II amounting to Rs 135.50 million has already been approved by Planning Commission Islamabad. As per directives of the CDWP, the Terms of Reference (TORs) has been sent to Ministry of Railways for sharing with Chinese counterparts to obtain their consent and to ensure compatibility with the Chinese requirements as the project will be funded by the Chinese government if declared as feasible by the consultants. Feasibility Study shall be carried out during next financial year ie 2015-16.

However, the Committee's members expressed deep concerns over the proposed PCEC, saying that the nation has been kept in dark about the project. Kamil Ali Agha said that the nation must be told that only existing network will be upgraded under the CPEC. He further said that if the existing network is going to be upgraded then why the government is claiming of brining investment to the country and spreading hate in the country.

Director General Technical Munawar Shah said that 73 acres land meant for Railways track has been transferred in the name of Pakistan Railways after payment of 100% compensation to the affected land owners. To cater for the balance payment of Rs 647.384 million, revised PC-I for the amount of Rs 1332 million has been submitted to Planning Commission and is under process for approval.

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February 27, 2015 Fri All Day

Energy infrastructure: China to build gas pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah -- Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: In a major breakthrough, Pakistan and China are set to sign a $3 billion deal during the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to build a natural gas pipeline that would serve as an alternative to the stalled IranPakistan gas pipeline project.

The new project, though billed as an alternative to the Iran-Pakistan pipeline, would in reality serve as a complement to that project. While Islamabad and Tehran have been trying for several years to build a pipeline between the two countries, US and European sanctions against Iran have prevented the project from reaching completion.

The Chinese project would construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal from Gwadar to the main natural gas distribution hub in Nawabshah. The pipeline location and dimensions, however, would mean that the Gwadar-Nawabshah component could be connected to any eventual Iran-Pakistan pipeline that would be built if and when sanctions against Tehran are removed. LNG imports are typically somewhat more expensive than pipeline imports.

Sources told The Express Tribune that during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China in November 2014, Beijing and Islamabad signed a protocol to award the LNG import contract to China National Petroleum Corporation. The government is now working on a draft agreement to be signed between the two countries when President Xi visits Pakistan next month. Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS), the stateowned company that deals with gas import projects including the IP pipeline, is finalising a deal with a Chinese company for the Gwadar project.

Pakistan and Iran were set to implement their agreement by December 2014 but the two sides failed to commission the project following the threat of US sanctions against the Pakistani companies involved in the project. The two countries have now reached understanding on an alternative plan to implement the IP gas pipeline project, with Tehran also agreeing to extend the commissioning date of project and to waive the $2 million per day penalty.

According to initial estimates, the cost of the project is expected to be $3 billion, of which $1 billion will be needed to lay the pipeline from Gwadar and over $2 billion will be required to construct the terminal with LNG handling and re-gasification facilities, in addition to developing large storage facilities.

Under the protocol, China will meet 85% of the financing needs for constructing the LNG pipeline linking the Gwadar Port to Nawabshah and the terminal. Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has already given inprinciple consent.

This will be the second LNG terminal in the country, after the first terminal that is already being built by Engro Corporation’s subsidiary Elengy Terminal Pakistan at Port Qasim, which is likely to be completed by March 15.

The LNG pipeline starting from Gwadar will be extended to Iran for gas import when sanctions on Tehran are lifted. The pipeline will have the same specifications that were proposed for the IP pipeline including a diameter of 42 inches.

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March 3, 2015 Tue All Day

Pak-China relations transform into useful economic ties: Shahbaz -- BR

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that a new era of Pak-China friendship has begun in the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-N government, led

by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the strong relations between the two countries have transformed into useful economic ties. "Pak-China Economic Corridor is an important step in the growing trade and economic relations between the two countries and will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in Pakistan," he added.

Shahbaz stated this while talking to the first Consul General of China in Lahore, Yu Boren who called on him here on Monday. Matters of mutual interest and promotion of Pak-China relations were discussed in the meeting. While speaking on the occasion, the CM said, "China has helped Pakistan in every hour of need and extended invaluable co-operation in the progress and development of the country.

China has proved to be a true friend of Pakistan by extending co-operation in the development of different sectors."

Shahbaz said that 2015 is being observed as the year of beginning of Pak-China economic co-operation as a result of which Pak-China friendship will enter into a new phase. He said that China has signed agreements worth billions of dollars for investment in energy, infrastructure and other sectors in Pakistan due to which economic and trade contacts will further strengthen between the two countries.

He said that China has made rapid progress through hard work and commitment and has become a big economic force. He said that the progress made by China is role model for the other nations of the world. Chinese Consul General Yu Boren said that China considers Pakistan as its brother and Chinese leadership highly values the present leadership of the country.

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Sovereign ratings: Pak-China economic corridor a ‘credit positive’, says Moody’s -- Express Tribune Sovereign ratings: Pak-China economic corridor a ‘credit positive’, says Moody’s

Even though the project had not yet got off the ground, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Moody’s Investor Services – one of the three largest credit rating agencies in the world – has described the project as a ‘credit positive’ for the country, implying that the economic growth generated will eventually help the government’s finances.

“The government’s support for the implementation of the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is credit positive for Pakistan because it will spur investment activity, boost bilateral trade flows and help ease the country’s growing energy shortages,” Moody’s said in a note issued to clients on Monday, according to a report in the International Business Times.

The $46-billion project would create a 2,000-kilometre road and rail link from China’s western hinterlands to the Gwadar Port, creating a network of infrastructure in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to match the one originally built by the British (and expanded by successive Pakistani governments) in Punjab and Sindh.

Moody’s has the lowest rating for Pakistan, at Caa1, just two grades above default.

The rating implies that Pakistan is dependent on favourable economic conditions to be able to pay its obligations. Standard & Poor’s – a rival credit rating agency – has a rating of B, two notches above the Moody’s rating. Fitch, the third credit rating agency, does not have a current credit rating for Pakistan. Both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s have a stable outlook for Pakistan.

The influx of investment into Pakistan is what prompted Moody’s to view the economic corridor as a positive from a credit perspective. The credit rating agency uses several macroeconomic indicators to determine its rating for Pakistan’s government, including investment as a percentage of the total size of the economy.

Pakistan’s investment-to-GDP ratio is 14.6%, far lower than the median of 22.9% for countries with a B-rating, said Moody’s.

Another reason Moody’s believes this project will be positive for Pakistan is their belief that Islamabad will be able to get Beijing to finance several energy projects throughout the country that would reduce the cost of power generation, ultimately lowering the need for electricity subsidies – a key burden on the federal budget – 1437

March 3, 2015 Continued Tue and improving economic growth, which would in turn increase tax revenues for the government. Those two effects combined could substantially reduce the budget deficit.

The rating agency acknowledged that much of the project’s key benefits would not materialise until 2017, but stated that it believes at least some of the benefits from the economic corridor would likely begin accruing even before then.

While China is Pakistan’s largest trading partner, foreign investment from China has historically been relatively low. Over the past decade, more than a quarter of the $30 billion in foreign investment into Pakistan has come from the United States, with China’s investment being among the lowest from larger economies. However, over the last year, China was Pakistan’s largest foreign investor.

The project has run into some snags in the Senate, with lawmakers from KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Balochistan alleging that the Nawaz administration is redirecting the route of the corridor to pass through Punjab and Sindh rather than their provinces. In addition, Beijing has balked at funding projects that are not directly related to connecting its economically deprived western regions to Gwadar Port.

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March 4, 2015 Wed All Day

More flights from Oman to Pakistan -- Times of Oman

Pakistan International Airlines flight gets cancelled due to bad weather Muscat: Flights between Muscat and Pakistan have increased frequency from March 23. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier of Pakistan, will be enhancing its frequency from the current 13 flights, which will gradually increase to 17 by the end of this year.

Talking to the Times of Oman, Shahzad M. Paracha, country manager, PIA Muscat, said that they will be adding more flights to Islamabad, Gwadar and Turbat.

"Currently, we operate 13 flights a week from Muscat to various places in Pakistan but from March 23, we will operate 15 flights a week and by the end of this year it will be 17 a week," he said. Till July 2014, PIA used to have only nine flights a week.

PIA operates flights to Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot and Islamabad in addition to Peshawar, Gwadar and Turbat from Muscat International Airport.

"We will be adding flights to Islamabad, Gwadar and Turbat sector this year," announced Paracha.

The flights were increased after the demand to these sectors went up rapidly over the years. "The increase in frequency will give more choice to the Pakistani expatriates living in Oman," he said.

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the number of Pakistani nationals in the private sector in Oman was 215,909 in November 2014 comprising 214,832 men and 1,077 women.

Besides increasing the number of flights, the country manager said that they want to operate a bigger ATR aircraft to Gwadar and Turbat so that they can carry more passengers.

"Currently we operate an ATR-42 where there are 48 seats but we sell only 38 seats to the passengers as baggage is being kept in the remaining 10 seats," said Paracha.

But PIA wants to replace it with ATR-72s where 66 passengers can be accommodated. "This way, we will double the capacity for Gwadar and Turbat," he said.

"We do not make money in this route but we operate it as there are thousands of Pakistani nationals who live in these places and work in Muscat. Besides that, no other airlines operate in this route from Muscat," he said, adding that bigger aircraft cannot be operated on this route as the landing facilities are not good at Gwadar and Turbat.

He also said that PIA's sales figures have increased drastically in the recent months. "We are thankful to all our travel agents that our sales figures have increased by 52 per cent in 2014 compared to 2013," he said.

Besides sales, the punctuality has also improved over the last few months. "Until July 2014, 35 per cent of our flights were either delayed or cancelled. However, with more aircraft and staff efficiency, we have managed to bring it down to just 5 per cent in 2015," said the country manager.

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March 5, 2015 Thu All Day

Chamber proposes Pak-China technology university -- APP

All Day

Committee approves new projects for Gwadar Port -- BR

Lahore - President Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has proposed a Pak-China Technology University to be opened with the collaboration of Chinese universities. He said that aim of the university would be to transform appropriate technology from China that suits to the needs and demands of Pakistan. The Technology University would provide tailor made innovative solutions to various sectors of Pakistan. He added that China is interested to incorporate Chinese curriculum into Pakistan that will include Chinese language, Chinese work ethics, innovative planning and development, on the priority basis but for this they need cooperation from Pakistan.

He said that earlier in a meeting of Chinese delegation with Professor Dr Nizamudin, Chairman Higher Education Commission, the prospects of such collaboration with China were discussed. Nizamudin highly appreciated the idea and proposed to provide land for the formation of Pak-China Technology University with Chinese collaboration.

Faisal Afridi said that it would be considered a big achievement if Pakistan succeeds to form such Technology University because currently the education sector of Pakistan lacks in Technology and technical expertise whereas the youth of Pakistan is highly motivated, talented and creative, just little guidance and direction could do a lot.

He said that there are various innovative projects, strategies and products made by students in the universities but these innovative ideas go unobserved due to lack of representation and interest at the government level. He lamented that we have unfortunately created a society where innovators are neither rewarded, nor held in high esteem. We don’t have institutions or a financial support structure to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition. We need radical transformation that brings the search for knowledge, science, technology and innovation to the forefront of government support.

Committee approves new projects for Gwadar Port

SLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on Port and Shipping has approved new projects for construction of Breakwaters, Capital Dredging of Berthing Area & Channel for additional terminal and up-gradation of GPA Housing Complex for Gwadar Port employees.

The committee approved these new projects including some ongoing projects in a meeting held on Wednesday at the National Assembly.

The new project to facilitate construction of additional terminals at Gwadar Port by its operator and to protect from the effect of waves and situation as to provide safe berthing for designed DWT vessels was appreciated by the committee members.

Chairman Port and Shipping apprised the committee that for this project estimated cost would be Rs. 13000.00 million whereas Rs. 11050.00 million out of total would be invested by the foreign aid.

He further said that this project would be completed through Pak-China corridor and waiting for foreign aid.

The chairman stated that GPA Housing Complex with increasing population demanding now a well studied and workable plan for its development to make it worth living place for GPA employees and their families.

Therefore, it requires additional residential blocks, GPA house (Chairman's residence), walking track, sewerage treatment plnt, community center, commercial center, playground, water supply system etc. along with renovation of present infrastructure for fulfillment of the present and future requirements.

The proposal for GPA Housing was approved with the majority of the members.

Whereas, another project for the construction of Mehran Highway Phase III from Port Qasim to Steel Mills Road about 3.1 Km presented before the committee which was also approved along with other new projects.

Meanwhile, Najeeb Bhati Chief Education Officer proposed a new project for Pkistan Marine Academy Karachi.

He said that prade ground is a main feature of Pakistan Marin Academy, where daily assembly and day to day activities are being carried out is required excessive repair/renovation etc complete re-laying of C.C floor and re-habilitation of two way bituminous road from main gate to prade ground.

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March 5, 2015 Continued Thu All Day

Gwadar Port: GPA Chairman highlights snags in project -- BR

The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) on Wednesday admitted that the port is enjoying free zone status, with huge incentives, including a 100 percent tax exemption on import and export, but failed in attracting investment. This was stated by GPA Chairman Dostain Jamaldini while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping, which met with Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah in the chair here on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Ports and Shipping as well as GPA also admitted that Gwadar Port would not be fully operational shortly due to absence of basic utilities, allied infrastructure and rail connectivity. The Gwadar port will not be fully operational in next 3-4 years, said the Secretary of Ministry of Ports and Shipping, an observation endorsed by the GPA chairman also.

The ministry and its attached departments proposed 17 projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) in the fiscal year 2015-16 worth Rs 17.225 billion including an equivalent of Rs 14.6 billion foreign exchange component and Rs 2.52 billion local component. The committee approved all the proposed projects and demands for the ministry and its attached departments. The committee was told that the projects attached to the Gwadar Port are given due priority and the ECNEC has approved the construction of the Eastbay Expressway, Breakwaters, Capital Dredging of Berthing Area & Channel for additional Terminal, Pak-China Technical & Vocational Institute at Gwadar and establishment of CPEC PMU in GPA/Ministry of Ports and Shipping. The Committee unanimously approved the same. The Committee also approved the ongoing PSDP projects and gave its nod for approval of new projects for the Gwadar Port consisting of acquisition of Mobile Crane and GEO Physical Oceanographic Study for Port Development.

Until the infrastructure development, roads, rail connectivity and provision of basic utilities, including water, gas and electricity, operationalisation of port is difficult, the GPA Chairman added. The officials further said that different projects under the PSDP 2015-16 for development of the Gwadar Port are proposed, where major financial assistance is expected from China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, it is yet to be finalised whether Chinese assistance would be in shape of grants, soft loans or other kind. The Chairman of GPA briefed on the construction of the Eastbay Expressway project under the CPEC with a total cost of Rs 14.06 billion including an equivalent of Rs 13.54 billion foreign aid (China) and Rs 7 billion from PSDP 2015-16. The proposed Expressway with a total length of about 19 km is located in Gwadar District for which Rs 688.8 billion have been offered by China ie 98 percent of the proposed allocation for the next fiscal year. He said the Chinese team is currently visiting Pakistan where the modalities for financial support would be finalized. Chairman further said that the project was ready and was supposed to be inaugurate by the Chinese President earlier, however, the visit was delayed. The official confirmed that execution of the project depends on China.

The GPA proposed 11 projects under the PSDP 2015-16 including 8 ongoing and 3 new projects and got committee's approval while observing that all these projects are essential for the port development. The GPA Chairman proposed construction of Breakwaters with total cost of Rs 13 billion and Rs 7 billion under the PSPD 2015-16 to facilitate construction of additional terminals at the port. The official said that Rs 5.95 is proposed under CPEC from China. Under the concession agreement, breakwaters are required to be constructed by the GPA, required for moderating the sea behaviour.

The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) proposed construction of Mehran Highway PhaseIII worth Rs 233 million under the PSDP 2015-16 and committee approved it.

Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA) proposed three projects worth over Rs 59 million for rehabilitation and renovation and were duly approved by the parliamentary panel.

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March 5, 2015 Continued Thu All Day

Is Pakistan Key to China's Energy Supremacy? -- Foreign Affairs

Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain and China's President Xi Jinping talk after a signing ceremony at the Xijiao State Guesthouse in Shanghai, May 2014.

(Kenzaburo Fukuhara / Courtesy Reuters) A seaport in southwest Pakistan may hold the key to China’s energy supremacy. At least, that’s what China hopes. The Gwadar port, which China has built and will operate in the province of Balochistan, is situated near the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil-shipping lane that can serve as an energy corridor from western China through Pakistan to the Persian Gulf.

Beijing’s pivot to Pakistan is a substantial one. The story goes back to 2008, when Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf proposed a railroad and an oil pipeline to link Gwadar to the Kashi port in Xinjiang—allowing China to take advantage of the shortest possible route to the Middle East. In exchange, Pakistan would get an influx of Chinese investment. Indeed, in 2014, the Chinese government committed to spending $45.6 billion over the next six years to build the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will include the construction of highways, railways, and natural gas and oil pipelines connecting China to the Middle East. China’s stake in Gwadar will also allow it to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean, a vital route for oil transportation between the Atlantic and the Pacific.

Another advantage to China is that it will be able to bypass the Strait of Malacca. As of now, 60 percent of China's imported oil comes from the Middle East, and 80 percent of that is transported to China through this strait, the dangerous, piracy-rife maritime route through the South China, East China, and Yellow Seas.

The United States fears that China will come out of its dealings with Pakistan with more power. But it need not be worried: China’s involvement in Balochistan, a restive area prone to insurgencies, will not end well. Many believe Quetta, Balochistan’s capital, is hiding wanted leaders from the Afghan Taliban. Meanwhile, small towns in Balochistan are the breeding grounds for a decades-old separatist movement targeting federal agencies. Increasingly, China has been caught up in the violence. In 2004, three Chinese engineers were killed and nine wounded when separatists attacked their van in Gwadar. In 2009, China shelved its $12 billion plans to build an oil refinery and an oil city in Gwadar due to security concerns.

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March 7, 2015 Sat All Day

UAE may invest in Pak’s gold, copper projects -- The Nations

The UAE has shown interest to invest in Balochistan’s Reko Diq exploration project, one of the world’s largest gold and copper reserves, which is estimated to value over $260 billion.

Talking to Khaleej Times Friday, Pakistan’s Ambassador to UAE Asif Durrani said that work on the Reko Diq project would start soon. “There is an arbitration going on.

It is another project in which interest has been shown by friendly countries to invest in. The UAE has also shown interest saying they would like to invest in the project,” he said.

Referring to UAE-Pakistan economic relations, the ambassador said the host country was the largest trading partner in the Gulf and Mena regions. “Out of $19 billion trade in the Gulf region, our trade with the UAE is $9 billion. So this balance of trade is in UAE’s favour. We have $7 billion exports from the UAE, mostly oil but also we have other materials such as aluminum and machineries,” he explained.

About exports from Pakistan, Durrani said it was $2.3 billion exports to UAE, mostly in foodstuff with rice being the major product, which is close to $300 million.

“The other exports include perishable fresh fruits and vegetables also valued at close to another $300 million. We also have light engineering products exported to UAE,” he said.

According to him these were last year’s trade exchange figures. About this year the ambassador said: “This year we hope the trade will further grow. Compared to last year, in the last two to three months we have seen an increase in the exports of fruits and vegetables with better packaging and properly waxed. So this year we expect a growth of $100 million to $150 million in fresh fruits and vegetables exports. “We see the UAE as the economic hub of the entire Mena region. It is now emerging trade centre, and we are looking to benefit from the UAE’s strategic location for our exports to the region.”

Another major economic contribution from the UAE, he added was the remittances from Pakistani community members, which is $3 billion annually. About havala system for remittances, he said it has not totally eradicated but still there. He said: “In fact I would say that Pakistani government is considering how fast the banking system could provide remittance services, and how the banking system could access the remote areas.” About Pakistan’s energy requirement, he said it was 4bmcf and the country needs more to fulfill this through projects like Tapi (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-Indian) pipeline project and supplies from Iran and Qatar.

About Gwadar Deep-Sea Port, he said it was now emerging as an important port, especially after the agreement with China.

This will also lead to the development of multiple road networks that will link the two major North (Central Asia) and South (Gulf) oil and gas producing countries. “China will invest more than $42 billion for the North-South corridor, which includes a road network from Gwadar to China. This will also boost the socio-economy of Gwadar and entire Makkuran region and the whole province of Balochistan,” he said.

The ambassador said the port will further contribute to the economic development in the Gulf region. Gwadar Port will have capability and capacity to reservoir the energy of the Gulf region and shorten the time period and the distance for oil tankers and reduce the tanker traffic chocking. “This project is going to be a game changer in the region.”

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March 9, 2015 Mon All Day

Pakistan says CPEC to prove ‘game changer’ in the region -- Kaleej Times Pakistan says CPEC to prove ‘game changer’ in the region

Construction of various projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has just started that will open up a huge new region consisting of the UAE-Middle East in the South to Pakistan in the middle and China, Central Asia and European Union in the north and west.

Due to the security concerns Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government did not disclose the date of formal inauguration of the construction. But the strongest possibility is that it will take place on March 23, Pakistan’s National Day, by Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was, in fact, expected to perform the ceremony to start CPEC in September last but the opposition-generated political turmoil forced him to postpone his visit. Sharif calls the CPEC as “the game changer for the entire region”, connecting the UAE-Middle-UAE-Pakistan, Central Asian Republics, China and EU in the north and northwest. His vision is to transform the region into “a 21st century new-EU and Asean”.

The CPEC, both Chinese and Pakistanis insist, is not merely a highway-railroad plan. It is a multi-dimensional cooperative project that covers energy, infrastructure, trade and financial links. It comprises the vision to expand financial and trade, and the comprehensive business links of the future from north to south, and east to west, through all-weather and cost–effective land routes, cutting several thousand mileage which the present shipping routes involve, besides their high freight and tariff. Even electricity, natural gas and energy which has a big surplus in the northern part of the new zone including the Central Asian Republic, can be easily transported through electrical networks and gas pipelines. Setting up the energy networks, by itself involves large amounts of investment. It will also create thousands of new jobs, which the region requires to spread economic prosperity among its vast low-income population.

The fact that it is much more than the corridor, is proved by the latest estimates that put the overall investment expected from China at $70-75 billion. It includes the corridor part of investment, which is estimated at $45 billion. The balance of $25-30 billion is the estimated cost of other projects, like energy generation, according to Pakistan and Chinese government. The projects which are expected to go ahead along with the CPEC, funded by Chinese sources, aim at generating 16,000 megawatts of worth with an estimated expenditure of $34 billion. The first to be completed, during the first three to four years, in the energy sector, are project costing $11 billion, Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning and Development, said. The funding sources have been identified. “All energy and infrastructure projects are based on public,” Iqbal said. “The Chinese are not being given any special treatment or benefits, but they will get the same incentives that are offered to all companies and investors from other countries,” he said.

Under a three-year “Early Harvest Plan”, the corridor itself will be completed by 2017. It will stretch over 2,445 kilometres. But additional link roads distance can be added to increase its efficiency and help improve and tackle the traffic load. The CPEC will connect Pakistan’s south-western port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea and located close to the UAE going up north through Pakistan,and then moving trough Khunjrab Pass-Sust, located in Western Himalayas and entering Urumqi, Eastrn China. Central Asian Republics (CARs) and some of the other countries bordering China and Afghanistan will also linkup.

Pakistan has undertaken that it will improve its railroad facilities and track in order to increase the present train speed from 80kilometres an hour to the range of 120-140 kilometres per hour on the Karachi-Peshawar sector, as a part of the corridor.

Ahsan Iqbal, who has been specially designated as head of the CPEC project said: “President Xi will soon visit Pakistan to kick off the $45 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.” He said completion of the CPEC would be “the fate changer”.

He said: “This is a decision of the Chinese and Pakistan governments to convert 1444

March 9, 2015 Continued Mon their friendly relations into a long-standing economic relations under a shared vision aimed at transforming Pakistan into a critical player linking the three billion people of South Asia, China and Central Asia.”

Iqbal said: “Some powers wish to stop Pakistan from achieving this role of a leader of the big new zone, and have started raising objections to make the project controversial. But, rest assured, 2015 will be the kickoff year of China-Pakistan economic cooperation.”

The CPEC is no longer a dream. In fact Pakistan under its fast track development plan and what China calls it “Early Harvest” project are already busy building several projects. Look at this: Pakistan has just announced a 20-year tax holiday for all industries and businesses being started at Gwadar Port’s Free Trade Zone which makes the starting point of the corridor. Teaming-up with the UAE and the Gulf is all set to boost industrial production and foreign trade as the one big sign of the corridor operating full speed.

Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan, announced that financial close of energy projects to produce 10,400 megawatts would take place in March under CPEC with a consortium of Chinese lenders. China has committed to invest $33.8 billion in energy sector and $11.8 billion in infrastructure projects. China Development Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd will provide funds to Chinese companies for the CPEC. Gwadar Port and the Free Trade Zone will be linked to the country and the CPEC by railways, Basharat Waheed, chief engineer of the Pakistan Railways said. It will cost Rs1.3 billion. Part of the land for the project has been acquired. China will upgrade railway track from Karachi to Peshawar at a cost of $3.5 billion.

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March 10, 2015 Tue All Day

Pak-China Economic Corridor: Beginning of Prosperity and Development -- Voice of Journalists

Pak-China Economic Corridor: Beginning of Prosperity and Development Pak-China Economic Corridor is an under-construction development project to link Gwadar Port in southern Pakistan to China’s north-west area of Xinjiang by means of highways, railways and pipelines. When completed, this route will be used as a primary gateway for trade between China and the Middle East and Africa. Economic Corridor is not only the road to economic prosperity for Pakistan; but would be beneficial for the people of entire world. Approximately 3 billion people from China, South Asia and Central Asia, would benefit from this project.

This is the most significant pact signed between Pakistan and China till now, and it will stretch the depth and breadth of their bilateral strategic relations. This project is not a game changer but a fate changer for Pakistan.

Gwadar Port is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf just outside the Strait of Hormuz, near the key shipping routes ingress and egress of the Persian Gulf. It is present on the eastern gulf of a natural bluff extending into the Arabian Sea from the coastline. When the corridor is constructed, it will serve as a major gateway for trade between China, Middle East and Africa through Pakistan.

Particularly, oil from the Middle East could be offloaded at Gwadar Port, which is present just outside the mouth of the Persian Gulf. The oil would be transported to China through Baluchistan province in Pakistan. Such a link would vastly cut the 12000 km route that Mideast oil supplies must currently take to reach Chinese port.

The project received a major uplift when control of Gwadar was transferred to China’s state-owned China Overseas Ports Holding in February 2013. Pakistan has signed numerous agreements with the Chinese government including construction of an international airport at Gwadar, upgrading a section of 1300 km Karakorum Highway (Rajkot- Islamabad), construction of Cross-border Optical Fibre Cable System between Sino-Pak, the Engro Thar Coal Fired Power Plant between Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and China Development Bank Corporation, Framework Facility Agreement on Sukhi-Kinari Hydro Power Project, KarachiLahore motorway, construction of Havelian Dry Port and many others agreements of paramount importance. China has promised to invest 34 billion dollars in energy sector and 11 billion dollars for development projects in Pakistan which will be completed by 2017 at most.

In order to make the economic zone operational, the Chinese government has been involved in constructing a multi-billion-dollar New Kashgar City, where Kashgar Special Economic Zone is being constructed. With its juxtaposition to Pakistan and a flying time of around 1 hour, Kashgar-Gwadar Economic Corridor comprises of 6600 acres of land, will bring a revolutionary development in Pakistan, India and beyond. The Chinese government plans to accomplish this economic zone by year 2020 and industrialists have been offered tax-free zone and other government concessions.

Recently, there were rumors that the government is changing the route of the economic corridor due to which the people of FATA, KPK, Balochistan expressed their reservations on the issue. The joint opposition parties in parliament also protested against any change in the original plan. The ANP alleged that the PML-N government had altered the route that could deprive parts of KPK from benefits of such an important economic corridor. However, China has confirmed that there is no change in the route of economic corridor and the two countries have actually agreed on a single route which is the one being under development at the moment.

Hence, this removes many doubts and misinformation floating around in the country.

Sino-Pak economic corridor, undoubtedly, has the potential to turn Pakistan into pivot of regional cooperation. If Pakistan uses this opportunity wisely and is able to harvest the economic benefits this corridor has to offer, it can considerably 1446

March 10, 2015 Continued Tue strengthen its regional power and esteem and prove a more priceless long-term ally for Beijing. This project would also bring development and prosperity to the people of around ten developing nations.

1447

March 11, 2015 Wed All Day

LCCI for private sector’s role on Pak-China Economic Corridor

All Day

Pak-China sign MoUs for cooperation in water, power sectors -- Dunia News

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has urged the government to take the private sector on board on pace of work on Pak-China Economic Corridor as business community is keen to play its due role for economic uplift of the country.

LCCI President Ijaz A Mumtaz said here Wednesday that present regime was making right move by strengthening its economic ties with China, time tested & sincere friend of Pakistan.

LCCI Senior Vice President Mian Nauman Kabir said that this was one of the most significant agreement signed between Pakistan and China till now, and it will stretch the depth and breadth of their bilateral strategic relations.

This project is not a game changer but a fate changer for Pakistan.

He said that the project would give a major uplift when control of Gwadar was transferred to China.

Mian Nauman Kabir said this mega project should be completed at any cost as, undoubtedly, it has a potential to turn Pakistan into pivot of regional cooperation.

This project would also bring development and prosperity to the people of around ten developing nations.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and federal ministers were also present on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan and China have signed two memorandums of understanding for promotion of cooperation in water and power sector, Dunya News reported.

The documents were signed by Chairman of WAPDA Zafar Mehmoud and Chairman of Chinese Three Gorges Corporation Chun Lu in Islamabad today.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and federal ministers were also present on the occasion.

The first MOU relates to cooperation in construction of water reservoirs and hydel generation. Both the countries will also enhance cooperation in education and training in the respective field under the second MoU

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Pakistan imported $1.65bn security equipment -- The News

KARACHI: Public and private sector of Pakistan imported security and safety equipment worth $1.65 billion in 2014 in order to cope with the security situation of the country, Managing Director, Pegasus Consultancy, Aamer Khanzada said.

Khanzada, while addressing a large gathering at the 11th International Safe and Secure Exhibition, said the expo is aimed to address the safety and security needs of the region by bringing together major international and local exhibitors to display latest technology.

The three day expo took place at Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad and was attended by 250 companies from 31 different countries.

Maj Gen. Asghar Nawaz, Chairman NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) appreciated the role of Pegasus Consultancy for organizing the event and said being a disaster manager, we cannot prevent the disasters but the risks can be reduced with better preparation in response to the effects.

Director General, Punjab Emergency Services and Emergency Services Academy, Dr Rizwan Naseer appreciated the role of Rescue 1122.

“Rescue 1122 has managed thousands of fire incidents successfully, but still more professionalism in the safety and security industry is required,” he said.

He added that these types of international exhibitions bring an interactive platform 1448

March 11, 2015 Continued Wed for the exchange of industry knowledge.

Anwar A. Ghauri General Secretary Fire and Security Association of Pakistan appreciated the role of Pegasus consultancy in organizing the event and bringing local and international exhibitors on a single platform third time in Islamabad.

The products displayed at the expo included, intelligence equipment, firefighting equipment, industrial safety equipment, alarm systems, access control systems, surveillance cameras, thermal Imaging cameras, fire resistant door, industrial safety shoes, fire protection paints and security software.

1449

March 12, 2015 Thu All Day

China-Pak Economic Corridor to benefit Pakistan -- AAJ News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China emphasized the importance to speed up the process of drafting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) long term plan which is scheduled to be finalized by July this year.

In this regard, a 19-member Chinese Expert Group on Long Term Planning of CPEC led by Deputy Director General of China Development Bank Hu Dongsheng paid a visit to Pakistan and held extensive and in-depth discussions with their Pakistani counterparts led by Secretary, Hassan Nawaz Tarar of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

Both sides reiterated their determination to implement the consensus reached by the previous meetings of the Joint Cooperation Committee of CPEC, as well as its Working Groups.

They reviewed the draft Long-Term Plan of CPEC (2015-2030) and believed this draft could be a good basis for further deliberations.

It was agreed that CPEC is a comprehensive package of cooperative initiatives and projects, which covers the key areas including connectivity, information network infrastructure, energy cooperation, industries and industrial parks, agricultural development and poverty alleviation, tourism, financial cooperation as well as livelihood improvement including municipal infrastructure, education, public health and people-to-people communication.

Both sides reaffirmed that the prime objective of the construction of CPEC is to benefit all the regions and people in Pakistan.

It was agreed that the CPEC should be promoted in priority and step by step, incorporating the long term and short & medium term needs and based on the concrete conditions of Pakistan.

Both sides should push forward the implementation of the Early Harvest Projects as well as the preparation of the projects of the Long-term Plan in all sectors.

With the experience earned in the process of CPEC construction and the improvement of local economy and security conditions, CPEC will not only benefit the entire Pakistan but also contribute to the regional peace, stability and prosperity.

All Day

Govt to purchase over 18000 acres land for Diamer-Bhasha Dam -- APP

ISLAMABAD (APP): Government will purchase over eighteen thousand three hundred acres of land for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. An amount of 49 billion will be paid against land compensation to the affectees within the next six months. Government has already purchased over three thousand kanal land from three villages in Chilas and paid compensation to the land owners, reported Radio Pakistan. Three model villages are also being set up at Chilas to provide one kanal land to each affected person free of cost. A 35 kilometers long by-pass road is also being constructed from Chital to Chilas which will be used for transportation of machinery for the dam and also smooth traffic on Karakorum Highway during the construction of dam project.

This mega project after completion will not only generate 4500 MW hydro electricity but also usher an era of progress and prosperity for the country.

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Year of Pak-China Friendship (2015): 'Pakistan's participation in SCO to be a milestone' -- BR

"Pakistan's participation in Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) as a permanent member in the Year of Pak-China Friendship (2015) would prove to be a milestone in creating South-South integration through regional connectivity."

President Pak-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Shah Faisal Afridi stated this in a statement here on Wednesday.

1450

March 12, 2015 Continued Thu He said that the economic integration has become an increasingly large part of the SCO agenda that had magnified significance of Pakistan for being the major partner in Silk Road Economic Belt. Similarly, the development of Gwadar Port, emerging as an energy and trade corridor for SCO countries, will also strengthen the role of Pakistan in future economic development of the region, he added.

Afridi stated that SCO has created a new model of international relations partnership instead of alliance. He described SCO as "fully in tune with the realities and requirements of the 21st century" - the model for future international relationships. As this is going to be an Asian century, the regional and world powers couldn't ignore Pakistan in any kind of framework that places a focus on peace and development within the geographical arena of SCO, he added.

He said that Pakistan as an observer state of SCO has been playing a very important role and hoped as a permanent member, Pakistan would be able to play a proactive role in the organisation. He also said that the current requirements for joining SCO requires potential members to have observer status in the SCO, which would limit the list of candidates to Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan.

Of these, India, Iran, and Pakistan have been tapped for the permanent membership whose process would be completed before the SCO summit 2015.

Afridi while evaluating Pakistan's quest for full membership, argued that Pakistan had the requisite credentials - constructive role in Afghanistan, determined fight against forces of terrorism, extremism and separatism, a promising and prospective energy and trade corridor for the region, historical and cultural ties with Central Asian Republics, close strategic and economic ties with China and growing relations with Russia - all supported Pakistan's claim to full membership of SCO. According to him, extending SCO membership to Pakistan will help facilitate China's plan to revive its role as a regional trade hub. This will also aid China's Great Western Development Strategy, which was launched in 2000. "By developing an intricate oil, gas, railway, road, economic and cultural network with other Asian states, China will place itself at a stronger footing to lead in the Asian century.

He was confident that SCO membership would also help Pakistan in resolving its political disputes, as it had adopted consensus-based decision making mechanism ensuring non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. Afridi suggested that at present SCO members need to take a two-track approach to make it a successful regional grouping. At the macro level, he said, it must forge a common vision and mutual trust with similar groupings such as the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. At a micro level, bilateral and regional issues between member states need to be addressed, he added.

1451

March 14, 2015 Sat All Day

Pak-china Economic Corridor to benefit entire Pakistan -- APP

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan- China economic corridor will not only benefit the entire Pakistan in terms of improvement of its economy and security conditions, but also contribute to the regional peace, stability and prosperity.

A 19-member Chinese expert group on long term planning of CPEC led by Deputy Director General of China Development Bank Hu Dongsheng recently visited Pakistan and held extensive and in-depth discussions with their Pakistani counterparts led by Secretary Planning, Development and Reform Hassan Nawaz Tarar.

Both the sides emphasized the importance to speed up the process of drafting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a long term plan which is scheduled to be finalized by July this year. They reiterated their determination to implement the consensus reached by the previous meetings of the joint cooperation committee of CPEC, as well as its working groups. They reviewed the draft Long-Term Plan of CPEC (2015 - 2030) and believed this draft could be a good basis for further deliberations.

It was agreed that CPEC is a comprehensive package of cooperative initiatives and projects, which covers the key areas including connectivity, information network infrastructure, energy cooperation, industries and industrial parks, agricultural development and poverty alleviation, tourism, financial cooperation as well as livelihood improvement including municipal infrastructure, education, public health and people-to-people communication. Both sides reaffirmed that the prime objective of the construction of CPEC is to benefit all the regions and people in Pakistan.

It was further agreed that the CPEC should be promoted in priority and step by step, incorporating the long term and short & medium term needs and based on the concrete conditions of Pakistan. Both the sides should push forward the implementation of the Early Harvest Projects as well as the preparation of the projects of the long-term plan in all sectors.

1452

March 15, 2015 Sun All Day

Pak-China FTA: fourth round of talks in Beijing from March 31

Pakistan and China are to hold fourth round of second phase negotiations on free trade agreement on March 31 and April 1, 2015 in Beijing, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. Additional Secretary Foreign Trade, Rubina Athar is expected to lead the Pakistan side for talks on the FTA.

Both countries have raised concerns over insufficient utilisation of concessions of tariff incentives available in the FTA, negatively influencing local industry through concessions and misuse of certificate of origin and agreed that tariff reduction modalities of the second phase will be independent of first phase TRM. China has offered a tariff reduction on 90 percent tariff lines in five years of which 70 percent will be zero rated.

Presently, 35 percent tariff lines are zero rated. Pakistan maintains that it is facing a Rs 22 billion loss per annum due to trade imbalance and has proposed a reduction in tariff of not more than 50 percent. Pakistan and China had agreed to allow banks to open branches in each other's country but no progress has been seen on this decision so far. Initially, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) are expected to open their branches in China.

If Pakistani banks start operations the following benefits are expected: (i) presently, the inward remittance/ LC is routed through European banks. Once Pakistani banks are opened the LC routing would be done through Pakistan's own banks. In this way it is expected that $ 10 billion would move through Pakistani banks which will benefit not only forex reserves but also help in expansion of the economy and GDP; and (ii) the Chinese side will also open their leading banks' branches/offices in Pakistan and linking financial sector with world largest economy would help Pakistani banks and financial institutions in multiple ways and will strengthen their standing as well.

According to sources, Chinese investments for the Economic Corridor will be routed through Pakistani banks which would imply that Pakistan's current account deficit would be curtailed at 15-20 percent which would be an enormous achievement.

The sources said, during fourth round of second phase negotiations, Pakistan will urge China to comprehensive engage in the services sector. Pakistan raised this issue in January talks but concrete progress was not witnessed. However, it was agreed to establish a working group on trade in services and investment which is expected to be raised in the FTA meeting.

1453

March 18, 2015 Wed All Day

China is ready to enter the world market with it natural gas through Pakistan. -- abc.az China is ready to enter the world market with it natural gas through Pakistan.

According to informed sources, China and Pakistan have already signed a Memorandum of Intentions on construction of the interregional gas pipeline from Xinjiang Autonomous Region to Pakistani port Gwadar.

“Giant gas deposits found in Xinjiang (China) will be a resource base for this pipeline system. China will use this gas pipeline to create the integrated gas transport network between China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Iran. Iran also supports this project”, - the source says.

In addition to the Memorandum, China and Pakistan also agreed on construction of an advanced civil and military port in Gwadar for $4 bn. The military port will also be used as a base for Chinese military ships. Railways and motor roads will also be constructed.

“The capacity of the planned gas pipeline is still to be determined. It will be the subject of additional research”, - the source said. In his opinion, other regional gas suppliers will also join the new pipe line system.

All Day

China with its gas enters global market through Pakistan -- abc.az

According to informed sources, China and Pakistan have already signed a Memorandum of Intentions on construction of the interregional gas pipeline from Xinjiang Autonomous Region to Pakistani port Gwadar.

“Giant gas deposits found in Xinjiang (China) will be a resource base for this pipeline system. China will use this gas pipeline to create the integrated gas transport network between China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Iran. Iran also supports this project”, - the source says.

In addition to the Memorandum, China and Pakistan also agreed on construction of an advanced civil and military port in Gwadar for $4 bn. The military port will also be used as a base for Chinese military ships. Railways and motor roads will also be constructed.

“The capacity of the planned gas pipeline is still to be determined. It will be the subject of additional research”, - the source said. In his opinion, other regional gas suppliers will also join the new pipe line system.

1454

March 19, 2015 Thu All Day

Tajikistan keen on Pak-China corridor -- Dawn News

KARACHI: Tajikistan is working for transit trade with Pakistan and is interested in the Pak-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) as it would serve commercial interests of Tajikistan by providing road link to ports, said the Ambassador of Tajikistan, Sherali Janonov at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday.

Speaking at KCCI, the Tajik envoy said that at present about 50 to 60 trucks are carrying goods to Tajikistan via Torkham border but this volume is insignificant.

KCCI president Iftikhar A Vohra expressed desire to send a trade delegation to Dushanbe to explore the market.

Janonov told the gathering that China and India are active in his country, adding: “China is holding 5 to 6 trade exhibitions a year while Pakistan organised its last exhibition in 2004.�

The Tajik envoy felt the market is still open for Pakistani products like fruits and vegetables, rice, textiles, cement and construction material.

The ambassador said that his government had already asked the commerce minister of Pakistan to appoint a commercial counselor in Dushanbe for boosting bilateral trade.

1455

March 20, 2015 Fri All Day

Pak-China trade reaches $16 billion -- The Nations

Islamabad - Bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and China has reached $16 billion, showing 12 per cent annual increase, according to the latest statistics available here on Thursday.

This is a big jump in the bilateral trade, reflecting the level of socio-economic cooperation increased in the recent two years.

Balance of trade position is also getting improved, as Pakistan’s exports to China have increased to about $4 billion.

The bilateral trade was registered dollar 5.

2 billion in 2006 which jumped to dollar 16 billion last year.

China has emerged as second largest trading partner of Pakistan in the region.

The growth in the economic ties started with signing of free trade agreement between the two countries.

Besides the trade, there was also unprecedented increase in China’s investment in Pakistan in the recent months.

There is a manifold increase in number of Chinese companies working in Pakistan.

Currently, around 10,000 Chinese workers are engaged in various projects, undertaken in Pakistan.

According to the sources, the two countries maintained momentum of their all-round cooperative partnership that was the result of frequent bilateral exchanges took place at various levels.

It is hoped that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan which is expected at an early date will further upgrade and consolidate the relationship, bringing them to a new height.

Pak-China relations were an example for the other countries.

It is now stated even at the top level leadership that their friendship is stronger than iron and it’s based on mutual respect and trust.

China-Pakistan economic corridor project (CPECP) will be another milestone in the development of their bilateral relations.

The leadership of the two countries attached top priority to its early implementation.

The CPECP is not only road project, in fact it covered wide-range of areas including infrastructure and energy development.

This project is for the benefit for whole of Pakistan, the sources said.

It provides strong connectivity between the two countries, covering all regions of Pakistan.

China’s support is also unprecedented in the development of Gawadar port and Karkarum highway.

Pakistan is heavily depending on China to overcome its energy shortage.

Currently there are 14 projects which are under-implementation with the support of Chinese government or Chinese companies.

1456

March 21, 2015 Sat All Day

Gwadar Port holds potential to facilitate foreign trade: official -- The News

KARACHI: Gwadar port has huge potential to facilitate international trade and development of China-Pakistan economic corridor, said a top official at a Chinese firm on Friday.

Strategically located in proximity of major shipping routes emanating from the Gulf, Gwadar port and the corridor are important both for China and Pakistan, said Zeng Qingsong, chief executive officer at China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), speaking at a maritime discourse on “The Future of Gwadar” at Bahria University.

The moot was organised by the National Centre for Maritime Policy Research (NCMPR).

Comparing ports, Qingsong said the cargo load is up to 65,000 to 70,000 metric tons (MT) at Gwadar Port compared to 45,000 to 50,000 MT at Karachi Port and Port Qasim, according to the port parameter for vessels.

He said initially 1,200m container terminal with 300m long four berths will be developed at Gwadar port. Additional access channels will also be developed, while breakwaters be constructed.

There will be an expansion of multipurpose terminal to the east subject to commercial viability, he added.

Conversion of Gwadar fish harbour into a miniport and development of free zone is also part of the next phase development.

The catalyst projects include desalination plant and development of New Gwadar International Airport, Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG terminal and 300MW coal-fired power plant and construction of Gwadar East bay Expressway.

Qingsong said COPHC’s mission is to turn Gwadar port into a national gateway to Pakistan, a world-class maritime hub and a catalyst for economic development of the nation, driven by a team of experts delivering flexible innovative solution, exceptional customised services and dedicated safe operations and to grow from local port operator to one with a regional and then global presence.

He added that COPHC global approach is to create a local business environment where excellence, innovation and profitability drive core business philosophy of exceptional customer service.

Asaf Humayun, director general Asaf Humayun at NCMPR, said Gwadar is inching towards its development at a slow pace and the entire nation desires to see the progress and prosperity at a much faster pace.

“Two things will actually determine how fast Gwadar can progress, one is security and the other is connectivity,” Humayun said.

He stressed on need to have due regard to the preservation of environment, which should be a part of all development work in Gwadar area.

DG said Gwadar port offers multidimensional advantages and will influence the geostrategic and economic environment in the region.

Various intellectuals, senior officers of Pakistan Navy, renowned stakeholders of maritime sector, marine scientists, students of maritime studies and many other dignitaries attended the session.

1457

March 22, 2015 Sun All Day

Pak-China Corridor to be fate-changer, says Ahsan -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday that the Pak China Economic Corridor would prove to be a fate-changer project for Pakistan as well as for the entire region.

He said that the PML-N before 2013 elections stated that its government would improve socio-economic condition of the masses so it was doing what it had promised in the past.

Talking to The News, Ahsan Iqbal said that one should not narrowly think about the mega Pakistan Chine Economic Corridor (PCEC) Project as it would not only serve Pakistan and China but would also become future of this region. To a question, he said China wanted to get road access to Gwadar at least on one route of PCEC in next two years so they decided to use existing road infrastructure and added a fourth alignment that would better serve this purpose.

“The addition of fourth alignment in PCEC has nothing to do with any political agenda of the government because it is just a necessity and we are doing it for socio-economic benefit of the people of Pakistan and China,” he said. The minister said the Chinese President in his upcoming visit to Pakistan would give a roadmap about how China would pump $50 billion up to 2017 into host of projects that would ultimately generate billions of dollars besides creating numerous job opportunities.

Replying to a question, he said all the four alignments of PCEC would be constructed in the coming years but it would need peace and stability in some of the restive areas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

He said, “The PCEC project is not a game-changer but a fate-changer for Pakistan and for the prosperity of three billion people of the region. The corridor will have special economic zones, a railways system, a model city, an airport and a free port at Gwadar.”

1458

March 23, 2015 Mon All Day

Pak-China economic corridor key to region’s progress: CM Punjab -Customs Today

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif termed Pak-China economic corridor is an important progress towards stability of increasing trade and economic bonds between both the countries, due to which, new era of progress and prosperity of Pakistan will usher in.

Shahbaz Sharif expressed these views in a meeting with Chinese Consul General Yu Boren in Lahore, here Saturday. Matters of mutual interest and promotion of Pak-China relations were discussed during the meeting.

Shahbaz Sharif said that China is a very sincere and trustworthy friend of Pakistan.

He said that China has always supported Pakistan in every hour of trial.

He said that full cooperation of China in the development of Pakistan is commendable. He said that strong friendly ties between both the countries have changed into useful economic relations.

1459

March 25, 2015 Wed All Day

‘CPEC-Pak’s Vision 2025 seeks to position itself from a lower middle income country to high middle’ -- BR

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Prof.Ahsan Iqbal has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Pakistan's Vision 2025 seeks to position itself from a lower middle income country to high middle income country by achieving the target per capita GDP of $4200.

"In order to achieve this goal and create employment opportunities for new entrants into the labor force, it aims to target a growth rate of 8 percent between 2018 and 2025 with single digit inflation", he said while addressing the think tank of China at Pak-China Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on CPEC in Beijing today.

According to a message received here from China today ,Prof.Iqbal who is currently visiting the country said that the Vision has other macroeconomic targets as well.

He further said that "Vision 2025 seeks to increase exports from the present $25 billion to $150 billion, tax-GDP ratio to 16-18 percent, investment rate in the range of 22-25 percent of GDP through domestic saving of 18-21 percent and foreign saving of 3-4 percent of GDP in the long run".

The Minister for Planning said that year 2015 has been termed "by us as the Year of Friendly Exchanges between China and Pakistan and this year of the sheep will also stand and prove to be a year of promise and prosperity for deepening cooperation between our two brotherly countries China and Pakistan".

Highlighting the CPEC, he said that the Corridor is a fusion of multiple developments in the global, regional, bilateral and domestic contexts.

The ultimate objective is peace, prosperity and well being of the people of the two countries, the region and the world, he remarked.

Prof-Iqbal said that the global economic landscape has changed dramatically.

The main drivers of this change, he said has been technology, trade liberalization, freer capital movements, advances in communication and transportation infrastructure and creation of cross border supply chains.

The centre of gravity of the world economy, he said has shifted east with the emerging economies growing at a much faster pace than the developed economies.

Prof.Iqbal said that their share of GDP doubled in the last 50 years or so. In the last decade 70 percent of global growth is ascribed to the emerging economies.

These shifts, he said find reflection in changes in global governance and responsibilities that arise from these shifts.

"The integration of the global economy has enveloped all areas of trade, service and movement of capital. Regional cooperation agreements have proliferated and strengthened in recent times to capture this change especially in the global economic landscape", he remarked.

The Minister said that regional and sub regional economic integration as a means to bolster growth, investment and trade in countries has a long chequered history.

However, recent history of regional economic integration has had some unmistakeable successes.

"In fact this has been one of the major successful developments after the Second World War. The regional integration in Europe brought success in terms of regional growth, economic development, investment & trade and more importantly fostered peace in the region", he added.

The interest in regional integration in Asia, he said has taken root more slowly but recent developments have intensified interest in Asian regional economic integration.First,he said is being projected that the Asia and Pacific region's share in world GDP between 2010 and 2050 would rise from nearly 28 to more than 52 percent, with China accounting for 20 percent and India for 16 percent both neighbouring Pakistan-in manufacturing China is already producing 25 percent of global manufacturing output.

Second, he said complementary to the first is the faster economic growth in the region and its intra regional trade than the rest of the world-trends that are likely to continue- Asia today is already producing 46.5 percent of global manufacturing output.

Third, he said the imbalance in world trade is creating an environment for greater domestic and regional investment by trade surplus countries, which are countries in Asia, providing an opportunity to relatively slower growing and investment deficit countries to attract FDI and raise their growth levels.

Fourth, he said the region includes both energy importing and energy exporting 1460

March 25, 2015 Continued Wed countries and thus providing room for cross border trade in energy products; fifth, regional economic integration increases efficiencies in production especially in products with value chains spread across the region because of proximity and thus reduced connectivity costs.

Sixth, he said that after the recent economic and financial crises in the west there has been strengthening of the belief that Asian economic integration would make for more resilient economies to external shocks- a belief earlier fostered during the 1998-99 crises.

Prof.Ahsan Iqbal said that the bilateral context of the China-Pakistan is rooted in the friendship of our two countries that matches the proverbial saying that it is a friendship as pure as water, as deep as Mariana Trench and as high as Himalayas.

"The bond of friendship and trust between our two beloved countries have stood the test of time and forms the foundation of cooperation in the entire spectrum ranging from trade, investment and energy to defense, transportation, science and technology", he remarked.

He added that there is convergence of views and interests in global and strategic affairs.

The support that each other provides in the international arena is legendary.

Recently, he said both governments have made a conscious effort to focus on expanding the economic dimension of the relationship and bring it up to par with the excellent cooperation the two countries enjoy at the strategic and political level.

This impetus towards enhancing economic and trade cooperation, he said has gained strength since the near-simultaneous change of leadership in China and Pakistan.

The new governments in both countries, he said have signaled their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China relations very early in their terms of office.

He said that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's decision to include Pakistan in his first foreign trip in May 2013 after assuming office in March underscored the importance leadership attaches to our relationship.

"Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif's visit to China in July 2013 - his first official overseas trip since assuming office - marked a new phase in the development of the relationship by putting economic cooperation and connectivity squarely at the centre of the bilateral agenda", he remarked.

Prof Iqbal said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Pakistan's Vision 2025 seeks to position itself from a lower middle income country to high middle income country by achieving the target per capita GDP of $4200 .

In order to achieve this goal and create employment opportunities for new entrants into the labor force, it aims to target a growth rate of 8 percent between 2018 and 2025 with single digit inflation. The Vision has other macroeconomic targets as well.

It seeks to increase exports from the present $25 billion to $150 billion, tax-GDP ratio to 16-18 percent, investment rate in the range of 22-25 percent of GDP through domestic saving of 18-21 percent and foreign saving of 3-4 percent of GDP in the long run.

"While this is a tall order, Pakistan's case is relatively unique in gaining from connecting seamlessly to its border regions and beyond as it borders both the largest and fastest growing economies in the world; it provides access to the warm water ports to the landlocked countries in the North and Central Asian States; it links energy importing and energy exporting countries; it is rich in untapped mineral resources; it has a demography which provides a large and growing young labor force that has great potential to harness the opportunities in the region; and, it has a diverse and rich culture potentially able to absorb and cooperate with all communities and nationalities", he added.

"A study found that an investment in regional transport infrastructure gives Pakistan benefits worth US$37 billion during 2010-2020 an

All Day

Sixty thousand tons of LNG reaching Pakistan -- The Nations Sixty thousand tons of LNG reaching Pakistan

Islamabad- The National Assembly was informed today that the first shipment of 60 thousand tons of imported LNG, is reaching Pakistan tomorrow.

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the House, while responding to a call attention notice that the imported LNG from Qatar 1461

March 25, 2015 Continued Wed will flow into the system on the 31st of this month.

The Minister said the LNG price agreement is still being negotiated, between the Qatar Gas and Pakistan State Oil. He assured the House that the LNG will be imported at the most competitive price and transparent manner. He said the gas price, whenever finalized will be shared with the Parliament and other appropriate forums. He said world class terminal has been constructed at a record time, to handle the imported LNG. The Minister said the primary recipient of the imported LNG will be the power sector and it will provide an advantage of 300 million dollars, to the power sector as compared to the liquid fuel.

Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif told the House that the imported LNG will be provided to four IPPs and KAPCO, for generation of electricity. He was confident that the production of electricity through LNG will help reduce loadshedding in the summer season.

Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Pervaiz Rashid has said that a three pronged strategy of awareness, prevention and enforcement is being pursued to eradicate corruption from the country.

He told the National Assembly, during question hour today that National Accountability Bureau has been successful, not only in bringing the culprits to book, but also recovered billions of plundered money. He said the NAB has recovered 3880.47 million rupees and completed 869 inquiries since June 2013. He said the NAB also established prevention committees in order to develop doable recommendations for eradication of corruption. He said the authority is also engaged with different government and non-governmental organizations, to fight against the menace.

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal told the House that Pakistan and Iran are engaged in negotiating a workable implementation plan, for the Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline Project. He said that Pakistan is pursuing the project implementation through an alternate strategy with Chinese cooperation. The strategy encompasses completion of pipeline segment from Gwadar to Nawabshah, along with the construction of LNG terminal at Gwadar Port.

Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Pervaiz Rashid told the House that several laws are in the pipeline, including the establishment of a National Commission for the protection of child rights. He said the proposed bills envisage enhancement of the minimum age, for fixing the criminal responsibility.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad told the House that construction work on Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway, will start next month and completed in a span of two years at a cost of 44 billion rupees

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March 26, 2015 Thu All Day

Gwadar Port to earn higher revenue via transit facility -- BR

ISLAMABAD: The region needs Gwadar Port as it will help save significant shipment time and billions of dollars in freight saving; this was echoed by top government officials and industry experts at a one-day conference in Dubai.

Addressing the `Investing in Gwadar' conference, they emphasised that it's not just a port, it is global necessity. Future global shipping chain will not be completed without Gwadar, they claimed, and added: "The potential is tremendous and a lot of opportunities as well" Khaleej Times reported Thursday.

The conference was organised by Academy & Finance. Pakistani rulers were always conscious of the potential and necessity of Gwadar as an alternative port to Karachi.

The first phase of the port was constructed in record time by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and completed by the end of 2005.

The port operations contract was then awarded, after international bidding, to PSA Gwadar and then `Concessional Rights' were finally transferred to China Overseas Port Holding Company in 2013.

The conference chairman and president of Washington-based GWEST, Paul Michael Wihbey, said: "We are looking at a window of opportunity.

"Talking about the Gwadar Port potentials, Gwadar Development Authority director general, Dr Sajjad H Baloch, said that it is a gateway of China-Pakistan economic corridor and strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz.

It provides the closest access for Middle East oil & gas to Western China, he said, adding that it is a transshipment hub for heavy ships.

It also has transit trade potential for heavy ships, and the potential to create two million jobs. A senior researcher, Dr Azhar Ahmad, said that in the long-term Gwadar port is likely to earn enormous revenues for the province and the country by providing transit and transshipment facilities to a number of countries.

It is the shortest and most feasible route to the sea for most Central Asian countries, Afghanistan and for parts of Russia, Dr Ahmad added.

China is the second biggest economy end of this decade. A portion of China's transit trade through the Gwadar-Kashgar corridor could generate substantial economic activity for the whole province.

The revenues will not only be generated by transit fees alone, but innumerable employment and business opportunities will be created along the corridor.

Needless to say that once there is a road/rail and trade caravans moving over it, it automatically produces a number of opportunities.

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March 27, 2015 Fri All Day

Pak-China business forum platform to take bilateral relations: FPCCI -AAJ News Pak-China business forum platform to take bilateral relations: FPCCI

ISLAMABAD: The Pak-China Business Forum provides businessmen from the two countries the opportunity to improve bilateral trade relations and boost economic activities between the two countries.

This was stated by Mian Muhamamd Adrees, President of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) while addressing the inaugural session of a 4-day Pak China Business Forum organized by Comsats Institute of Information Technology.

Minister for Science and Technology, Rana Tanveer Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion.

Mian Idrees said this forum would prove as a catalyst for promoting bilateral trade relations.

He said Pakistan’s top leadership has given high priority to boosting good relations with China and the mega project of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) was reflective of the government’s commitment.

He said that trade volume between the two countries has increased manifold after the signing of Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.

“Current trade volume of trade between the two countries stands at $15 billion which is much higher that of $5 billion before signing of Free Trade Agreement around 8 years ago”, the FPCCI President added. He said this forum will open up new era of trade relations with China.

“It is a better way to arrange such types of forums where businessmen from both the countries can meet with each other and discuss various relevant issues so that they can develop mutual trust”, he said adding once the mutual trust develops, the trade activities increase.

He also underlined the need for enhancing Pakistan’s exports to China as balance of trade between the two countries was much in favour of China.

He also proposed the Pakistan’s business community to take benefit from the opportunities offered by the Chinese government in its country.

On the occasion, Secretary Board of Investment (BOI) Iftikhar Hussain Babar said the forum has proved to be a valuable platform to promote bilateral business opportunities.

He said China is true and trusted friend of Pakistan who have helped Pakistan on number of critical issues.

He said the BOI is committed to provide all possible facilities to resolve various issues relating to Chinese investment in the Pakistan.

He also invited the Chinese investors to come to Pakistan and invest in different sectors including energy and infrastructure sectors.

He said number of foreign companies is increasing which show their trust on Pakistan.

He said that the $46 billion China-Pak Economic Corridor is a great gift from China for which Pakistan is grateful to China.

Ambassador of China to Pakistan Sun Weidong said on the occasion “We 1464

March 27, 2015 Continued Fri are enjoying all weather friendship and all weather good mutual relationship�.

He said China welcomes Pakistan businessmen to come to China and explore business opportunities in China.

He termed the year 2015 as year of friendship between China and Pakistan as during the year, the two countries are committed to push their bilateral relations to a new height.

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March 28, 2015 Sat All Day

Chinese president to arrive on April 9 on 2-day Pakistan visit -- Daily Dunia

Xi Jinping will meet political, military leadership of Pakistan; will sign various agreements ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Chinese president Xi Jinping will arrive in Pakistan on 9th of April, 2015 for a two-day visit. He will meet the civil and military leadership of Pakistan and sign agreements in various fields during the visit, Dunya News reported.

According to the sources, Chinese president will arrive on 9th of April and will meet President, Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff during the visit. He is also expected to meet leaders of the big political parties of Pakistan. A high level delegation of Chinese officials will also accompany the Chinese president.

Chinese president is expected to sign various agreements in various fields including communication, energy and broadcast. He will also inaugurate Gwadar Port, PakChina Economic Corridor, One Belt One Road and various other projects.

Xi Jinping is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt after Pakistan. It is pertinent to mention here that Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan had been cancelled in September due to the sit-ins in Islamabad.

All Day

Government Offers To Build China City In Gwadar To Facilitate Chinese Investors in Islamabad, Pakistan -- Pakistan Tribe SLAMABAD – The Chinese Delegation consisted of 66 members visited the Investment Board here on Friday.

Secretary Farhatuallah Babar gave briefing to the 66 members Chinese Delegation, who visited the Investment Board.

Capitalizing upon the opportunity, the Chinese Delegation was given the briefing over the climate of investment in Pakistan. The Delegation was briefed about the investment opportunities in different sectors in Pakistan.

Secretary of Investment Board, Farhatullah Babar, shredded light on the scope of investment and invited Chinese investors to invest in different sectors of Pakistan.

The sectors which are worth investing in Pakistan are agriculture, mining, power generation and many others.

Secretary proposed to build China City on Gwadar to facilitate the Chinese Investors. He further said that, there are many opportunities for Chinese investors in Gwadar.

The Chinese Delegation showed keen interest in investment opportunities particularly in the fields of power generation from air and water, solar energy and food processing.

China has been a true friend to Pakistan and always remains with Pakistan in every thick and thin. Many investors from China are already investing in Pakistan, and there is still a much room left for the investment to come in many sectors, he added.

Chinese Delegation looked satisfied and hinted to bring in investment in Pakistan to benefit both Pakistan and China.

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March 29, 2015 Sun All Day

Chinese’s President visit will be game-changer for Pak-China relations; Mushahid -- AAJ TV

Chinese’s President visit will be game-changer for Pak-China relations; Mushahid ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-China Institute, under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a visiting delegation from the China World Peace Foundation.

The Chinese NGO, China World Peace Foundation delegation was led by its Chairman, Dr Li Ruo Hong, said a press release issued here on Sunday.

The MoU seeks to promote cooperation on such areas as culture, environment and regional connectivity.

Later, Senator Mushahid Hussain, during a briefing for Chinese media, welcomed the proposal of President Xi Jinping for holding a conference for dialogue among Asian Civilisations for promoting dialogue amongst communities, youth, media and think tanks.

“The visit of President Xi Jinping would be a game-changer for Pakistan-China relations as it would give a concrete shape to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with implementation of projects in energy, economy and infrastructure,” said Senator Mushahid, while answering a number of questions from the journalists.

Senator Mushahid also told the Chinese journalists that today ‘our relations with China are a factor for strengthening the federation and national unity, since there is a broad across-the-board consensus on this special relationship among all segments of Pakistani society.

These ties are seen as a source of strength for Pakistan’s security and stability plus prosperity for all the provinces, he added.

The Chinese President’s proposal came during his speech to the Baoa Forum on saturday.

In his speech, President Xi Jinping also referred to the Indus Valley Civilisation as among the key Asian Civilisations, which Senator Mushahid told the Chinese journalists was a reference to present-day Pakistan, along with other Asian civilisations along the Yellow River, the Ganges and the Euphrates.

All Day

Gwadar Port to boost economy, create jobs -- BR

The project received a major boost when control of Gwadar Port was transferred to China's state-owned China Overseas Ports Holding in February 2013.

Dubai: Gwadar Port is the future of Balochistan and Pakistan that will boost economic activities for the province and the country in addition to attract billions of dollars of foreign direct investment from China and Middle Eastern countries.

Dr. Sajjad H. Baloch. Photo by Mukesh Kamal/Khaleej TimesThis was disclosed by Gwadar Development Authority director-general Dr Sajjad H. Baloch (in pic, right) during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the “Investing in Gwadar” conference held recently in Dubai.

The project received a major boost when control of Gwadar Port was transferred to China’s state-owned China Overseas Ports Holding in February 2013. Built by Chinese workers and opened in 2007, Gwadar is undergoing a major expansion to turn it into a full-fledged deep-water commercial port.

Dr Baloch mentioned that it is the vision of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to develop Gwadar as a smart port city. The government of Pakistan intends to prepare a smart city master plan for Gwadar and looking for technical and financial proposals. In this regard, advertisements have been published in local and 1467

March 29, 2015 Continued Sun international newspapers.

“It’s an international bidding and the deadline is March 30. We expect at least 10 bids from international companies,” he said. The selected company will help creating the vision and guiding strategic objectives for Gwadar City, he said, adding that it will also update the existing master plan of Gwadar City and its integration with the master plan of the Gwadar Port.

Initially, the Gwadar master plan was estimated around Rs40 billion but because of the delay, it would cost around Rs50 billion. It includes a new Rs26 billion airport, which can accommodate the superjumbo A380 aircraft.

The idea is to create a sustainable strategic development plan that ensures the socio-economic uplift of the Makran Coast in general and the Gwadar Region in particular, he explained.

“For infrastructure projects the government has certain limitation for investment so we want to invite private sector. One Chinese company is interested for the 300MW power plant in Gwadar on an IPP basis,” he said.

In the long term, Gwadar Port is likely to earn enormous revenues for the province and the country by providing transit and transshipment facilities to a number of countries, he added.

It is the shortest and most feasible route to the sea for most Central Asian countries, China and Gulf nations. The port of Shanghai is about 10,000km from the Strait of Hormuz by sea via the Malacca route while Kashgar, the capital city of Xinjiang, is about 4,500km from the port of Shanghai. So Kashgar is only 2,800km from Gwadar via the envisaged China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and just over 3,400km from the Strait of Hormuz.

Dr Baloch said that Pakistan will get more than $45 billion from China for the CPEC. Gwadar’s specific projects are worth around $3 billion in the next three years, which include the new airport, water projects, road connectivity and other developments.

The development is not possible without the involvement of local people as they should feel the ownership of the project, said Dr Baloch, who also belongs to the same area. There are also projects for health, sports and education sectors.

“We have certain skill people but we need more people. In this regard, we are establishing vocational training centre as we have to train the local people with necessary skills needed for industries and port operations.

Future activities at Gwadar are expected to generate about two million new jobs in eight to 10 years.

The Gwadar Development Authority estimates that 1.7 million people will move to Gwadar within the span of 30 years.

He emphasised that the region needs Gwadar. “Gwadar is not competing with Dubai, which is always in talks. Within UAE there are several ports but they are not competing. In Pakistan, we have Karachi just 600km away from Gwadar and then Port Qasim. We are not competing in Pakistan as each port has its own dynamics and supplement each other,” he explained.

Talking about the CPEC, he said there are three timelines. One is the early harvest project, which is on priority and its deadline is 2017, which include a new airport, energy projects and road connectivity to region. Other deadlines are short-term projects by 2020 then medium-term projects by 2025 and finally long-term by 2030, he added.

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April 1, 2015 Wed All Day

Govt committed to strengthen Gwadar Port: Kamran Michael -- BR Govt committed to strengthen Gwadar Port: Kamran Michael

SIALKOT: Federal Minister For Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael Tuesday said the government was committed to strengthen Gwadar Port.

Talking to the newsmen here, he said Pakistan was striving to ensure an easy road connectivity between Kashghar-China and Gwadar-Pakistan as 80 percent work on the project had already been completed.

The minister said that the early road connectivity between Gwadar and Kashghar would bring an economic boom under the Pak-China economic corridor besides opening new vistas of socio-economic and human development in the region.

He said the government was also elaborating the Gwadar airport, adding that the Gwadar port was fully operational now.

Kamran Michael vowed to continue the PML-N government's development agenda by taking the business community into confidence, saying that economical agenda was helping in putting the country on the highway of economical stability.

He added that the energy crisis would end in 2017 as the country was importing 4,000 megawatts electricity from China.

The minister said the present government's effective and positive economic policies were now bearing fruits due to which national economy was moving ahead towards a goal of economical stability, saying that the federal government was successfully implementing on several effective and positive economic policies and these policies were now bearing fruits.

The minister pointed out that the government was fully aware of problems of the business community and making an all-out sincere efforts for their amicable solution.

He said the government was also strengthening national economy and boosting the industrial structure besides striving to overcome energy crisis.

All Day

Pakistan Wants to Become China’s Newest Superhighway to Europe -Bloomberg, Business

Pakistan and China will announce more than two dozen deals when President Xi Jinping visits this year, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said in an interview. The 3,000-kilometer economic corridor will start in China’s western region of Xinjiang and run to Gwadar, a Chinese-funded port on the Arabian Sea. “For the first time China is going to become a strategic economic partner of Pakistan,” Iqbal, who traveled to China last month, said on March 30 at his office in Islamabad. “Gwadar is the shortest link to Europe, Africa and Middle East,” he added, calling it “a very attractive proposition for China and for its competitiveness.”

The move represents a shift toward greater economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, which have long had close security ties amid common disputes with neighboring India. The corridor would give China access to the Indian Ocean and lead to investments that would help ease power shortages that are hindering economic growth in Pakistan.

“As an economic power China keeps on expanding,” said Talat Masood, a former Pakistani army official. “India is worried. The U.S. and the West is worried.”

Oil, Railways Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government has approved a proposal to buy eight Chinese submarines and a deal may be signed during Xi’s visit, Rohael Asghar, chairman of a parliamentary panel on defense, said on Wednesday. Naval officials have selected two companies after visiting China, he said, declining to name them.

The economic corridor was first announced in July 2013, and officials from China and Pakistan are still negotiating the final details, Iqbal said. Key among them are an oil and gas pipeline, highways, railways and about 3,000 megawatts of coal, solar and wind power, which would help Pakistan end persistent blackouts that deter investors.

Pakistan plans to train over 12,000 security personnel and form a “special division” to protect Chinese workers on the corridor, the Express Tribune reported on March 30, without saying where it got the information.

1469

April 2, 2015 Thu All Day

Chinese firms keen to invest in Pak oil, gas sector -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Chinese oil and gas companies have expressed deep interest to make contribution in the oil and gas sector of Pakistan to cater the growing demand of the country.

The interest was shown by the representatives from private and public sector oil and gas companies of China who participated in the workshop on Pakistan-China cooperation in the field of oil and gas sector held here on Tuesday.

Secretary Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Arshad Mirza led the Pakistani side while Yang Lei, DG National Energy Administration, China, was heading the Chinese delegation.

This was the first workshop between the two countries on oil and gas sector wherein both sides agreed to foster bilateral cooperation in the petroleum sector.

The workshop was informed that Pakistan was endowed with an estimated 160 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves including 105 trillion cubic feet of Shale gas reserves. Exploitation of these resources requires huge investment besides application of state of the art technology and know-how.

Representatives from Chinese oil and gas companies also expressed their willingness to resuscitate the abandoned oil fields in the country through Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technique. Chinese companies were eager to invest in exploration of hydrocarbon techniques including the deep-water offshore exploration in the country.

Secretary Ministry of Petroleum in his concluding remarks appreciated the role and contribution of Chinese companies in the development of petroleum sector of Pakistan and their keen interest to invest in the sector. He expressed confidence that existing cooperation with china in petroleum sector would help Pakistan addressing the growing energy demand in the country.

The workshop was also attended by Additional Secretary Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Furqan Bahadur Khan; Joint Secretary Petroleum Syed Taquir Hussain Shah, senior representatives from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and other high ranked officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. Senior Officials from China Zhenhua oil Co Ltd; China National Offshore Company (CNOOC); United Energy Group Ltd; China Petroleum Pipeline Company; China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC); Kerui Group of China etc. also briefed about the products and their interest to explore further avenues of investment in oil and gas sector of Pakistan.

All Day

Confirmed: Pakistan Will Buy Eight Chinese Subs -- The Diplomate

Yesterday, the Pakistani government confirmed the purchase of eight new submarines from China. “The National Security Committee has approved, in principle, the acquisition of eight Chinese submarines,” Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Rear Admiral Mukhtar Khan, informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defence in Islamabad.

Details on the type of vessels or their price tag are murky. IHS Jane’s quotes an unnamed Pakistani Foreign Ministry official who said that, “in the recent past, there have been reports of discussions for the Type 041 submarines.”

According to IHS Jane’s Fighting Ships the Type 041 Yuan-class is,“a diesel electric attack submarine (SSK), potentially with Stirling air independent propulsion, that is armed with YJ-2 (YJ-82) anti-ship missiles and a combination of Yu-4 (SAET-50) passive homing and Yu-3 (SET-65E) active/passive homing torpedoes.” The export version of the vessel allegedly displaces about 2,300 tons, according to public sources.

However, as I noted here, the Wuhan-based China State Shipbuilding Industrial Corp (CSIC) supposedly had already signed a contract in April 2011 to deliver six 1470

April 2, 2015 Continued Thu Type 032 Qing-class conventional attack submarines by 2016/2017. Apparently, this deal must be off the table now.

Still other media sources report that Islamabad will build submarines under license based on the Qing-class vessels displacing 3,000 tons: “Pakistan will also build two types of submarines with Chinese assistance: the Project S-26 and Project S-30.

The vessels are to be built at the Submarine Rebuild Complex (SRC) facility being developed at Ormara, west of Karachi.”

The procurement of a new fleet of submarines constitutes Islamabad’s most expensive arms deal by far. Estimated total costs range between $4-5 billion. IHS Jane’s quotes a former Pakistani defense official who said that it is “difficult to imagine a price of less than USD 500 million per submarine, if not more.”

He also said that he suspects China to extend a long-term loan, possibly at a low interest rate. Another Pakistani military expert told the Financial Times that there are still many unknowns: “At this stage, we don’t know the exact financial terms and unless we know the financial terms we can’t be certain about the significance of this order,” he said. “Still, it’s an important contract for Pakistan.”

Ali Sarwar Naqvi, a former senior Pakistani diplomat, said about Beijing’s rationale behind the weapons deal: “China has its own strategic reasons to help Pakistan in this area. As India prepares to head in to the Pacific Ocean, the Chinese are looking to head in to the Indian Ocean.”

1471

April 3, 2015 Fri All Day

Pakistan, China finalise free trade agreement in banking sector -Custom Today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have finalized the text of agreement on banking sector after two days’ hectic deliberations at the fourth round of second phase negotiations on Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (PC-FTA).

PC-FTA is in effect since 2006 and the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) expressed its concern over the insufficient utilisation of the facilities provided under the PC-FTA in which only few sectors have been able to reap the fruits of the favorable tariffs in an in assessment of the PC-FTA. Both sides have agreed to sign this agreement during the upcoming visit of the Chinese President to Pakistan” a well placed source at Ministry of Commerce (MoC) told this scribe here on Wednesday.

In an attempt to deepen economic and strategic ties between the neighbouring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive in Pakistan on April 9.

He was expected to visit Pakistan in 2014 during his trip to India, Sri Lankan and the Maldives but postponed it due to the ongoing protests against the government in Islamabad.

As per this agreement, both Pakistan and China will allow banks to open branches in each other’s country. Initially, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) are expected to open their branches in China.

If Pakistani banks start operations the following benefits are expected: (i) presently, the inward remittance/ LC is routed through European banks. Once Pakistani banks are opened the LC routing would be done through Pakistan’s own banks.

In this way it is expected that $ 10 billion would move through Pakistani banks which will benefit not only forex reserves but also help in expansion of the economy and GDP; and the Chinese side will also open their leading banks’ branches/offices in Pakistan and linking financial sector with world largest economy would help Pakistani banks and financial institutions in multiple ways and will strengthen their standing as well.

Moreover, it will also ease Chinese investments for the Economic Corridor through Pakistani banks which will imply that Pakistan’s current account deficit would be curtailed at 15-20% and will be an enormous achievement.

However, both the sides could not come to any agreement on the issue of tariff reduction modalities (TRMs) and decided to continue bilateral talks in next phase of negotiations.

Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce Robina Ather led Pakistani delegation comprising officials from Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Textile Industry and Ministry of Food Security and National Research in ourth round of second phase negotiations on Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (PCFTA).

Main focus of the discussions and deliberations was on matters related to Sanitary Phytosanitary (SPS) /Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), and making the PC-FTA articles namely 34 & 41 operational for removal of impediments related to SPS & TBT. Pakistani side pressed Chinese negotiators to get permission for Pakistani exporters’ concerns regarding the inspection and quarantine process of Rapeseed Meal and Canola Seed based on Pakistan’s co-operation.

Moreover, both sides also tried to come to some agreement and unanimity of views on reconciled trade figures quoted in the light of study conducted respectively to find out the reasons for this discrepancy.

The both sides tried to address the concerns of either side regarding insufficient utilization of concessions, influence to local industry as a result of concessions and misuse of certificate of origin.

The two day long deliberations discussed the findings of the Working Group on Customs on modalities of establishing customs Electronic Data Exchange related to the implementation of PC-FTA. It is pertinent to note here that the third meeting of the Second Phase negotiations of CP-FTA was held in Islamabad on January 6, 7 & 8 this year to assess the performance of Pak-China Free Trade Agreement (PC-FTA) and to propose necessary changes of mutual benefit for the two countries Pakistan emphasized the importance to broaden its export-base to China by encouraging exports from all the sectors which falls under FTA and sought to enhance facilities and concessions on high value-added products.

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April 3, 2015 Continued Fri All Day

Xi's upcoming visit: Slew of agreements, MoUs to be signed -- BR Xi's upcoming visit: Slew of agreements, MoUs to be signed

Around 90 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed between Pakistan and China on several development projects during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan which is likely on April 20, it is learnt.

The sources said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has constituted a four-member committee to review the status of preparation for the visit including progress on deliverables to be signed/performed during the forthcoming visit of the Chinese President. It is headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and its members are Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi and Secretary Planning Hassan Nawaz Tarar.

They said that a meeting of the Committee would be held today (Friday) in Finance Ministry to give final touches to the development projects which would be signed between the two countries. The Committee would also prepare arrangements for arrival of the Chinese President and present a report to the Prime Minister for final approval of agreements and other arrangements.

They said that there are almost 90 MoUs and agreements on nuclear power, Gwadar port, Gwadar Airport, the Pak-China Economic Corridor (PCEC), energy, infrastructure, trade and investment that are likely to be signed.

The official sources in Finance Ministry said that the Chinese President would hold high-level meetings and unveil several economic projects.

President Xi will address a joint session of Parliament on the second day of his visit, which may be summoned by President Mamnoon Hussain as late as a day before the address, sources in the National Assembly secretariat said.

The Foreign Office had earlier confirmed that the Chinese president's visit will take place this year but did not give exact dates.

The visit is significant as important developments are unfolding both in the region and on the international front. The two sides will share their views on the current situation in Afghanistan.

The issue of Yemen will also come up for discussion between the Pakistani and Chinese leaders.

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April 4, 2015 Sat All Day

Prospects of IP brighten -- BR

The successful negotiations and the achievement of a framework agreement between Iran and P5+ 1 followed by a detailed agreement targeted to be reached

by June this year has opened the door for the completion of Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project. According to officials, if Iran adheres to the agreement with P5+1 most of the international sanctions against Iran will be lifted within a year which will enable Pakistan to start laying the pipeline for which all necessary works were completed in 2013. The IP gas pipeline project will transport 750 MMCFD gas from Iran to Pakistan.

Official sources told Business Recorder here on Friday that in February 2015 the two countries had agreed on a two-year extension for the completion of IranPakistan (IP) gas pipeline project. The deadline of the IP gas pipeline project was December 31, 2014 and due to a mutual agreement Iran has not imposed any penalty on Pakistan.

In 2014, Pakistan invoked force majeure on IP due to international sanctions against Iran to avert penalty clause of the agreement; according to which, if any country failed to complete the deadline it would have to pay $ 2 million per day to the other country.

If the project is completed it will help save an estimated US $2.3 billion on fuel oil import bill besides generating 4000 MW for an energy-deficient country.

According to Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the government of Pakistan is considering different ways to develop the project and finally decided to build 700-kilometre Gwadar to Nawabshah pipeline coupled with an LNG terminal at Gwadar for which the government has nominated a company that has signed a protocol agreement with a Chinese firm to undertake Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline. The remaining 70km between Gwadar to Gabd border point with Iran would be developed separately by Pakistani contractors once sanctions against Iran are removed.

Iran has at least 30 million barrels of crude oil in storage onboard tankers that could quickly move onto the market if sanctions are lifted. Oil provides the lifeline of the Iranian economy. The country produced about 2.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) of oil before US-led sanctions that banned foreign investment in its energy projects lowered this to about 1 mbpd as of 2010. The sanctions also banned Iran's oil sales to the market beyond the same 1 mbpd it produced.

According to US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Iran holds the world's fourth-largest proved crude oil reserves and the world's second-largest natural gas reserves. Despite the country's abundant reserves, Iran's oil production has substantially declined over the past few years, and natural gas production growth has slowed. International sanctions have profoundly affected Iran's energy sector.

Sanctions have prompted a number of cancellations or delays of upstream projects, resulting in a declining oil production capacity.

All Day

Raft of agreements on plate as Xi expected next week -- BR

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has expedited its preparation for eagerly-awaited visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Islamabad, expected next week, to sign dozens of MoUs including nuclear power, Gwadar Port, Gwadar Airport, Pak-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) and energy related agreements.

Xi Jinping, who had postponed his visit to Pakistan due to the political turmoil last year, would hold high-level meetings and unveil several economic projects.

A committee, formed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif under the chair of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, on Friday reviewed the reception plan and security arrangements, besides being given an overview of the important agreements proposed to be signed during the Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan.

Sources informed The Nation that Pakistan and China would sign dozens of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements during the Xi Jinping's visit.

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April 4, 2015 Continued Sat The agreements and MoUs include nuclear power, Gwadar Port, Pak-China Economic Corridor (PCEC), energy, trade and investment.

In energy-related projects, sources said that around 6000-megawatt power projects are likely to be signed.

A joint working group of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has already finalised almost 6,000MW of power generation projects for their signing.

Meanwhile, the committee constituted by the prime minister regarding Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan, in its meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Friday reviewed preparations for the visit.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and senior officials of various ministries attended the meeting.

The finance minister was given detailed briefing about the responsibilities assigned to various ministries and departments for the conduct of the visit.

Receiving briefing about the traffic management plan, the finance minister said that alternate travel arrangement should be devised to avoid any inconvenience for the general public.

The minister emphasised complete inter-ministerial coordination for finalisation of all proposed Agreements/MoUs. He called for elaborate arrangements for media coverage with due focus on previsit publicity, highlighting the significance of this visit which is expected to herald a new era of Pak-China cooperation with CPEC projects leading the way to economic prosperity.

Organising seminar and symposia with Chinese participation were proposed to highlight the visit.

The finance minister and the minister for planning and development Ahsan Iqbal also issued instructions for chalking out impressive cultural events during the course of the visit, which they said should be truly reflective of the national heritage.

Ishaq Dar on this occasion said a special committee was constituted to oversee the arrangements but the respective ministries and departments had their own due responsibilities to be fulfilled and they should keep active liaison among them and with the committee, updating it on the preparations.

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April 7, 2015 Tue All Day

Pak-China cooperation vital for region: Dr Miftah -- BR

China's support in various fields was vital especially to overcome energy crisis and upcoming visit of Chinese President would further strengten bilateral ties.

This was stated by Chairman, Board of Investment Dr. Miftah Ismail talking to Radio Pakistan. He said Solar Power, Wind Power, Coal Power, Gwadar Port and PakChina Economic Corridor projects would be signed during his visit. He said that entire nation welcomes the visit of China's President. Analyst Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema said China was time tested friend of Pakistan and this visit has vital importance.

Economist Dr. Shahid Hassan Siddiqui said, "Pak-China Economic Corridor is no more a dream rather it is a reality now. Pakistan could improve its economy with the support of China. Coal should be utilized in various projects".

He said Pak-china Economic Corridor would bring economic revolution in the country. Analyst Dr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan also said that upcoming visit of Chinese President would be very fruitful as many mega project agreements would be signed.

He said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have historic and friendly relations.

Pakistan has supported the government of Sri Lanka against Tamil Nado rebels in the past, he added.

He said Sri Lanka has vital geographical importance and China has invested above 1.5 billion dollars at Sri Lankan port. Pakistan and Sri Lanka should focus on to improve bilateral relations. Sri Lanka has also been taking interest to improve its relations with China, he added. Analyst Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal said: "Visit of Sri Lankan President to Pakistan is good news. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will work jointly for peace and prosperity of the region. "

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April 9, 2015 Thu All Day

China ready to start development work in Gwadar -- PT China ready to start development work in Gwadar

China has sought permission to start construction of industrial parks in Gwadar besides further development of the Gwadar Port, while the Balochistan government wants to supplement the development work by granting tenders for the construction of the East Expressway and a new international airport for the coastal city.

An official source said the agreements were likely to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Chinese president under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreement. China is expected to invest heavily in the proposed corridor which will act as a bridge for its Maritime Silk Route that envisages linking 3 billion population of Asia, Africa and Europe.

Both the countries have planned short- to long-term projects for the corridor under the early harvest programme. China plans to initiate development work at the Gwadar Port to enhance its capacity and construction of industrial parks, he said, adding that other projects related to energy, transport and infrastructure would be initiated in other areas of the country.

The government of Balochistan, he said, would tender for the construction of the East Expressway so that it is ready to develop business hub for the city. Chinese companies plan to launch commodity trade from the city and establishment of a commodity exchange is on the cards.

The government will also construct a new international airport at Gwadar to meet the future requirements of a bustling industrial city. The plan is to complete all this work within next two to three years, as by that time the government estimates the road linkage of Gwadar with Balochistan and Pakistan through under construction N-85 and M-8.

The source said both the federal and provincial government had unanimity that full benefit from the potential of the Gwadar Port should be utilised. Both the governments had decided that Gwadar would be on their development agenda for 2015 as it could bring a lot of foreign investment for the province as well as for the country.

The Balochistan government anticipates a sharp decline in militancy through the development work. It has sought permission from the federal government to allow import and export to Iran through Gwadar, Panjgur and Mand and from Noshki to Afghanistan. Allowing trade activity with the neighbouring countries would decline the power of insurgents to mislead the youth, the source added.

All Day

China to build IP gas pipeline: report -- PT

China will build a pipeline to bring natural gas from Iran to Pakistan to help address Pakistan’s acute energy shortage under a deal to be signed during the Chinese president’s visit to Islamabad this month, Wall Street Journal quoting Pakistani officials said Thursday.

The arrival of President Xi Jinping is expected to showcase China’s commitment to infrastructure development in ally Pakistan at a time when few other countries are willing to make major investments in the cash-strapped and terrorism-plagued country.

The pipeline would amount to an early benefit for both Pakistan and Iran from the framework agreement reached earlier this month between Tehran and the US and other world powers to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The US had previously threatened Pakistan with sanctions if it went ahead with the project.

“We’re building it,” Pakistani Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told The Wall Street Journal. “The process has started.”

In Washington, US officials said details of sanctions will be negotiated as part of a 1477

April 9, 2015 Continued Thu comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran due in June. Dubbed the “Peace Pipeline,” the project will further bolster improving ties between Pakistan and Iran, uneasy neighbours for decades as a result of Pakistan’s ties to Iran’s long-term adversaries, Saudi Arabia and the US. The pipeline will bring much-needed gas to Pakistan, which suffers from a crippling electricity deficit because of a shortage of fuel for its power-generation plants.

Pakistan has been negotiating for months behind the scenes for China to build the Pakistani portion of the pipeline, which will cost up to $2 billion.

Tehran says that its 560-mile (900-kilometer) part of the pipeline from an Iranian gas field is complete and has long pressed Pakistan to build its part of the scheme.

The prospect of an Iran nuclear agreement, which would ease sanctions in stages once the deal is completed, has given Islamabad further impetus to clear the project. Among the first sanctions to be lifted, according to the framework accord, would be the ban on Iran energy exports.

“This Iran nuclear agreement will help us in getting a few things which were coming into the way of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline to be cleared and we will move forward,” Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Noor Muhammad Jadmani, said Sunday in Tehran, according a report on IRNA, the official Iranian news agency.

Pakistan is negotiating with China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau, a subsidiary of Chinese energy giant China National Petroleum Corporation, to build 435 miles (700 kilometers) of pipeline from the western Pakistani port of Gwadar to Nawabshah in the southern province of Sindh, where it will connect to Pakistan’s existing gas-distribution pipeline network. The remaining 50 miles (80 kilometers), from Gwadar to the Iranian border, will be built by Pakistan. The pipeline, which would take two years to build, would eventually supply Pakistan with enough gas to fuel 4,500 megawatts of electricity generation – almost as much as the country’s entire current electricity shortfall.

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April 10, 2015 Fri All Day

TribuneKey decisions: ECC approves 23-year tax holiday for Gwadar Port -- Express Tribune

The government approved on Thursday a 23-year tax holiday for the China-run Gwadar Port in an attempt to make the deep-sea port a hub of commercial activities besides allowing the Arif Habib Group to invest $300 million in the United States.

The decisions were taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, which also decided that the price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) would be determined on a monthly basis like other fossil fuels without conducting public hearings.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority biannually determines gas prices, that too after holding public hearings. However, in order to fully pass on the impact of any global changes in LNG prices to end-consumers, the government has given a mandate to the regulator to determine prices on a monthly basis.

Gwadar Port On a proposal moved by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, the ECC decided to extend the tax holiday period for Gwadar Port and the Gwadar Port free zone from 20 years to 23 years.

The extension was given on the request of China Overseas Port Holding Company that took over the port from the Singapore Port Authority in February 2013.

The Gwadar Port Authority Board had also recommended 23-year tax holiday. The decision was taken to attract national and foreign investors and to enhance overall foreign direct investment in the area, said the Ministry of Finance.

The Gwadar Port is described as the most significant strategic pearl in China’s plan of expanding its influence in the region.

The industrial units to be set up in the free zone that is established over 46,000 acres will be entitled to the tax holiday.

Arif Habib’s investment The ECC also allowed Fatima Fertilizer Company to invest $300 million in Midwest Fertiliser Corporation in the US through floating international bonds of an equivalent amount.

The Ministry of Finance moved the summary for ECC’s consideration only after US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson intervened. The summary was not part of ECC’s original agenda issued on April 7.

Last month, the finance ministry had agreed, in principle, to allow the Arif Habib Group to invest in the US. However, it wanted Arif Habib, Chairman of the group, to use his influence over equity market investors in convincing them to withdraw their opposition to the tax on bonus shares, said a ministry official.

Tax break for Elengy Terminal While setting aside objections of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that did not hold any legal base, the ECC directed tax authorities to extend a five-year complete tax holiday to Engro’s Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited (ETPL).

In violation of the LNG policy, the FBR was opposing the tax holiday to the LNG terminal.

The ECC ruled that under the LNG policy, the terminal was entitled to a five-year tax holiday including exemption from the minimum 1% turnover tax.

The ECC also accepted the Ministry of Petroleum’s assertion that the Floating 1479

April 10, 2015 Continued Fri Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) should be treated as ‘plant and machinery’, thus, it was entitled to exemption from import duties.

The decision will go a long way in attracting new investments in the LNG sector and help in addressing the energy crisis, said Ashfaq Tola, a Karachi-based chartered accountant who played a pivotal role in convincing the authorities to give the LNG terminal a tax holiday.

On the issue of sales tax on the gas import pipeline and the LNG project, the ECC decided that LNG and imported gas would be treated like any other imported fuel and sales tax would be charged.

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April 12, 2015 Sun All Day

Chinese President Xi Jinping to inaugurate Gwadar projects -- The News Tribe

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattha said that several mega projects, including the Gwadar Economic Free Zone, West Bay Expressway and Gwadar airport, would be inaugurated during the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan.

Saifullah during a briefing on the Gwadar Development Authority in Gwadar said, “The Pak-China Economic Corridor Project would not bear fruit without active cooperation of the people of Gwadar.”

The mega project would directly benefit the people of Balochistan, including that of Gwadar, he said.

He said that on the instructions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, a housing scheme would be launched in Gwadar, besides development projects pertaining to education, health and water.

Chattha said the provincial government would soon hand over ownership documents to the people of Shambay Ismail area of Gwadar.

“The allotment of land in Pasni to the people who do not belong to Pasni has been cancelled,” he added.

All Day

Gwadar–Kashgar trade corridor dilemma -- The Nation Gwadar–Kashgar trade corridor dilemma

1.The vibrant Chinese economy, manifest and multifaceted, is outreaching to venture into geographical locations still somewhat remote and outlying.

One such option would be the Sea-Silk Road, announced by the Chinese President in a recent visit to the Maldives.

Another option awaiting completion would be the repose of vast potential called the Gwader – Kashgar Trade Corridor.

China is spending billions of dollars on development of her western part of the country i.e.

Kashgar / Xinjiang province which is far from her ports in the east.

China is planning to connect it with Gwadar Port being the shortest access to the sea.

2.Secondly, China wants continuous flow of oil from Africa / ME through Gwadar Port, which can be potentially blocked at the Strait of Malacca.

At the same time, China is interested to increase her influence & economic activities in the countries west of it till Europe by reviving the old Silk Route.

Being part of her futuristic economic policy and to develop Xinjiang, China is keen to develop Gwadar - Kashgar Trade Corridor incorporating road, rail, oil & gas pipelines etc.

For this, $45 billion have been announced by the Chinese Government; $33 billion for power projects and $12 2 billion for the infrastructure.

So far a meager amount of $1 billion has been allocated to Gwadar city for the few early harvest projects (EHPs), which have to be completed by 2017.

It is worth mentioning that the Government is accruing large Chinese investments in the name of Gwadar - Kashgar Trade Corridor, but unfortunately, other trade corridors/ roads infrastructure are being developed which have nothing to do with it, like power projects and roads infrastructure being developed in other provinces etc.

As a matter of fact, the government should first develop the projects directly linked with the trade corridor for which the amount is allocated.

Thereafter, other distracting projects could be dealt with later on.

In case this is disregarded, it will prove to be another Sui gas issue, in which the whole country was supplied gas but not the province producing it.

50 years later, an apology and due repressions had to be dispensed to mollify the aggrieved province.

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April 12, 2015 Continued Sun 3. The government is making the issue further controversial for not disclosing the exact alignment of the trade corridor and is reluctant to publish it.

It is pity that so far the alignment of trade corridor is not announced and neither is developmental work initiated and pursued on it.

However, the focus has been shifted on to the Lahore – Multan – Sukkur Motorway and already taken in hand.

It is an indication of the Government’s intention of developing the trade corridor through Lahore (Punjab) at the expense of the KP. The announcement of the Government that whole of Pakistan is actually the trade corridor to profess and justify its route via Lahore – Multan – Sukkur – Ratodero (Sindh), which amounts to fooling the people and other provinces.

Merely changing the name from Gwadar - Kashgar Trade Corridor to Pakistan China Trade Corridor should not alter the original route lying through Balochistan and KP. The trade corridor via Lahore – Multan – Sukkur – Ratodero - Gwadar is neither viable nor justified.

It is not cost effective in short as well as in the long run.

It will unnecessarily lengthen the route of trade corridor by hundreds of miles.

The transportation of goods from CARs / Afghanistan through Khyber Pass and from China through Khunjerab will have to come up to Hassan Abdal.

The same will move towards east to Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Then it will be transported towards south to Multan – Sukkur - Ratodero (Sindh).

From there, it will turn west to reach Gwadar, making an unnecessary long detour to reach the sea.

This in essence alludes to the ulterior motives of the Party in Power.

Not to forget, this route will be blocked for weeks due to the foggy season of Punjab during winters.

Imagine the melee of thousands of container borne vehicles left stranded on the motorway.

4. Of the many options for the route joining Gwadar with Kashgar should be based on the principle of saving time and money - the basic principle of trade & business (approximate 15pc is the cost component of transportation of the product).

Secondly it should be completed under the EHPs so that Gwadar Port is made operational and commercial activities take off in the shortest possible time.

5. The alignment of the trade corridor should not be made bone of contention by the government / provinces / political parties for their vested interests.

It will hamper the early development of the corridor else becoming a political issue like Kalabagh dam and shelving it.

It is suggested that the whole project shall be reviewed by the experts/ economists of all the provinces and then presented to NA/PM/CMs etc.

The amount and the projects shall be so distributed that every province is benefitted in short as well as in long terms along with integration & cohesion of the provinces/ country.

The corridor shall be developed in EHPs and named “National Golden Trade Corridor” or “Pak China Golden Route” because of its potential for transit trade and being used by CARs/ ECO besides China.

Keeping in view the geography of the country, urban cities/ population, the layout of River Indus and our ports, the preferred trade corridors options are: a. Western Gwadar – Turbat - Kharan – Quetta – Zhob - D I Khan/Tank - Kohat – Peshawar - CARs / China. b. Eastern Karachi – Hyderabad - Sukkur – Multan – Faisalabad /Lahore – Hassan Abdal – CARs / China.

6. The advantages of “Western” are: a. It is short, less expensive and can be developed soon as half of it is already constructed / developed. b. It will be feasible to lay parallel railway track, gas & oil pipelines etc. c.It will help in development of remote areas of Balochistan, KP and FATA which is 1482

April 12, 2015 Continued Sun deprived of prosperity, primarily due to lack of communication infrastructure. d.It will help in combating WOT/ extremists/ separatists by having job opportunities for the unemployed youth of the area at their door step. e. It will help in transportation of raw material from the mineral rich areas of Balochistan and KP to Gwadar in shortest span of time. f.It gives shortest access of Gwadar Port to all the trade corridors generating from China, CARs and ECO. g.It is shorter route than the Iranian routes to reach out to CARs / ECO and Western China. h. It will shed away the negative propaganda of victimisation of smaller provinces by the establishment / big province. i.It will be cheap and easy to purchase land of undeveloped area of Balochistan & KP for the trade corridor as compared to the agricultural land of Punjab / Sindh. j. Balochistan & KP will get the transit fee of oil & gas pipelines and taxes being applied on the transport from time to time. k.From defense point of view it is safe from our arch enemy India who can sever the road at Rahim Yar Khan Sector (Option 2 – Eastern), thus dividing the country into two parts.

7.Both the corridors shall be linked through lateral arteries at appropriate places for shifting / transportation of the goods from one city / destination to another.

There will be need for more trade corridors due to enhanced economic activities on each corridor provided we have prudent economic policy.

The same shall be developed as and when required but the government shall plan the trade corridors in totality.

Besides China we have viable and centuries old trade corridors (via Torkham, Ghulam Khan & Chaman) with CARs through Afghanistan.

We can also have a Trade Corridor with ECO i.e.via Iran – Turkey to reach out to Europe.

Our Trade Corridors can act as a conduit between Asia & Europe, between Asia & Africa, between Asia & ME, between South Asia & Central Asia and between developed countries & Central Asia.

Russia must be encouraged to use our trade corridors via CARs for her round the year trade with the world.

The US can have an economic policy for CARs/ECO using our trade corridors which will be mutually beneficial.

Even US & Russia can help us in developing trade corridors with CARs/EC

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April 14, 2015 Tue All Day

Eastern corridor route: Pakistan, China to sign infrastructure financing deals -- Express Tribune

Pakistan and China will sign multibillion-dollar infrastructure financing agreements during the long-awaited visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to make the eastern corridor route operational, which may put controversy over alignment of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor to rest.

Both countries will sign a government-to-government infrastructure framework agreement to initiate work on four projects besides separately signing their financing agreements.

The four projects will have to be completed to make the existing alignment along eastern parts of the country operational as a ‘stopgap arrangement’, said authorities in the Ministry of Planning and Development.

These projects are along the eastern corridor linking Thakot in the north to the Gwadar Port.

The officials said there were many missing links in the existing alignment that have to be bridged by the end of next year to make the Gwadar Port operational under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Under the programme, China wants to develop its under-developed western parts and will also have access to strategically located deep-sea Gwadar Port to secure commercial sea lines.

During the Chinese president’s visit, which is expected to begin from Monday, the financing agreements will be signed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and China’s commerce and trade minister. Dar will cut short his Washington visit and reach Islamabad on April 19.

The Chinese president’s visit will also play a critical role in restoring the regional power balance that foreign policy experts say has tilted in favour of India after President Barack Obama’s trip to New Delhi.

In the short term, both the countries have agreed to make the eastern route operational, which is easy to build besides being the safest among the three alignments. All of them are planned to be made operational in the next 15 years.

They said there will be multiple nodes on the corridor, which will connect all the provinces.

Eastern line The alignment has now been agreed with the starting point at Kashgar China and Khunjerab Pakistan. It will pass through Thakot-Mansehra-Islamabad-Lahore and Multan.

From Multan, the route will be linked to Hyderabad through Rohri and Dadu. The Hyderabad-Karachi portion will be linked through M-9. Karachi then will be linked to Gwadar through N-10 East Bay Express Way along the coastal line.

The framework agreement will ensure concessionary Chinese financing to make the eastern corridor fully operational.

Under the corridor, 487km Karakoram Highway Phase-II will be constructed from Raikot-Sazin-Thakot-Mansehra to Islamabad at a cost of $3.5 billion. During the visit, an agreement will be signed for roughly $1 billion concessionary financing for constructing 120 km of the 487km road.

The financing agreement will also cover the 387km Multan-Sukkur route to be constructed at a cost of $2.6 billion. China will give a 90% concessionary loan.

The East Bay Express Way costing $148 million will be part of the framework 1484

April 14, 2015 Continued Tue agreement, the officials added. Financing for the New Gwadar International Airport is also part of the broader agreement.

At Sukkur, the corridor is divided into two categories. The one along the eastern line will lead to Karachi and connect Gwadar through the coastal highway.

The second one will go through the centre of the country via Dera Allahyar to Khuzdar and touch the western route.

The western line passes through some restive areas of Balochistan. The officials said the western corridor was part of a long-term plan that was under process and will be completed by 2030.

There has been opposition to the eastern corridor by some political forces and the government is trying to overcome these challenges, said the officials. “The opponents of the fate-changing project like CPEC are the enemies of Pakistan,� said Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

He said the country has to learn from Chinese development experience and stop politicising mega development projects through political statements.

The officials said the CPEC will equally benefit all the provinces. In KhyberPakhtunkhwa, an 802km road and rail network will be constructed. In Balochistan, a 3,366km road and rail network will be constructed as well.

The $130-million breakwater construction at the Gwadar Port and $28 million for dredging of berthing areas and channels at the port are part of the package to be signed by both the sides.

China will also fund infrastructure development at the Gwadar export processing zone, necessary facilities for fresh water treatment at Gwadar and upgradation of the Gwadar Hospital.

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April 15, 2015 Wed All Day

China gets operation rights at Gwadar port for 40 years -- The Nation

Beijing: China has been granted operation rights for 40 years at a port in Gwadar, a strategic deep-water seaport in Pakistan, Hong Kong-based Pheonix TV reported.

Infrastructure construction is nearly complete and the port could be put into full use by the end of the year, Dostain Khan Jamaldini, chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority, was quoted as saying. It could serve as a vital economic hub linking China and Pakistan, he said.

Gwadar, on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan's western province of Baluchistan, occupies a strategic location between South and Central Asia and the Middle East, being situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, gateway for about 20 per cent of the world's oil.

It is also the end of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which runs about 3,000 kilometers from Gwadar to the northwestern Chinese city of Kashgar, an important part of the ancient Silk Road linking China with Eurasia and Africa.

Oil from the Middle East could be offloaded at Gwadar and transported to China through the corridor, cutting the current 12,000 km journey to 2,395 km.

The TV station quoted Riaz Mohammad Khan, advisory board member of the Centre for International Strategic Studies as saying: "The port will turn the tables it will really benefit Pakistan and China."

The economic corridor is an under-construction development connecting Gwadar to China's Xinjiang via roads, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas. It will act as a bridge for the new Maritime Silk Route that envisages linking 3 billion people in Asia, Africa and Europe, part of a trans-Eurasian project proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013.

"Oil from the region to China will be facilitated," said Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in 2013 when China was given the contract to operate the port. Gwadar would become a hub of trade and commerce in the region, bringing together the countries of Central Asia and lending new impetus to Pakistan-China relations, he said.

China is expected to invest $1.62 billion in the Gwadar project, including construction of an eastern expressway linking the harbor and coastline, an international airport, breakwater and nine other projects expected to be complete in three to five years.

Gwadar will soon start building a container terminal measuring 1,200 metres and a 300-metre-long cargo terminal, that can harbor four berths.

When fully operational, Gwadar will promote the economic development of Pakistan and become a gateway for Central Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, linking Sri Lanka, Iran and Xinjiang to undertake marine transport.

1486

April 16, 2015 Thu All Day

Gwadar to become trade point for many shipping routes in region -- The Shipping News

With its sparkling blue waters, Gwadar is set to become a vital trading point as it connects many shipping routes hence Pakistan and China are keen to turn it into a symbol of their expanding cooperation in future.

The coming visit of the Chinese president XI Jinping next week will be an occasion when the two friendly countries are expected to give it a further fillip in boosting their economic and cultural cooperation.

“The Chinese government has declared Gwadar a crucial trade point for ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which has great potential to turn Pakistan into a hub of regional cooperation and enhance its regional power, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Dostain Khan Jamaldini said.

Several projects including Gwadar Economic Free Zone, Gwadar International Airport and West Bay Expressway would change the destiny of the people of the country, he said.

Gwadar is a port city of Balochistan, located at the mouth of Persian Gulf and outside the Straits of Hormus. It is near to the key shipping routes used by the mainline vessels in the region with connections to Africa, Asia and Europe and enjoys high commercial and strategic significance.

GPA chief said that Gwadar Economic Free Zone would be the first ever social economic zone that will help reap the mammoth economic benefits for Pakistan.

GPA Chairman noted that, “We have arranged several meetings of foreign entrepreneurs with Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Quetta Chamber of Commerce to engage our business community with the foreign businessmen to reap maximum benefits.

He said many Chinese companies have agreed to sign MOUs with Balochistan’s trader to improve the bilateral trade. Gwadar port is set to be handed over to Chinese company soon which has shown willingness to make it fully operational, he informed.

Gwadar Port is a gateway of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a mega project which would connect southern Pakistan to China’s Northwest region of Xinjiang via highways and Railways.

The economic Corridor will run about 3000 km from Gwadar (Pakistan) to Kashghar (China) with estimated cost of $ 45 billion.

The CPEC project would serve as primary gate way for trade between China and the Middle East and Africa.

“China our time- tested friend and trade partner wanted outlets for its trade to rest of the world through Pakistan,” Balochistan Minister for Planning and Development Doctor Hamid Achakzai said.

“CPEC playing its vital role in regional integration would serve as a driver for connectivity between South Asia and East Asia,” he said adding China was offered several outlets to expand its trade to Afghanistan and Middle East.

“This is the era of trade as we encourage traders of Balochistan to get benefit of the Gwadar Port as economic free zone, international Airport and West Bay Expressway are shortly being inaugurated,” Mr Hamid said.

Significance of Gwadar in carrying out the CPEC project increases manifold as China plans to build oil storage facility and a refinery at Gwadar, with oil transported to its Xingjiang Uighur region via road and pipelines.

This will help China move energy and goods to inland China without going through the Strait of Malacca, which could be blocked by the US or India.

“CPEC is equally important for the people of Pakistan mainly for dwellers of Gwadar,” Behram Baloch, a local journalist said. “Corridor project is one of the massive uplift projects of Pakistan that will give boost to the economic growth”.

Behram said, “Some international forces don’t want success of the CPEC project and all political parties should be taken on board to make the project a success”.

Besides CPEC project, Chinese government also plans 21st century Maritime Silk Road, and One Belt One Road projects which would have transformative impact on Pakistan’s economy and lifestyle of an ordinary man in the country.

Member of Chamber of Small Industries and commerce and President Gem and Jewelers and Merchant Association, Ramzan Dehwar called for engaging business community of Balochistan in Gwadar giving them international exposure.

“Ports are considered vital sources of economic growth in the world and we have to realize the essence of maritime economics. The connectivity which Gwadar enjoys 1487

April 16, 2015 Continued Thu has even not blessed to Dubai and Singapore,� he said and emphasized the need to implement Master Plan of Gwadar in letter and spirit.

Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)

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April 17, 2015 Fri All Day

Pak, China strategic partnership to go beyond usual limits -- BR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are enjoying strategic partnership that would continue to grow with time, especially in the wake of huge investment in various sectors expected to pour in after the visit of Chinese president next week.

China and Pakistan's strategic partnership has transcended the changes of time and domestic politics and served as an example of very strong state-to-state relations.

China is making sincere efforts for improvement of infrastructure in Pakistan through investing in different areas that would help improve the life of the people. It has also started real investment on mega projects which are important for the bilaterial ties and drastic improvement of the socio-economic status of the people of Pakistan.

In the last couple of years, Pakistan had consolidated its strategic partnership with China and as time-tested and all-weather relationship with China has been transformed into a strong strategic partnership, with focus on trade, investment, energy infrastructure and connectivity and counter-terrorism cooperation.

China, which already helped in the construction of Karakoram Highway is also working to upgrade it as part of a proposed economic corridor between the two countries.

China had already took control of Pakistan's Gwadar port, that had provided it access to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world's traded oil.

Pakistan plans to establish industrial parks and economic zones along the proposed Kashgar-Gwadar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that will also be helpful in bringing revolution in the region to increase the status of China in the area.

The new trade corridor will provide Chinese traders a link to deliver their goods to the international markets through the Gwadar Port. The economic corridor is being developed as part of a strategic partnership between the governments of China and Pakistan.

The proposed sites of freight terminals and industrial parks included Sust, Gilgit, Abbotabad, Lorala, Kohlu, D.G. Khan, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kashmore, Jaccobabad, Khuzdar, Basima, Punjgur, Turbat and Gwadar.

Like the previous Pakistani leaders, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is also giving top priority to improve ties with China and engaging leading Chinese companies for the improvement of various sectors in Pakistan.

Nawaz Sharif who conducted his first visit to China after assuming office of the Prime Minister and established a China Cell at the Prime Minister Secretariat to follow up and expedite the projects being signed with China.

During the latest visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China, the two countries signed different agreements to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.

The two countries had also agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of maritime security, search & rescue and disaster relief at sea, combating piracy, maritime scientific research and environmental protection that will further cement the bilateral ties in the context of regional strategic ties.

Nawaz has urged Chinese investors to invest in Pakistan, particularly in the energy sector to resolve energy crisis.

Chinese consider Pakistan as a safe haven for Chinese investment, therefore, China-Pakistan's trade and economic cooperation has seen good progress in past many years.

Pakistan and China are also working to increase their bilateral trade to $20 billion from the present figure of $12 billion within next couple of years. These projects will increase the strategic value of China in the region and allow China to play even more effective role in its development and prosperity. The most important linkage will be linking Pakistan's Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea with Kashghar in Xinjiang province in Northwest of China.

Over the years, China and Pakistan have insisted on mutual respects and trust for each other in exchanges and cooperation and provided timely help and valuable assistance to each other at critical moments, which has left many touching stories.

China has always supported Pakistan's efforts to safeguard her independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity with practical, sincere and selfless actions to help Pakistan steer out crisis situations.

Relying upon good and strong relations with Pakistan, China is opening up its 1489

April 17, 2015 Continued Fri Western part for economic progress and the province of Xinjiang would be a critical link of cooperation with Pakistan.

Pakistan-China friendship at all levels, including government to government, people to people, youth to youth, politicians to politicians are very strong and exemplary.

Pak-China friendship is unique and state-to-state relations are very strong and these could be used for ensuring everlasting peace in the region.

Besides Pakistan's support to China's core interests of Tibet and Taiwan remains unwavering, mutual collaboration in regional forums like SCO, CICA and Heart of Asia has stepped up in these recent years.

China is poised to offer investments and loans to the tune of $ 35 billion for energy and other infrastructure projects over the next 8-10 years.

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April 18, 2015 Sat All Day

Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline deal to be signed during Xi’s visit -Pakistan Today

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that Pakistan will sign the agreement with a Chinese company to build gas pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah which is the main part of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

President of China Xi Jinping will pay a two-day visit to Pakistan from Monday (April 20-21).

Talking to Iran’s state news agency, the minister said the gas pipeline project would cost about 3 billion dollars and will be built by CPPB (China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau), a part of CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation).

According to the minister the building of the pipeline would start shortly after both sides sign the agreement and the project will be completed in 30 months. He added that Pakistani side was insisting on completing the project as soon as possible.

The pipeline project from Gwadar-Nawabshah is over 700 kilometers.

The minister went on to say that the pipeline from Gwadar to Iran border (about 80 km) will be built by two Pakistani companies SNGPL (Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited) and SSGC (Sui Southern Gas Company) and it will be completed before Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline.

The deadline for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline agreement expired on December 31, 2104. Iran has almost completed its portion of the project but Pakistani side has yet to begin the construction of the pipeline on its territory.

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Pakistan has to keep pace with China on economic corridor: Iqbal -Dawn Pakistan has to keep pace with China on economic corridor: Iqbal

Ahsan Iqbal said a major chunk of $35-37bn was purely Chinese investment in IPPs (independent power projects) mode. Pakistan will purchase electricity from these projects, while the remaining $8-9bn will be Chinese concessional loans for infrastructure development like roads, ports and railways. -APP/File Ahsan Iqbal said a major chunk of $35-37bn was purely Chinese investment in IPPs (independent power projects) mode. Pakistan will purchase electricity from these projects, while the remaining $8-9bn will be Chinese concessional loans for infrastructure development like roads, ports and railways. -APP/File ISLAMABAD: With Pakistan and China expected to sign agreements worth $50 billion during the forthcoming visit of President Xi Jinping, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said Islamabad will have to move with Beijing’s pace on operationalising the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); otherwise China could choose some other route and engage some other partner.

Mr Iqbal, who is steering the multi-billion dollar programme with the National Development and Reform Commission of China, was speaking at a seminar on the CPEC here on Friday.

“It is Pakistan’s responsibility to complete the Khunjerab-Gwadar route at a pace that can supplement China’s economic priorities attached to the CPEC,” he said. “It is the shortest but not the only supply chain available to China.”

The foreign ministry has said President Xi will visit Pakistan on April 20-21 at the invitation of the president and the prime minister. This will be his first foreign visit this year.

According to an official, the CPEC was originally estimated at about $45 billion but the size was revised to $50bn because of addition of some projects and cost escalations.

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April 18, 2015 Continued Sat Ahsan Iqbal said a major chunk of $35-37bn was purely Chinese investment in IPPs (independent power projects) mode. Pakistan will purchase electricity from these projects, while the remaining $8-9bn will be Chinese concessional loans for infrastructure development like roads, ports and railways.

He said that although final terms and conditions were yet to be agreed upon, interest rate on the loans would be the lowest in the international market. He said the Chinese government would provide subsidy to its banks while awarding contracts to its companies for these projects. $50bn agreements likely during Chinese president’s visit Answering a question, the minister said the army would raise a special force for the security of Chinese workers to be engaged in various projects under the CPEC. He said all major political parties had promised to extend their full support to the China-Pakistan economic cooperation at a recent meeting presided over by the prime minister. He said Pakistan needed continuity of policies, political cohesion and stability and peace in the country to complete the projects at a fast pace.

In a presentation, a senior official of the planning and development ministry said the two sides would sign government-to-government infrastructure deals of over $4bn.

About $10.5bn commercial deals will be signed in the energy sector for 7,250MW power generation.

The Chinese president will perform the groundbreaking of about 10 projects. These include $44 million cross-border fibre optic data communication system project between Khunjerab and Islamabad, digital terrestrial multimedia broadcast pilot project in Muree, $1.4bn Orange Line Mass Transit for Lahore, Cultural Centre in Islamabad, a small and medium hydro research centre, Pak-China FM-98 channel, 720MW Karot hydropower project, 200MW wind power projects and 900MW Zonergy solar power project in Bahawalpur.

The two sides will sign an inter-governmental framework agreement for construction of Karachi-Lahore motorway’s Multan-Sukkur section at a cost of about $2.6bn, Karakoram Highway Phase-II’s Thakot-Havelian section ($920m), Gwadar east-bay expressway ($230m) and Gwadar international airport ($140m). The finance ministry will sign financing agreements of the four key projects which will make the eastern route operational.

A framework agreement for financing development of industrial parks will also be signed. The State Oceanic Administration of China and Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology will sign a protocol on the establishment of China-Pakistan Joint Maritime Research Centre.

A land lease deed for Gwadar port and Gwadar free zone will be signed between China Overseas Port Holding Company and Gwadar Port Authority. A joint feasibility study for upgradation of the main railway line and a framework agreement on Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG terminal and pipeline will also be signed.

China will extend commercial loans for executing 7,250MW projects, in addition to two coalmining projects in Thar. An agreement will be signed between Thar Power Company and a Chinese company for building two coal-fired power plants of 660MW at a cost of $900m.

Sino-Sindh Resources Limited will sign a $900m coalmining project at Thar Block-II and $1.9bn Thar coal power projects of 1,200MW. Nishat Group will sign 1,320MW coal-based power projects to be set up in Rahimyar Khan. Agreements for setting up two 1,320MW power projects in Muzaffargarh will also be signed.

Shandong Ruyi Group and Huaneng Shandong Power Generation Company will sign agreements for setting up 1,320MW coal-based power plants in Sahiwal at a cost of $1.6bn and 870MW hydropower project in Suki Kenari with $1.8bn to be sponsored by China Gezhouba Group.

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April 18, 2015 Continued Sat The Foreign Office said the Chinese president would be accompanied by a large delegation, including First Lady Madam Peng Liyuan, senior ministers, functionaries of the Communist Party, government officials and chief executives of business houses.

The government will confer on President Xi the country’s highest civil award, Nishan-i-Pakistan, at a special ceremony to be held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.

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Pakistan, China celebrating 64 years of friendship -- ARY

Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015 is set to mark a new record in PakChina friendship (Web Desk) -- Pakistan-China friendship is regarded as one of the great examples of long-lasting alliances in world history. People have compared the strong bond between the two countries to be deeper than oceans, higher than the Himalayas and ‘sweeter than honey’.

The friendship which is now 64 years old has broken boundaries and barriers beyond the conventional diplomatic relationships.

A cursory glance at the history of association between two countries will give an insight as to how the friendship progressed from its early years of infancy: In 1949, China emerged on the world map as a country under its revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. Pakistan was the third country worldwide and the first country in the Islamic world to recognize China.

1951 saw the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Many years have passed since and the relationship has grown by leaps and bounds.

The first high-level diplomatic encounter between heads of two states came amidst the year 1955, when Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai met Pakistani counterpart Muhammad Ali Bogra in a conference at Indonesia.

In October 1956, Pakistani Prime Minister Hussain Shaheed Suharwardi went to China on the invitation of Zhou Enlai. In December 1956, the Chinese Prime Minister reciprocated the gesture and came to Pakistan first time, in what is regarded as a milestone in Pakistan-China friendship.

In 1963, the two countries signed on the first trade agreement. In the same year, the two countries solved a territorial dispute with relative ease owing to the mutual goodwill between the two countries.

In 1964, Zhou Enlai visited Pakistan on a second tour while President Ayub Khan also visited China.

In 1972, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited China in a historical tour which set unprecedented heights in Pak-China relationship.

In 1980 Zia ul Haq went to China, Benazir Bhutto visited China in 1989 and 1995 while Nawaz Sharif also toured China upon assuming the position of Prime Minister.

Chinese Prime Minister Jiang Zemin came to Pakistan in 1996 to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

2001 saw Chinese Prime Minster Zhu Rongji visit Pakistan as well.

Former President Pervaiz Musharraf visited China 8 times during his 11 year tenure.

Asif Ali Zardari visited China 7 times while former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani visted the neigbouring country 4 times during Pakistan People s Party tenure 1493

April 18, 2015 Continued Sat in the government.

During PPP’s stint at the top, the visits of President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao are accorded significant historical importance.

And now in 2015, the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping is being considered as a stepping stone to bringing the Pak-China relationship to an all-time high.

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Pakistan, China to sign 69 accords of over $46 bn -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are going to sign around 69 deliverable projects of different stages having an estimated cost of over $46 billion for energy, infrastructure, Gwadar development and telecom cooperation during the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Islamabad.

Prior to the Chinese president’s arrival in Islamabad, JinQi, head of board of directors, Silk Road Infrastructure Investment Fund, having a portfolio of $40 billion, will also reach Pakistan to find ways and means to provide finances for the muchhyped Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC), a top official of the government told ‘The News’ in a background interview here on Friday. The head of China Development Bank will also arrive in Islamabad to sign financing deals under the CPEC initiatives.

Regarding different stages of around 69 projects under the CPEC, there will be five projects where ground breaking ceremonies will be performed, eight projects where inauguration will be done and for the remaining 56 projects, agreements will be signed during the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan, scheduled to start from the coming Monday.

The total portfolio under CPEC might cross $50 billion mark because some new projects would be inserted into it and one such example was the development of infrastructure for the imported LNG. China has agreed to make the LNG infrastructure a part of CPEC and work on finding out the exact cost was underway.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan and China would accord formal framework during the upcoming visit of Chinese president under the CPEC for 2014 to 2030 by incorporating projects of short term, medium term and long term basis. “Instead of creating suspicion, Pakistanis should be thankful to China for making huge investments in our country,” the minister said while addressing a conference titled China’s Development Experience and PakChina Economic Corridor (CPEC) here at the P-Block Auditorium on Friday.

The minister said that Pakistan would double its energy generation capacity over the next 10 years as with the Chinese help the government would develop 10 projects at Thar to generate 610MW from each and Gwadar Port would be developed in accordance with international standards.

He also said that the CPEC intended to ensure connectivity of three billion people by bridging between South Asia and Central Asia and Pakistan would become a centre of economic activities.

In return, the minister said, Beijing also expected that Islamabad would help integrate industrial and economic activities of the western China with regional countries and globally.

China, he said, would invest $35 to $37 billion for energy projects in the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) mode where investors would produce electricity and the government would buy the produced power. “China will not provide loans for the energy sector but they will invest here in Pakistan,” he added.

The remaining portfolio of total committed amount of $46 billion will be provided loans on concession, he said and added that infrastructure projects would be executed through bankable feasibilities.

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April 18, 2015 Continued Sat “China will provide concessionary loans for infrastructure projects,” he said and added that these loans would be paid back during the next 15 to 20 years’ period.Pakistan, the minister said, would have to match its efforts with the Chinese side or Beijing also possessed some alternative routes to develop its western part.

“We will have to ensure political stability and continuity of policies in Pakistan in order to match with the Chinese efforts in order to make CPEC a success,” he made it clear and warned that if this opportunity was missed out, China would start considering alternative routes for developing its western part.

- See more at: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-37061-PakistanChina-to-sign-69-accords-of-over-$46-bn#sthash.1FAl1ffM.dpuf

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April 19, 2015 Sun All Day

China wants to see Pakistan stand on its feet: Ahsan Iqbal -- Dunya News

ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday said that Pakistan-China friendship is everlasting and China wants to see Pakistan to stand on its own feet. He said every Pakistani is excited for Chinese president’s arrival.

Talking to the media, Ahsan Iqbal said that the journey of Pak-China friendship has advanced in every era and every government tried to further ties.

He said all Pakistani governments have agreed to stabilize relations with China but Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave a whole new angle to the friendship.

Ahsan Iqbal said the government is transforming Pak-China friendship into a strong partnership. He said Pakistan will curb energy crisis with China’s help, adding that coal energy projects to generate up to 6000 megawatts of electricity will be deployed.

The federal minister said that other energy projects will be from all sources including coal, water, solar and wind. He said these projects will help fulfill Pakistan’s energy needs.

He said the projects will begin in next three to four years. He said that attention is also being given to the Karakorum Highway project, adding that its upgradation will be completed in two stages.

Ahsan Iqbal said that projects to increase functioning capacity of Gwadar port will also be initiated whereas the process on industrial cooperation projects is also ongoing.

He said that Pak-China economic corridor is not just a road but the vision of Silk Route will start a new dimension to the friendship between both countries.

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Copper-and-gold project: ‘Balochistan MPAs to decide Reko Diq future’ QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly will decide the future of the Reko Diq copper-and-gold project, said Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Saturday. “I shall provide all the docume -- APP QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly will decide the future of the Reko Diq copperand-gold project, said Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on Saturday.

“I shall provide all the documents of the project to every member,” he said during the assembly session. He rejected all claims that the government had struck a deal with any company on the project.

Participating in a debate on the Kashgar-Gwadar project, CM Malik said Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal will be visiting Quetta on May 5 and the issue will be discussed then.

An adjournment motion was tabled by Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party MPA Nasrullah Zehri and Deputy Opposition Leader Zamruk Khan Achakzai.

They said the Kashgar-Gwadar route is being altered and diverted to Punjab, bypassing the local Pashtun and Baloch areas. “The federal government has not properly guided the provincial government.”

CM Malik said that when the federal minister visits Balochistan, all the MPAs will be taken into confidence on the meeting with him. He assured the house that the route of the economic corridor would not be changed.

He said the parliamentarians will also be taken into confidence on the Reko Diq issue, adding that he would bring all the documents to the assembly, which would decide the future course of action.

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April 19, 2015 Continued Sun Gwadar land issues The chief executive also asked Speaker Jan Muhammad Jamali to fix a date for a debate on the land allotment issues of Gwadar, adding that they would provide evidence to the MPAs as to what they are really doing on the Gwadar issue. “We shall compare our performance with the previous government’s.”

Malik asked the speaker to invite the MPAs of Gwadar and the opposition members to discuss the issue of Gwadar land allotment and their sale on throw-away prices.

The speaker scheduled the debate for May 2.

Killa Saifullah deaths The MPAs voiced grief over the death of five children in Killa Saifullah. They apparently died after being vaccinated for measles. The MPAs expressed mistrust in the investigating committee formed by the health minister.

Responding to the demand, CM Malik said the issue is technical. “We shall send the children’s samples to the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi and to the Islamabad laboratory. Doctors can provide a more valid report.”

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CPEC, Gwadar Port high on agenda of Xi’s visit to Pakistan -- Pakistan Today

Chinese President Xi Jinping will start a state visit to Pakistan on Monday, his first trip to the South Asian country since he assumed presidency in 2013.

During the visit, China and Pakistan will sign deals on a wide range of issues, from energy and infrastructure to education and culture, which will inject fresh and powerful impetus into the deepening of the China-Pakistan friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

And high on Xi’s agenda would be talks over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is planned to connect Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the south-western Pakistani port of Gwadar, Xinhua reported.

VITAL ENERGY LINK: GwadarPort, a warm-water, deep-sea port, is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf at Gwadar in the province of Baloschistan of Pakistan.

Just outside the Strait of Hormuz, the port is adjacent to the key oil routes in and out of the Persian Gulf. It is also the nearest warm-water seaport to the landlocked, but energy rich, Central Asian republics.

During Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Pakistan in May 2013, the two countries agreed to build an economic corridor connecting the Pakistani port to China’s Kashgar city in Xinjiang. The CPEC will shorten China’s routes of oil and gas imports from Africa and the Middle East for thousands of kilometres, making Gwadar a potentially vital link in China’s supply chain.

Khalid Mahmood, president of the Islamabad Council of World Affairs, said: “It can help China get connected with the Gulf region, Africa, Europe and other parts of the world in an easier way and in a shorter time. Meanwhile, for Pakistan, there will be more business and trade activities in the region. Pakistan will also become the centre of energy transmission from the Gulf,” Mahmood said.

COOPERATIONBEYONDPORT China has implemented large-scale cooperation projects with Pakistan on electricity and new energy and has promoted the management of the port of Gwadar.

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April 19, 2015 Continued Sun Syed Iftikhar Hussain Babar, secretary of the Pakistan Board of Investment, estimated that China’s investment in Gwadar Port, including highways connecting the port and eastern coastline of the port, bulwarks of the port, anchorage dredging, a free trade zone and the new Gwadar international airport, would all be completed in three to five years.

Moreover, the CPEC project is not confined to the GwadarPort infrastructure construction. China is also aiming to upgrade the 1,300-km Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international road in the world, which connects China and Pakistan across the KarakoramMountains.

In addition to road and railway construction, the project also includes energy cooperation and investment programs. Xi’s upcoming visit to Pakistan will lift the project to a new level, as China and Pakistan will sign extensive deals on energy, infrastructure, education and culture.

REGIONAL BENEFITS This vision of the CPEC, once realised, will have great strategic significance for the development of China, South Asia and Central Asia as well as for peace and stability in the region.

For China, the project with Pakistan links China’s strategy to develop its western region with Pakistan’s focus on boosting its economy, Ma Jiali, researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International relations, told Xinhua.

The construction of the economic corridor will also help improve the security situation in the poverty-ridden province of Baloschistan of Pakistan, which is in the front line of the anti-terrorist war. Moreover, when GwadarPort is completed, it will become a crucial port for landlocked Central Asian countries, such as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and a transfer centre of those countries’ cargo transportation to countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and other destinations.

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April 20, 2015 Mon All Day

Grand scheme: Govt to spend Rs26b on Gwadar airport upgrade -- The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The federal ports and shipping minister has said the government will soon upgrade the Gwadar airport to international standards.

Talking to the media in Islamabad on Sunday ahead of the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan, Kamran Michael said that Rs26 billion have been set aside for the project, which will be inaugurated soon.

He said the Gwadar port was a key project for Pakistan and would have significant impact on the economic development of the country. “This port is the deepest of all ports in the Persian Bay, Arabian Sea and the ports in the Bay of Bengal.”

The deep-sea port at Gwadar is at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. It has been operational with three berths, each having a length of 200 metres.

Michael said in the light of an agreement signed in 2013 with the Chinese, the operational matters at the port were handed over to China, which would handle the port in consultation with Gwadar Port Authority.

He added the government was also working on a project of “East Bay Expressway” – a road network connecting the Gwadar port with other cities.

“This road may be called the main artery of the Gwadar port, as entire traffic and commercial operations will be carried through this network,” he said. “This will help the investors for easy access to the free trade zone.”

The minister claimed the port authorities had acquired 2,281 acres land for building roads, as the port was the gateway to China and the progress of the country and the region was related to it.

With Chinese President Xi Jinping coming to Pakistan today, the port would be high on his agenda in talks over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which would connect Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang region to Gwadar.

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Pak-China cooperation touching new heights: Zafar Ali Shah -- BR

All Day

Pak-China ties: Worlds’ largest bank to open branches in Punjab -Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Former Senator Syed Zafar Ali Shah has said that China's cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields reached new heights.

Talking to a private news channel, the former senator said that Pakistan has also served as a bridge between China and other Muslim countries.

He said strong relations with China were a centre of Pakistan's foreign policy.

He said that China heavily invested in different fields especially infrastructure development projects as well as Gwadar Port.

He said both the countries were also enjoying a free trade agreement.

The world’s largest bank, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), will open its branches in the Punjab. The first branch of the bank will be opened in Lahore.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed between the Punjab government and the ICBC administration on Sunday. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and ICBC chairman Jiang Jianqing were present at the event.

According to the MoU, the bank will bring Chinese investment to the province and manage financial investment from other countries where it has strong presence.

The bank will also provide financial advisory to the government. It will provide technical cooperation to the government in automobile, agriculture and several 1499

April 20, 2015 Continued Mon other sectors. It has assets of $3.062 trillion.

The ICBC will provide consultative services to the Punjab government in foreign investment sector.

Welcoming the agreement, the chief minister said that the pact would play a key role in the promotion of investment in the province. “A new era of Pakistan-China friendship is going to start,” he said. Jianqing said that the bank was ready to play the role of a financial advisor for investments in Pakistan.

Chinese experts meet CM Heads of Chinese investment companies and experts in energy, infrastructure, transport and other sectors also met Sharif on Sunday. Promotion of cooperation in various sectors including energy and investment was discussed at the meeting.

Talking to Chinese investors, Sharif said that the Chinese announcement of investing $46 billion in Pakistan was historic. “There is no other example of such extraordinary investment in the history of the country. Historic agreements will be signed during the visit of Chinese president to Pakistan. These include energy sector projects costing $20 billion. After the completion of energy projects by the end of 2017, 10,400 megawatts of electricity will be added to the system,” he said.

The chief minister said that projects for generating 2,500 megawatts of electricity were being carried out in the Punjab.

Up-grade of transmission lines An agreement regarding up-grade of transmission lines of Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park was signed between the National Transmission and Distribution Company (NTDC) and a Chinese company on Sunday. The chief minister was present on the occasion.

Separately, a high-level delegation of Global Mining Company and Shanghai Electric Corporation China called on the chief minister.

The chief minister said that that Pakistanis would remember the extraordinary cooperation and role of China in resolving the energy crisis.

“The upcoming visit of the Chinese president will open up a new era of development and prosperity in Pakistan,” he said. The chief minister said that coal-based power plants were being set-up in Sahiwal that would generate 1,320 megawatts of electricity.

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Pakistan, China ink 51 MoUs -- BR

Pakistan, China ink 51 MoUs, Agreements include energy, infrastructure, security, economic development ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China on Monday decided to lift bilateral ties to allweather strategic partnership of cooperation, hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here for his first state visit.

During the delegation-level talks held at the PM House, President Xi and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif agreed to bring their relation to a new height.

According to the Chinese sources, they agreed for the up-gradation of bilateral relations in all fields of common interest. They decided to gear up for an expansion of cooperation in various fields, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor high on the agenda.

The corridor is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking southwest Pakistan's deepwater Gwadar Port with northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

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April 20, 2015 Continued Mon At least 51 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in different sectors, including energy, infrastructure, security and economic development were signed between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing ceremony held at the PM Office. Both the countries signed the MoUs on the joint statement between China and Pakistan on establishing the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Both the sides also exchanged notes of feasibility study of the demonstration project of the DTMB between both the governments. The exchange of notes on provision of anti-narcotics equipment, law enforcement equipment and feasibility study of Gwadar Hospital, was also made between both the countries.

Pakistan and China also signed MoUs on provision of Chinese governmental concessional loan for second phase upgradation of Karakorum Highway (Havelian to Thakot), Karachi-Lahore Motorway (Multan to Sukkur), Gwadar Port East Bay Expressway Project and Gwadar International Airport. The MoUs have been signed between China's Ministry of Commerce and Pakistan's Ministry of Finance.

Both the countries also signed protocol on banking services to agreement on trade in services between the two countries and MoU on provision of Material for Tackling Climate Change between National Development and Reform Commission of China and Pakistan Ministry of Finance. A framework agreement was signed on cooperation on major communications infrastructure project between both the countries.

Pakistan and China also signed MoUs on cooperation between NDRC of China and Pakistan's Ministry of Planning, on pro bono projects in the port of Gwadar region, establishment of China-Pakistan Joint Cotton Bio-Tech Laboratory, and framework agreement between the National Railway Administration of China and the Railways Ministry of Pakistan on joint feasibility study for upgradation of ML1 and Establishment of Havelain Dry Port of Pakistan Railways.

A protocol was also signed on the establishment of China-Pakistan Joint Marine Research Centre between State Oceanic Administration of China and Pakistan's Ministry of Science and Technology. Both the countries also signed MoU on cooperation between the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Films and Television of China and Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Protocols were signed on establishment of sister cities relationship between Chengdu City Sichuan and Lahore, Zhuhai and Gwadar and Karamay City and Gwadar.

Financing agreement was signed relating to the 870MW hydro-electric Suki Kinari Hydropower Project between EXIM Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited and SK Hydro (Private) Limited, EXIM Bank of China and Port Qasim Electric Power Company (on Port Qasim 1,320MW coal-fired power plant) and framework facility agreement for 720MW Karot Hydropower Project between China Development Bank Corporation, EXIM Bank of China and Karot Power Company.

The two sides also signed terms and conditions in favour of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company for Thar Block II 3.8Mt/a mining project, Sindh, arranged by China Development Bank Corporation. Giving wide coverage to President's Xi visit to Pakistan, the Chinese media highlighted the fresh efforts, being made by the two governments for consolidating the decades' old partnership.

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April 20, 2015 Continued Mon All Day

Pakistan, China share common future, says President Xi Pinjing -- Daily Dunia Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Xi Pinjing addressed the press conference (Web-Desk) -- Top dignitaries including Chinese President Xi Pinjing and Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif unveiled the agreements that took place between the two governments on Monday.

The projects that are being displayed during the exhibition include Quaid-e-Azam solar power project, Engro Thar coal power project, Qasim coal power plant, extension of Metro bus project in Lahore, establishment of Pak-China friendship radio channel FM 98 with help of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Chinese authorities and laying down of optical fiber between the countries among other projects.

Diginitaries that signed the agreements with their counterparts include Ahsan Iqbal, Ishaq Dar, Sartaj Aziz, Khawaja Asif among other high-ranking officials.

Addressing the press conference, PM Nawaz Sharif remarked that Pakistan s friendship with China is deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel .

Highlighting the friendly relationship between the two countries, the PM said that a number of projects had been agreed upon during President Xi Pinying s historic visit to Pakistan.

The PM further added that it was cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy to pursue good relationship with its neighbour.

Chinese President Xi Pinjing also addressed the press conference and said that the current trade agreements between the two countries will help propel the relationship into a strategic partnership .

The Chinese President said that his government will continue his unwavering support for uplifting the economy of Pakistan adding that the he will endeavor to step up on measures to increase economic partnership between the two countries.

He also praised Pakistan s effort for countering terrorism in the region, promising to help the country to in its mission of eradicating terrorism.

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April 21, 2015 Tue All Day

China Pakistan to build airport at border -- News Tribe

According to the civil aviation authority department of China, it will be the first project of China in Tashkurgan city of Xinjiang province at Karakoram Highways near Pakistani border.

Also it will be the first airport to be built at the Pamir Mountain.

This airport will be at an elevation of 3200 meter above sea level.

According to the Chinese news agency, this airport will have immense strategic importance.

Up till now china’s highest airport is at an elevation of 4,411 meter above from sea level.

Tashkurgan is a small trade town of China and it population is almost 50 thousand.

This area possesses enormous importance with respect of Pak-China economic cooperation.

This airport will be ranked at number 18 in the list of world highest airports.

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April 22, 2015 Wed All Day

Pakistan has cashed in on China's desire to have a short land route to the Arabian Sea while China has taken advantage of Pakistan's longing for economic linkages with China -- Daily Times Since the end of the Cold War in 1991, Pakistan has been boasting its geostrategic location in South Asia, claiming to be a gateway to Central Asia. We thought that the world needed to access the markets of the Central Asian Republics through Pakistan. Unfortunately, that dream remained unfulfilled because of the perpetual unrest in Afghanistan. Perhaps Pakistan did not realise the significance of becoming a gateway to East Asia where the People’s Republic of China is located.

In the context of Pakistan’s geostrategic location, becoming a gateway to China is its first success. However, this is not an isolated move; Pakistan made a sagacious decision to side with China by recognising it as a state in 1950. After that, the interests of both Pakistan and China have coincided, both regionally and internationally.

Pakistan, under President General Pervez Musharraf, decided to enhance cooperation with China in the year 2000. The immediate reason could have been the isolation of Pakistan in the world after Kargil and the economic sanctions imposed on Pakistan. This cooperation was motivated by economic and defence related issues. Pakistan wanted to join East Asian regional economic organisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as China showed interest in Gwadar port. In 2002, Pakistan allowed China to start the construction of Gwadar port. After Musharraf, the leadership of the PPP also focused on enhancing economic cooperation with China and, in March 2008, the inauguration of Gwadar port took place. In the same year, both countries signed an agreement to construct a railway track along the Karakoram Highway to link the rail network of China to Gwadar.

In 2011, on the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations, both countries celebrated the Pak-China Friendship Year. In February 2013, the management of Gwadar port was handed over to the state run Chinese Overseas Port Holding Company and, in July, both countries approved the Pak-China economic corridor project to link Gwadar port with the western part of China. In short, Pakistan has cashed in on China’s desire to have a short land route to the Arabian Sea while China has taken advantage of Pakistan’s longing for economic linkages with it. Shared economic interests have brought both countries closer and have helped them expand cooperation beyond just the defence sector, though the flow of this collaboration is more from China to Pakistan than vice versa.

China now seems more confident about Pakistan’s cooperation in enhancing its economic capacities through the possible traffic (of both goods and oil) coming from Gwadar port. In the past 15 years, Pakistan has resisted the pressure mounted by India and the US to deter it from sharing the fruits of Gwadar port with China. It is quite unprecedented that a country allows its neighbour existing on one border to establish a satellite on its other border. Pakistan has done that. This step will not only help Pakistan reap economic benefits but will also make China more economically competitive.

After Hong Kong joined China through the transfer of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997 the focus of Eastern China has been industrial growth under a capitalist economic model. In the course of development, the western parts of China have been lagging behind. In this context, the supply of goods and oil through Gwadar port is bound to accelerate the speed of industrial development in western China, which will also enhance its exports to the world and link it to the Gulf and Africa. Incidentally, Pakistan’s western half is also less developed than its eastern half. Hence, the Pak-China economic corridor will bring prosperity to the western halves of both the countries.

A point is being bandied about on whether China’s longing for extraterritorial presence will be viewed in terms of places or bases. Friends of China place their bets on the former while the rivals of China consider it to be the latter. For instance, Pakistan is believed to have offered China a place in Gwadar to establish and 1504

April 22, 2015 Continued Wed enhance China’s competitive economic and commercial edge over the rest of the world. However, China’s rivals, especially those that are concerned about its naval power, believe that China is seeking bases in the Indian Ocean through what is called a ‘string of pearls’, of which Gwadar is one pearl only (the rest of the pearls are the islands belonging to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and Somalia) to enhance the reach of the Chinese navy. Rivals try to infer China’s intentions from its actions but are biased because of their own apprehensions.

One of the reasons for this effort to misunderstand China may be because it is unprecedented in history that a country has named its rise “peaceful development”, as China has asserted. China advocates development characterised by mutual trust and benefit. Perhaps the rest of the world believes that economic well-being is counter intuitive to mutuality and cooperation. There must be rivalry causing a loss to one party and benefit to another. However, China believes in win-win cooperation, as it has asserted. The lesson for Pakistan to learn is that the world has gone economic. Now, financial establishments matter more than defence establishments and financial spending has greater value than defence spending.

Countries that remained in isolation for centuries are striving hard to come out of the morass of loneliness. Cooperation, not rivalry and conflict, is the key to success in the future.

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April 23, 2015 Thu All Day

Bahawalpur to have world’s largest solar power plant: Pak-China -Pakistan Today

Pakistan awarded a $1.5 billion contract for its largest solar power project of 900MW to a Chinese company by the name of Zonergy, which has the biggest solar power plant of only 170MW back home, according to local media sources.

After meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Water and Power Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday, Zonergy Company Limited President Yu Yong told reporters that his company’s total portfolio in China was of 1,200MW worth plants, with the largest being in Xinjiang, according to local media outlets.

He said the company had an association of over 17 years with Pakistan. Previously, it had been engaged in telecommunication sector through another company ZTE since 1998, according to sources.

He explained that Zonergy was not a subsidiary of the ZTE, but one of the largest shareholders in the ZTE was also the largest shareholder in Zonergy.

All Day

Pakistan, Iran agree to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion -- The News Pakistan, Iran agree to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion

ISLAMABAD: At the time of souring relations in the wake of the lingering Yemen crisis, Pakistan has formally informed the Iranian authorities that for the IranPakistan (IP) gas pipeline, Gwadar to Nawabshah gas pipeline was a part of the Pak-China Trade Corridor and was slated for early implementation.

“Pakistan will arrange construction of the remaining portion of gas pipeline from Gwadar to Iran border, thus paving the way for the import of Iran’s gas by Pakistan,” Federal Minister for Commerce Khuram Dastgir Khan told Tehran on Wednesday.

According to an official announcement made by the Ministry of Commerce here, the seventh meeting of Pak-Iran Joint Trade Committee was held in Tehran. Minister for Commerce Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan headed the Pakistani delegation while the Iranian side was led by the Minister for Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh.

The two sides reviewed the present trade level and agreed to formulate a five-year trade-facilitation plan to fulfill the shared vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Rouhani to increase the bilateral trade from dollars 1 billion to dollars 5 billion. Both sides also agreed to form a working group to devise substantial widening of the 2006 Pak-Iran Preferential Trade Agreement.

The two sides also reiterated the need for joint investment in agro-food processing and infrastructure, particularly in the field of establishing effective rail, air, road and sea links between the two countries, as well as opening new border trade-posts at Mand-Pishin and Gabd-Reemdan.

Pakistan’s commerce minister enunciated Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision to achieve shared prosperity through economic integration: enhancing trade, investment and connectivity of infrastructure, banking systems, customs and visa.

Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan expressed concern on arbitrary and unilateral import bans, high textile tariffs, and import authorisation system. He emphasised early elimination of all non-tariff barriers between the two countries under the 2006 Preferential Trade Agreement.

On IP gas pipeline, Pakistani commerce minister said Gwadar to Nawabshah gas pipeline was part of Pak-China Trade Corridor and was slated for early implementation. Pakistan will arrange construction of the remaining portion of gas pipeline from Gwadar to Iran border pipeline, thus paving way for import of Iran’s gas by Pakistan.

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April 23, 2015 Continued Thu The Iranian commerce minister assured that hurdles and obstacles in the way of bilateral trade would be removed through effective measures. He offered maximum facilitation for Pakistan’s private sector to hold and participate in trade exhibitions in Iran.

The last Joint Trade Committee meeting was held in Islamabad in 2011. Earlier, Pakistani Commerce Minister Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan met Iranian Minister of Economy and Finance Dr. Ali Tayyab Nia. The two sides focused on urgently establishing a banking channel to expedite trade.Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan also called on Akbar Torkan, Advisor to President of Iran and Secretary Supreme Council of Iran’s Free Trade, Industrial and Special Economic Zones. Both sides mooted proposals for a joint free-trade zone between the ports of Chabahar and Gwadar and a trade corridor to link Chabahar, Gwadar and Chaman.

APP adds: Iranian Minister of Economy and Finance Ali Tayyebnia said that he was pleased with success of the two countries’ Joint Economic Commission in expansion of economic relations and trade ties, expressing hope that effective steps will be taken soon to implement the agreements reached by the commission, IRNA news agency quoted.

Highlighting the role of peace and stability in boosting the trade ties in the region he said that broad cooperation between Iran and Pakistan could play a decisive role in strengthening the regional peace and stability.

The Iranian minister said that Iran considers no limits for expansion of comprehensive ties with Pakistan, highlighting the great significance of border trade to boost ties.

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April 24, 2015 Fri All Day

China’s $46 billion economic corridor to Gwadar buys Pakistan key spot on chessboard -- WorldTribune.com China’s $46 billion economic corridor to Gwadar buys Pakistan key spot on chessboard

UNITED NATIONS — The rhetoric reached the heights of the Himalayas, the pomp and pageantry evoked that of an operetta, but the political optics delivered a clearly focused political message: Pakistan has a firm and reliable friend in the People’s Republic of China.

The high profile visit to Pakistan by China’s paramount leader Xi Jinping brought more than political bromides from Beijing to beleaguered Pakistan; China has put $46 billion in infrastructural investment on the table for its long-time South Asian ally.

The reasons for the renewed coziness between Islamabad and Beijing are plenty: a common border, shared political interests concerning both the dangers of Islamic radicalism, and concerns in both capitals that American political inroads into neighboring India, Pakistan’s historic rival, need a counterbalance.

Gwadar1What ties the bow together is China’s ambitious geopolitical New Silk Road and New Maritime Silk road economic initiative connecting the Middle Kingdom with Eurasia by land and Southeast Asia by sea.

China’s $46 billion infrastructural investment in Pakistan is set to build a network of roads, railroads, and port facilities which are part of the New Silk Road connecting China to Europe through Central Asia. The ambitious plan for a 1,800-mile highway allows the PRC backdoor overland access to the port of Gwadar but through Pakistan’s restive Baluchistan region.

Though Pakistan has been courted by Washington as a vial ally in the war on terror and as a key player in Afghanistan, the relationship was often stormy and beset by political mood swings on both sides. Between 2009 and 2012, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proposed a $7.5 billion economic program for Pakistan which was largely unfocused and part of the Obama Administration’s widely flawed “AfPak” security policy plan which was deemed a failure.

Since 2002, U.S. aid to Pakistan has reached $31 billion, about two thirds of which is security assistance, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The real question becomes whether Pakistan’s economy will be able to effectively absorb so much aid over a short period without wasteful and massive corruption.

Without question, Beijing is playing for higher stakes and putting more money on the table. The unspoken concern by the Chinese is that Islamic radicalism is already spilling across the Pakistan border into China’s restive Xinjiang province where a large Muslim population is tightly controlled by the communist authorities.

Addressing the Parliament in Islamabad, PRC President Xi Jinping recalled the historically close ties with Pakistan, one of the first Islamic states to recognize the People’s Republic in 1951 during its era of diplomatic isolation.

“The invocations of enduring friendship are music to the ears of a country accustomed to being vilified globally for so many years now,” wrote an editorial in Pakistan’s major daily newspaper Dawn. China, opines Dawn “commands the credibility amongst the leadership and the populations ” in the region.

Setting up the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has a clear commercial logic but equally a military one. The Port of Gwadar, being developed by PRC engineers since 2013, would be the terminus of the long overland line from Xinjiang in China’s remote and landlocked West. Yet Gwadar, once ruled by Oman but sold to Pakistan in the 1950’s, is quite close to the Persian Gulf and Straits of Hormuz sea-lanes through which over forty percent of the world’s petroleum flows. Interesting Through its presence in Gwadar, China seeks to surround India. Separate reports indicate that China has sold Pakistan 8 submarines. The deal for the diesel Yuanclass subs is reported to be $5 billion. The PRC is already Pakistan’s largest weapons supplier and equally played a key role in developing its nuclear weapons program.

As in fitting tribute, as Xi Jinping’s 747 aircraft left Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by eight Pakistani JF-17 fighters, a military jet co-produced with China.

Beijing’s renewed relationship with Pakistan has reached a new intensity and is based on common economic and security interests. How much these ties will impact on India and the USA throughout the region are yet to be seen.

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April 24, 2015 Continued Fri John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism the Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China (2014).

All Day

Will make an international airport in Gwadar, corridor will be game-changer in the region, says PM -- Dunia News

LONDON: (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has on Thursday said that the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor will change the fate of the region. He said that Gwadar will be made an international city and an international airport will also be constructed there. He said that there will be no load shedding in the country by 2017, reported Dunya News.

Talking to media outside his residence in London, PM Nawaz Sharif said that he discussed the Yemen conflict in detail with the Saudi authorities. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed extra-ordinary mutual relations and Pakistan kept Saudi security very dear.

Talking about Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan and the economic corridor, PM Nawaz said that Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan was extremely successful. He said that projects will be started throughout the country and they will positively affect the region. “Thousands of jobs will be created with this economic corridor. Power projects will be established on Bin Qasim Port, in Thar and at various other places of the country”, he said.

PM said that Pak-China economic Corridor will not benefit any province in particular. “Projects in all provinces will be started”, he added. “Work has been started on Hazara Motorway. We are also establishing a coal power project in Azad Kashmir”, he said.

PM Nawaz also said that all economic indicators were improving. “Our GDP is improving, foreign exchange reserves are increasing, inflation is at 14-year low and we are strengthening our economy with each passing day. These new projects will further help enhance Pakistan’s economic strength”, he said. He said that power prices have been reduced in the country. He urged the media to inform the people that petrol prices have been lowered and electricity prices have also been reduced.

“There will be no load shedding in two years time. We are installing new power projects that will help curb the energy crisis”, he said.

Responding to a question about NA-246 by-poll, PM said that there is a pattern.

“We had won the Nankana Sahib seat by around 5000 votes in General Election 2013. Our candidate died and his daughter was awarded the ticket for by-poll. She won by some 28,000 votes. Same happened yesterday in Karachi where Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) won”, he said.

Earlier: PM Nawaz arrives in London after Saudi Arabia visit. PM completed his Saudi visit, will meet David Cameron and will stay in London for 5 days.

After completing his Saudi Arabia visit on Friday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London on a 5-day visit. Pakistani High Commissioner Syed Ibn Abbas and British government officials gave him a warm welcome at Heathrow Airport.

Prime Minister will meet British counterpart David Cameron tomorrow, Dunya News reported.

Earlier, PM Nawaz met Saudi king Shah Salman Bin Abdul Aziz in Saudi capital Riyadh. Yemen conflict was discussed during the meeting and the two leaders expressed concern over growing security threats in the Middle East.

According to a statement issued from Pakistan Foreign Office (FO), PM reiterated his resolve during his meetings with the Saudi government officials that Pakistan gave top priority to Saudi Arabia’s defence and security and could never stay silent on threats to Saudi Arabia. Nawaz Sharif made it clear that any aggression on Saudi Arabia will be dealt with strongly and effectively. He said that Pakistan 1509

April 24, 2015 Continued Fri strongly condemned the overthrow of Yemeni government at the hands of Houthi rebels.

The statement issued by FO demanded Houthis to leave all occupied territory including Sanaa. PM also met Shah Salman Bin Abdul Aziz earlier along with delegations before meeting him one-on-one and also met Saudi Vice Crown Prince, and Interior Minister, Muhammad Bin Nayef and Defence Minister Prince Muhmmad Bin Salman as well.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Special Advisor to PM Nawaz Sharif Tariq Fatemi and Secretary Defence also accompanied Nawaz Sharif on the visit to Saudi Arabia.

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April 26, 2015 Sun All Day

The details of the agreements signed between Pakistan and China: -Express Tribune The details of the agreements signed between Pakistan and China:

1. Economic and technical cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan.

2. Exchange of Notes of feasibility study of the Demonstration Project of the DTMB. 3. Exchange of notes on provision of Anti-Narcotics Equipment.

4. Exchange of notes on provision of Law Enforcement Equipment.

5. Exchange of Notes on Feasibility Study of Gwadar Hospital.

6. MoU on provision of Chinese governmental concessional Loan for second phase up-gradation of Karakorum Highway (Havelian to Thakot) between Ministry of Commerce of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of Pakistan.

7. MoU on provision of Chinese governmental concessional Loan for KarachiLahore Motorway (Multan to Sukkur) between Ministry of Commerce of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of Pakistan.

8. MoU on provision of Chinese governmental concessional Loan for Gwadar port East Bay Expressway Project between Ministry of Commerce of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of Pakistan.

9. MoU on provision of Chinese governmental concessional Loan for Gwadar International Airport between Ministry of Commerce of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of Pakistan.

10. Protocol on Banking Services to Agreement on Trade in Services.

11. MoU on provision of Material for Tackling Climate Change between National Development and Reform Commission of China and Ministry of Finance of Pakistan.

12. Framework Agreement on Cooperation on Major Communications Infrastructure Project.

13. MoU on Cooperation between NDRC of China and Ministry of Planning Development and Reform of Pakistan.

14. MoU on Pro-Bono Projects in the Port of Gwadar Region between Ministry for Planning, Development and Reform of Pakistan and the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

15. MoU on establishment of China-Pakistan Joint Cotton Bio-Tech Laboratory between the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan.

16. Framework Agreement between the National Railway Administration, China and the Ministry of Railways, Pakistan on Joint Feasibility Study for up-gradation of ML1 and Establishment of Havelain Dry port of Pakistan Railways.

17. Protocol on the Establishment of China-Pakistan Joint Marine Research Center between State Oceanic Administration of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan.

18. MoU on cooperation between the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Films and Television of China and Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage of Pakistan.

19. Triple Party Agreement between China Central Television and PTV and 1511

April 26, 2015 Continued Sun Pakistan Television Foundation on the re-broadcasting of CCTV-NEWS/CCTV -9 Documentary in Pakistan.

20. Protocol on establishment of Sister Cities Relationship between Chengdu city Sichuan Province of PRC and Lahore City.

21. Protocol on establishment of Sister Cities Relationship between Zhuhai City, Guangdong province of the People’s Republic of China and Gwadar city, Balochistan of Pakistan.

22. Protocol on establishment of Sister Cities Relationship between Karamay City, XianjianUgur, autonomous region of China and Gwadar city, Balochistan of Pakistan.

23. Framework Agreement between NEA and MoPNRon Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG Terminal and Pipeline Project.

24. Commercial Contract on Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project.

25. Agreement on financing for Lahore Orange line Metro Train project.

26. MoU on financing for KKH up-gradation Phase-2 (Havelian to Takot), KLM, Gwadar East Bay Expressway, Gwadar International Airport Projects.

27. Financing Agreement relating to the 870MW Hydro-Electric Suki Kinari Hydropower Project between EXIM Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited and SK Hydro (Private) Limited.

28. Financing Cooperation Agreement between the EXIM Bank of China and Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited (on Port Qasim 2x660MW Coalfired Power Plant).

29. Framework Facility Agreement for 720MW Karot Hydropower Project between China Development Bank Corporation, EXIM Bank of China and Karot Power Company (Private) Limited.

30. Term Sheet of the facility for Zonergy 9x100MW solar project in Punjab between China Development Bank Corporation, EXIM Bank of China and Zonergy Company limited.

31. Drawdown Agreement on Jhimpir wind Power project between UEP Wind power (Private) Limited as Borrower and China Development Bank Corporation as lender.

32. Terms and Conditions in favor of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company for Thar Block II 3.8Mt/a mining Project, Sindh province, Pakistan Arranged by China Development Bank Corporation.

33. Terms and Conditions in favor of Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited, Sindh province, Pakistan for Thar Block II 2x330MW Coal Fired Power Project Arranged

by China Development Bank Corporation.

34. Framework Agreement of Financing Cooperation in Implementing the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor between China Development Corporation and HBL. 35. MoU with respect to Cooperation between WAPDA and CTG. 36. MoU among PPIB, CTG, and Silk Road Fund on Development of Private Hydro Power Projects.

37. Facility operating Agreement for Dawood Wind Power project between ICBC and PCC of China and HDPPL. 38. Framework Agreement for Promoting Chinese Investments and industrial Parks 1512

April 26, 2015 Continued Sun Developments in Pakistan between ICBC and HBL on financial services corporation.

39. The financing term sheet agreement for Thar Block–I between ICBC, SSRL. 40. Energy Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement between Punjab Province of Pakistan and China Huaneng Group.

41. Framework Agreement on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor Energy Project Cooperation between Ministry of Water & Power and China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE).

42. Cooperation Agreement between Sino-Sindh Resources (Pvt.) Ltd and Shanghai Electric Group for Thar Coalfield Block I Coal-Power integrated Project in Pakistan.

43. Cooperation Agreement for Matiyari-Lahore and Matyari (Port Qasim)Faisalabad Transmission and Transformation Project between National Transmission Distribution Company (NTDC) and National Grid of China.

44. IA on Port Qasim Coal fired Power Plant between Power China and GoP. 45. Facility Agreement for the Sahiwal Coal-fired Power Plant Project between industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Huaneng Shandong Electricity limited and Shandong Ruyi Group.

46. Cooperation Agreement on Hubco Coal-fired Power Plant.

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April 30, 2015 Thu All Day

China reaffirms commitment on economic corridor -- Dawn

ISLAMABAD: The Peoples Republic of China has reaffirmed its commitment for the multi-billion dollar project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the fate of which was sealed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's momentous visit to Pakistan earlier this month.

This was stated when China's Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the prime minister house on Thursday where he presented a letter from the Chinese president to the premier, a statement issued from the PM House said.

In the letter, Chinese President Xi Jinping upheld Beijing's commitment for the implementation and success of the economic corridor, the culmination of which is expected to further reinforce the friendship between the "iron brothers".

Jinping also conveyed his thanks to the prime minister for the hospitality extended to him by Islamabad and the excellent arrangements made to ensure a successful visit.

During Xi's much talked-about visit, Pakistani and Chinese officials signed a series of more than 50 accords to inaugurate the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will create a network of roads, railways and pipelines linking China's restive west to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan.

The project is part of Beijing's “Belt and Road� plan to expand its trade and transport footprint across Central and South Asia. It will give China easier access to Middle Eastern oil via the deepwater port of Gwadar.

All Day

Chinese mega projects to start in Gwadar -- The Nations

Islamabad: China will start five mega projects worth Rs60 billion in Gwadar next year, an official of the planning commission said.

The projects include health, education, infrastructure, communication, an industrial zone and two thermal power projects of 300 megawatts. A simultaneous work on a water drainage project, a technical training and water treatment plants, will also be carried out to facilitate the residents of Gwadar.

The Chinese government will also establish a hospital, at a cost of Rs10 billion to provide the state-of-the-art treatment facilities to the area residents.

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May 3, 2015 Sun All Day

Pakistan-China Economic Corridor: a cost-benefit analysis -- Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) has been rightly termed a game changer. A careful cost-benefit analysis is required to assess for whom it will be the game changer. The key parameters should be additional business and additional savings.

Every day, China spends around $18 million on import of 6.3 million barrels of oil as shipment costs from the Middle East, accounting for 80% of its all oil needs, routing through the Strait of Malacca covering a distance of 9,912 miles. By cutting a corridor directly from Kashgar to Gwadar, it will bring these costs significantly down to one-third of the current levels as new distance will be 3,626 miles to Central China, whereas only 2,295 miles till West China.

Even if China were to use PCEC only for 50% of its current level of oil supplies, it will save around $6 million every day, almost $2 billion every year.

It is true that these savings are peanuts to the Chinese economy, however, the greater gain may lie in the strategic outreach via Gwadar as its Maritime Silk Route.

There is another benefit that will accrue to China. As half of Chinese exports are destined on its Western side, it will also gain tremendously by saving on its containerised traffic costs.

China is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners; the two-way trade exceeded $16 billion last year, marking an annual growth of 12.57%. While our exports to the United States and European Union earn us trade surplus, our imports from Chinese contribute to enlarging the trade deficit.

The Chinese president has promised $46 billion investment to Pakistan and the planning minister has stated that out of that amount, $11 billion has been set aside for infrastructure work on the corridor, while the remaining $35 billion will be directed towards energy projects.

In all likelihood, the $11-billion amount for infrastructure purposes is a Chinese loan whereas the $35-billion investment for the power sector is yet to be converted into a concrete term sheet.

Consider this example. According to the Ministry of Finance, the Executive Committee of National Economic Council, in 2014, approved Karachi-MultanLahore Motorway Project – construction of Sukkur-Multan section (387 kilometres) – with a rationalised cost of Rs259.353 billion or $2.59 billion.

Ten per cent cost of the project will come from the Public Sector Development Programme and 90% of the cost as credit financing through the government of China. This will be part of PCEC. In the form of PCEC, Pakistan will acquire a new asset in terms of infrastructure.

However, it has to first mobilise its own industry and trade sectors to make the best use of the corridor. Else, it will be a road and pipeline largely meant for Chinese business – on Pakistan’s taxpayers’ cost – and now protected by the Pakistan Army on our cost.

The term-sheet for Chinese investment in the power sector does not seem very promising at the moment. The federal government’s sovereign guarantee has been called in several times by IPPs over the last few years. The Chinese may not give it its due value.

The next alternative for them as a guarantee is a revolving letter of credit backed by the government. That is almost a non-starter for the government as it will imply special privileges to Chinese investors and no bank can offer revolving letter of credit for the life cycle of a power project, running over decades. The government should refuse such requests.

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May 3, 2015 Continued Sun What Pakistan needs to do?

If Pakistan cannot overcome its power crisis, and prepare a trade-centric economic vision, we stand to benefit little from PCEC in terms of additional business opportunities apart from temporary jobs. One scenario for our planning and finance ministers is to consider imposing a toll tax on Chinese oil shipment and trade traffic.

Another possibility is to negotiate infrastructure projects on the basis of build-ownoperate-transfer instead of an outright loan.

China needs us. Pakistan should embrace this huge opportunity with a pragmatic, and business-like cost-benefit analysis instead of confounding this transaction with metaphors of oceans, mountains, honey and now iron. It’s about hard cash which the finance minister badly needs for the country. We should not leave too much cash on the Chinese Wall.

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May 7, 2015 Thu All Day

Step forward: Lahore prepares to welcome Chinese consulate -- APP

LAHORE: In a bid to facilitate the business community establish close contacts with their Chinese counterparts, a Chinese consulate will be opened in Lahore.

This was stated by Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Faisal Shah Afridi.

According to Afridi, the consulate will help the business community obtain the country’s visas, which would go a long way in facilitating the province that is already seeing heavy investments from the Chinese side due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“This is a step forward by China to speed up Punjab-based investment projects promised under the CPEC.” Afridi said China will then be in a position to assist its companies in relocating to Lahore and other parts of Punjab.

For instance, the Lahore Orange Line Mass transit, to be executed with the help of the Chinese at an investment of $1.6 billion, will require 5,000 professionals and labourers.

Additionally, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China bank has signed $4.23 billion worth financial agreements with different companies to execute other projects in Punjab.

Meanwhile, Afridi said that there was a need to train the Pakistani workforce that lacks in specialised expertise.

“Pakistan is in dire need of expertise — something majority of our workforce lacks,” said Afridi.

“We are also turning our training institute into a university to meet future labour demands.”

Afridi added that as president of PCJCCI and a stakeholder in the Economic Zone, which is currently involved in 11 joint ventures with China, he remained optimistic over the partnership agreement between the two countries.

“Pak-China economic relations are not dependent on any particular government.

They will largely remain unaffected by political change.”

1517

May 8, 2015 Fri All Day

Pak China ties: More power to SEZs -- BR

Haier is deemed as a case study for private players at home for joint ventures with Chinese companies under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. It is a success story of entrepreneurial partnerships between the two friendly nations, established 13 years ago in Lahore.

Haier Pakistans turnover was Rs46 billion last year employing around 5,000 workers and managers, and it is the top Air conditioning brand in the country. The complex started with assembling home electronic appliances and within couple of years backward integration took place to improve the supply chain by producing parts as well, BR Research leant in its recent visit to Haier factory at Raiwand Road.

The vacant area in the complex is dedicated to a special economic zone created for Chinese investment in Pakistan with local partners. Chinese government has created numbers of SEZs across the globe and Haier-Ruba is one of them which mean Sino official machinery is supporting and promoting this SEZ in Pakistan. The idea was initiated in 2006 but the development could not expedite due to poor law and order situation at home and lack of concentration on SEZs. Lately, Chinese Presidents visit to Pakistan emphasized on two SEZs - one is in Gawadar to develop port for shortening Chinese goods shipping route to the rest of world, and the second one is Haier-Ruba. The existing land available at the complex visited by BR Research has 300 acres which is too short for the kind of Chinese investment (loans) sought in the region. The group is in the process of acquiring land of 2,000-5,000 acres near motorway exit of Faisalabad to provide ample space for Chinese ventures.

In the initial stage, the idea is to build space for construction material to cater need of industrial, power and road infrastructure development. The premises will not only spur industrial activity but will also provide vocational training space for developing requisite skilled workers for respective industries.

One primary objective of these SEZs from Pakistans perspective is to bridge the trade gap between the two countries. According to Shah Faisal, CEO Ruba SEZ, Pakistans import from China (including unofficial numbers) is $13 billion while exports are only $ 2billion. The FTA between the two countries is further exacerbating the trade deficit.

China has given multi-product access under SEZs to Pakistan and upon capitalizing the opportunity, Pakistan can produce at home and send it to China. The need of the hour is to seek opportunities of producing goods that don only substitute imports but can also be exported to China.

Haier-Ruba SEZ is eyeing to develop those industries that can substitute imports from China. Another idea is to nurture industries adding value to Pakistans own raw materials which can enhance export potential within the country. The third stage is to have buyback agreements from china to bridge the $10 billion plus trade deficit from China.

Over ten thousand MOUs have been signed between Pakistan and China since the inception of the country. Exceptions aside, majority remained on paper.

Here is hoping some of the projects envisaged in $45 billion Chinese money will be executed in the coming years irrespective of whosoever is ruling the country. The few projects which are likely to commence soon include Lahore Metro train (orange line) mass transit system. The cost is estimated at $1.6 billion but experts fear that it may well escalate to $2.7 billion. The first phase of 27 KM is likely to complete within a year.

Then Industrial and Commercial Bank of China operating in Pakistan has signed $4.32 billion worth of financial agreements (not MOUs), enthusiastically proclaimed

by Shah Faisal who is also president of Pakistan China Joint Chamber of 1518

May 8, 2015 Continued Fri Commerce.

The SEZ has worked on the maiden assembly line of Laptops and Mobile Phones which is expected to be commenced this calendar year. The next in line is manufacturing of Chinese branded cars in Pakistan. This will give competition to existing Japanese brands and the first car to be launched will be in the 660 CC category, which is likely to be priced at less than Rs0.6 million per unit. Let the game begin.

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May 9, 2015 Sat All Day

Pakistan to start exports during next week from Gwadar Port: Kamran Michael -- APP

Minister for Ports and Shipping, Kamran Michael has said Pakistan was going to start exports from Gwadar Port for first time, during next week whereas till now it was being used for imports only.

He stated this while addressing the Pakistani community and media at a reception organized by Pakistan High Commission London, according to a message received here on Thursday.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to UK, Syed Ibne Abbas welcomed the Minister as well as the community to the High Commission.

He requested the Minister to inform the community about the benefits of Gwadar Port and Pakistan China Economic Corridor (PCEC).

The High Commissioner also congratulated Zubair Gul, who was present on the occasion, on his appointment as Commissioner for Overseas Pakistanis.

Addressing the community, the Minister said, “Pakistan China Economic Corridor, for which $ 46 billion Chinese investment has been agreed upon, will bring about unprecedented development and prosperity to the people of Pakistan.”

In order to enhance the efficacy of Gwadar Port, he said, 2281 acres of land has already been earmarked where tax-free industrial zones and ware houses would be established.

“Pakistan’s economic future is linked with successful operation of Gwadar Port as it would help increase our exports and generate economic activity in the region. All this is according to the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.”

The Minister invited the expatriate community to take advantage of the investment opportunities in Pakistan and assured them of the safety of their investment He also appreciated the role of Pakistani diaspora in the development of the country.

In his brief remarks on the occasion, Zubair Gul, Commissioner for Overseas Pakistanis said that he would put in his best efforts to serve the overseas Pakistanis without any discrimination.

Welcoming suggestions from the community to improve the functioning of his office, he assured the community that he would remain accessible to them to solve their problems.

Gul expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for reposing confidence in him.

Around 100 community members and media persons attended the reception.

1520

May 10, 2015 Sun All Day

First export ship to embark on journey from Gwadar Port -- Express Tribune

“The idea is to encourage production of export-quality fish to increase foreign exchange,” he said. PHOTO: FILE “The idea is to encourage production of export-quality fish to increase foreign exchange,” he said. PHOTO: FILE ISLAMABAD: The first consignment, comprising fish exports, is expected to depart from Gwadar Port on Monday, formally kicking off commercial activities, said Federal Secretary for Ports and Shipping Khalid Pervez.

The Chinese Overseas Ports Holding Company is responsible for operation of the port; officials from the company would be present on the occasion along with others including Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Micheal.

On Sunday, the Chinese Overseas Shipping Company (COSCO) will bring empty containers to the port before they will be loaded with fish, marking the formal inauguration of export from the deep sea port.

The Chinese have taken control of the activities for export of their products to Central Asian countries and Middle East in the long run, part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project, which was recently kicked off by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his last-month visit to Pakistan.

Import activity from the Gwadar Port began in 2009. Since then, cargoes containing fertilisers and wheat have been imported through this port by the government.

However, the private sector has yet to start its export/import from the Gwadar Port, hindered because of the connecting roads being under construction. The Economic Coordination Committee of cabinet had decided in 2009 that the Trading Corporation of Pakistan(TCP) should use Gwadar for the import of wheat and fertiliser via the newly establish port aimed at starting the operation gradually.

A senior officer in the Ministry of Ports and Shipping said that the Gwadar Port has been given to the Chinese company on the basis of the ‘Land Lord Port Concept’ on 9% gross revenue for the next 40 years. He explained that the company will pay Pakistan from its gross revenue and not on the net profit.

The officer said that at this stage, fish cargo can only be exported via Gwadar port as there are only fish processing factories in the area.

The officer believed that it will take decades for the port to become profitable due to the geographical location of Gwadar.

Port Qasim, he mentioned, had become formally operational in 1979 and reached its breakeven point after two decades despite being situated in the business and industrial hub of the country.

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May 11, 2015 Mon All Day

First export ship leaves Gwadar -- Dawn

GWADAR: The Gwadar Port, which started its operations about eight years ago, for the first time on Monday handled commercial containerised cargo for export of seafood.

M V Zi Jingson, a bulk-break vessel of the China Overseas Shipping Co (Cosco), which reached Gwadar port’s outer anchorage late Sunday evening, was allotted berth on Monday to load reefer containers, laden with sea-food.

The export shipment will be unloaded at Jebel Ali, Dubai, from where a larger ship will carry these reefer containers to Far-East with its expected destination to Malaysia and China.

The managing director of local company, Abdul Basir Qadir Bukhsh, whose first export shipment was handled at Gwadar port, told Dawn that for the last 20 years his company had been exporting seafood through Karachi.

Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael, speaking at a ceremony organised at the Gwadar port to see off the ship, assured that the government is committed to develop the port area for the benefit of the local people.

He said that the government holds Gwadar Port and the Gwadar City at the top of its development agenda as success of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) depends on it.

The minister said soon Gwadar will be connected with its hinterland through motorway M-8 and National Highway N-85, thereby providing connectivity to upcountry and beyond to Afghanistan and Central Asian states and western China.

The minister said that CPEC is the shared vision of the two friendly countries – Pakistan and China – and a very important pillar under the Chinese leadership’s vision “One Belt – One Road” which is compatible with Pakistan leadership’s “Vision 2025.”

Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini, highlighting the available facilities and services at the Gwadar port, said presently it was being run

by China Overseas Ports Holding Co (COPHC).

He informed the dignitaries, who specially flew from Karachi with newsmen to attend the ceremony, that the Gwadar port had been handling imported cargo belonging to government, like wheat and fertiliser.

He said it was for the first time that the local catch of seafood was being exported from this port which is a significant development.

The significance of this shipment is that it comprises fish from Gwadar’s coastal area. The locals depend on fishing for their livelihood.

The next ship will depart on 18 of this month carrying another shipment of fish, he informed. The export of fish will revolutionize the lives of local fisher men, he said.

He said that 2,281 acres had been acquired for establishing a tax-free zone.

All Day

Gwadar port starts operations for commercial export -- The News

GWADAR: Gwadar port started its long-awaited operations for containerised shipment services on Monday as the first private container vessel berthed at the deep sea port.

The MV ZI JING SONG container vessel was the first reefer container vessel to berth since the port’s completion in 2007. With this, Gwadar Port has begun using its existing multipurpose terminal.

The containerised shipment service will initially focus on export of local fish to international market.

1522

May 11, 2015 Continued Mon The government plans to make Gwadar, the country's largest port, fully operational by the end of the year. The port has been handling government’s seasonal cargo in the past

1523

May 13, 2015 Wed All Day

First export ship leaves Gwadar Port -- CCTV

As a key project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor plan, the Pakistani Gwadar Port for the first time handled commercial container cargo for export on Monday.

The Gwadar Port started its operations about eight years ago, and mainly dealt with import goods. A Chinese ship is carrying containers of seafood to Dubai, from where a larger vessel will transport the goods to Malaysia and China. It is the first ever export shipping handled at the port.

The Gwadar Port is the third largest port in Pakistan, and a key project of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor. China Overseas Ports Holding Company started running the Gwadar Port in 2013, and helped improving its operations.

Besides foreign trading, the port is also working on improving infrastructure construction and promoting fishing sector development. It's expected to bring more vigour to the local economy.

All Day

Govt to consult provinces before setting up CPEC’s industrial zones -APP Govt to consult provinces before setting up CPEC’s industrial zones

ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday said all provinces will be consulted before finalizing the sites for establishment of industrial zones under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in a detailed briefing given to the leaders of parliamentary parties at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said all provinces would be taken on board on CPEC project.

The meeting was especially convened at the PM House to apprise the parliamentary leaders about China Pakistan Economic Corridor and remove the apprehensions of provinces about the project.

The Minister dismissed the impression that the route of CPEC had been altered to pass through Punjab ignoring other provinces.

Instead, he said, the working group which was responsible to demarcate the sites for industrial zones was yet to be formed.

"After the formation of the said working group, all provincial governments would be asked to suggest the areas feasible for industrial parks in their provinces," he said.

He mentioned that other four working groups on energy, communication network, Gwadar Port and infrastructure were already functional and comprised members from China and Pakistan.

The Minister said that CPEC was not just the name of a road or a route, rather it was a portfolio of projects having complete framework.

"The CPEC is an umbrella which includes the projects of energy, industry, Gwadar port and infrastructure worth 46 billion dollars," he added.

Ahsan Iqbal said there would be three principle alignments to access Gwadar upto Khunjrab that would pass through the eastern, central and western parts of the country.

He said the operational connectivity of Gwadar would be made by upgrading the existing road network and construction of missing road links.

He mentioned that work on Gwadar-Sorab missing link and on the 650 kilometre road from Quetta, Qila Saifullah and Zhob to Gwadar was being carried out by Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for last two years.

He said the connection road of N-85 would be completed by 2016.

The government will sign agreements with Asian Development Bank (ADB) tomorrow for upgradation of N-50 from Dera Ismail Khan and Quetta besides N-70 from Loralai and Multan.

He said a portion of Karakorum Highway was being constructed with China's assistance, while the N-85 and N-8 were being built-up with the Pakistan government's own resources and in collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB).

About 65 percent work on Gwadar-Hoshab and 30 percent work on Sorab to Hoshab has been completed. The 110 kilometre Khuzdar-Besima section has also 1524

May 13, 2015 Continued Wed been included in CPEC, he added.

About the priority projects of 10,700 mega watt under CPEC, the Minister said Quaid-e-Azam solar park (1,000 mega watt), Dawood project (50 mega watt), Sukki Kinari (870 mega watt) and Gwadar coal power project topped the list.

He said Gaddani power project, Jetty infrastructure and Hubco project were among the second line projects.

He said Pakistan and China had also agreed on further five billion dollar on the transmission of electricity.

The Minister clarified that no loans were being taken for completion of energy projects and added that entire process was being carried out transparently.

He said no new motorway projects were being initiated under CPEC.

All Day

Gwadar port: export activity formally begins -- BR

All Day

Gwadar port: export activity formally begins -- BR

Federal Minister for Ports & Shipping Senator Kamran Michael stated that export activity at Gwadar port formally began and in this regard an export ship carrying 23 tons of fish left for Dubai. This ship will dock at Jabal Ali Port of Dubai from where deepwater fish of Pakistan will be exported to the rest of the world. The Federal Minister has said that Gwadar deepwater fish has no match in the world.

In his statement the Federal Minister said that Gwadar Port was being merely used for import purposes before this day and fertilisers and wheat was being imported through this port. He said that 23 ships have imported fertilizers and wheat till today.

Michael said that the next ship will depart on 18th of May, carrying another shipment of the highest quality fish. Federal Minister stated that two million people will get their livelihood from this port once it will become fully functional. Michael said that according to direction of Prime Minister, local Baloch will be given priority in jobs.

Federal Minister stated that 2281 acres of land has been acquired for establishing a free zone and he had invited the entire world to invest here as it is completely taxfree zone. In his statement, the Minister has said that “Halal Food Industry” is going to be set up at Gwadar and Halal Food would be transported to the rest of the world. According to spokesperson of Ministry, Federal Secretary Captain Khalid Pervaiz (retd), Chairman Gwadar port Authority Dostain Jamal Dini, CEO of Chinese project and Deputy Councillor General were also present at the inauguration ceremony.-PR Source: Business Recorder

Federal Minister for Ports & Shipping Senator Kamran Michael stated that export activity at Gwadar port formally began and in this regard an export ship carrying 23 tons of fish left for Dubai. This ship will dock at Jabal Ali Port of Dubai from where deepwater fish of Pakistan will be exported to the rest of the world. The Federal Minister has said that Gwadar deepwater fish has no match in the world.

In his statement the Federal Minister said that Gwadar Port was being merely used for import purposes before this day and fertilisers and wheat was being imported through this port. He said that 23 ships have imported fertilizers and wheat till today.

Michael said that the next ship will depart on 18th of May, carrying another shipment of the highest quality fish. Federal Minister stated that two million people will get their livelihood from this port once it will become fully functional. Michael said that according to direction of Prime Minister, local Baloch will be given priority in jobs.

Federal Minister stated that 2281 acres of land has been acquired for establishing a free zone and he had invited the entire world to invest here as it is completely taxfree zone. In his statement, the Minister has said that “Halal Food Industry” is going to be set up at Gwadar and Halal Food would be transported to the rest of the world. According to spokesperson of Ministry, Federal Secretary Captain Khalid Pervaiz (retd), Chairman Gwadar port Authority Dostain Jamal Dini, CEO of Chinese project and Deputy Councillor General were also present at the inauguration ceremony.-PR Source: Business Recorder

1525

May 15, 2015 Fri All Day

Ahsan reveals three routes of corridor -- Dawn News

ISLAMABAD: Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Thursday that Pakistan and China had agreed to “fill in the blanks” in the existing route between Gwadar and Kashgar under the CPEC project, adding that no new alignment had been considered over the past two years.

Talking to journalists, he said the leadership of the two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on July 5, 2013 and constituted a joint working group to make decisions on connectivity of routes from Gwadar to Kashgar.

Take a look: Special committee to oversee CPEC project In line with the Chinese wisdom, he said, Section 3 of the MoU required that a longterm plan should be developed under the principle of scientific planning and work on the easiest sections of the project should be given priority.

Minister insists no change has been made in original plan Under this philosophy, the working group decided to expand the existing motorway through construction of its Multan-Sukkur section by the Chinese government and Karachi-Hyderabad section by the Pakistan government.

The minister disclosed three routes of the economic corridor. According to him, the western route originating from Gwadar will pass through Turbat, Panjgur, Nag, Basima, Sorab, Qalat, Quetta, Qilla Saifullah and Zhob and reach Dera Ismail Khan before leading to Islamabad. A couple of sections of the road between Gwadar and Quetta are currently at an advanced stage of construction.

The second (central) route will originate from Gwadar and reach Dera Ismail Khan via Basima, Khuzdar, Sukkur, Rajanpur, Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Bhakkar.

The third route will include Gwadar, Basima, Khuzdar, Sukkur, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan and Lahore/Faisalabad and then reach Islamabad.

The minister said the road from Islamabad to Khunjerab had to be improved to the standard of Khunjerab-Kashgar road.

In reply to a question, he said the confusion over the location of industrial parks or economic zones along the economic corridor was politically motivated because no decision had been made on that yet. “So far only four joint working groups on energy, long-term planning, Gwadar port and transport and infrastructure have been formed and are working. The fifth group on industrial parks or economic zones is yet to be constituted.”

He said it was illogical to talk about the sites of industrial zones when the body to decide their location had not been formed.

He said all the parties and provinces had been asked to suggest sites for industrial zones that would be considered on scientific and economic grounds by the joint working group.

He said the rail project as part of the CPEC was a long-term project to be taken in hand after `early harvest’ projects were completed in two to three years, followed by medium-term projects to be completed in 2020.

He said Gwadar to Khunjerab rail link was included in the long-term projects which would be completed by 2030.

All Day

Pak-China friendship touches new heights: Envoy -- APP

Islamabad - Chinese Ambassador to Islamabad Sun Weidong said that Pakistan and his country embarked on historic journey of peace and prosperity by signing milestone agreements during president Xi’s visit to Islamabad last month.

He said after the signing of historic agreements, the two countries are committed to 1526

May 15, 2015 Continued Fri implementing them in the best possible forms and as quickly as possible. The Pakistan-China Economic Corridor envisaged in the recently signed agreements would be mutually beneficial. This would usher in era of prosperity and economic development in all parts of Pakistan.

The ambassador was addressing the 14th Chinese Bridge – Chinese Proficiency Competition at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad.

Ambassador Sun Weidong said friendship between Pakistan and China touches new heights with the passage of time. He was confident that it would continue growing from generation to generation. He noted that the Chinese youth using internet introduced a new term ‘Iron Brothers’ to portray the depth and strength of the friendship between the two countries.

The Chinese ambassador said Pakistan and China believe that they should continue efforts to further strengthen their multidimensional cooperation. He said the ultimate objective of China is to promote peace and prosperity not only for its own people but the whole world.

Regarding President Xi’s recent visit to Pakistan, he said it opened a new chapter in the bilateral relations. “Pakistan is the top priority of Chinese diplomacy,” he added.

He highly lauded the role of NUML in strengthening Pakistan, China cooperation by promoting Chinese language and culture. He welcomed the opening of NUML International Center of Education (NICE) at the Shinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, China.

Director General NUML Brig. Azam Jamal in his welcome address said the NUML takes pride in contributing to friendly relations between Pakistan and China.

“It was a matter of pride for NUML that it signed an MoU and an agreement in the presence of Chinese president during his last month’s visit to Islamabad. He said the NUML’s project to set up international centre of education at Shinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, China is the only project from Pakistan to China as part of the Economic Corridor while all other projects are from China to Pakistan.

Rector NUML Maj. Gen. (Retd) Masood Hassan and Director General Brig. Azam Jamal joined the Chinese ambassador to distribute prizes among the winners of the competition.

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May 17, 2015 Sun All Day

Area of focus: Steps for Gwadar rail link-up -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is focusing on connecting Gwadar Port with a rail network and establishing new dry port at Havelian to generate revenues. The government is committed to make Pakistan Railways a profitable organisation and a number of steps are being taken in this regard, an official in the railways ministry told APP. Pakistan Railways is involving private parties in commercial management of four passenger carrying trains and cargo express trains, he added.

1528

May 18, 2015 Mon All Day

CHINA PURSUES 1+ 4 FORMULA IN IMPLEMENTING CPEC PROJECT -- Pak Observer

Monday, May 18, 2015 - Islamabad—China is committed to pursue 1 + 4 formula while implementing economic corridor project and making its contribution for socioeconomic development of Pakistan as an iron-friend. In all the statements appeared so far from Pakistani and Chinese side, the main focus was laid on equal benefit to the people of Pakistan under the PCECP. A senior Chinese diplomat in Islamabad while explaining the 1 + 4 formula says, 1 means benefit to the people of entire country and 4 means priorities areas i.e. Gwadar Port, energy, infrastructure and industrial development. It was made clear by the Chinese leaders while launching Pak-China Economic Corridor project (PCECP) that it meant to ensure equal benefit to whole of Pakistan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping in his article written on eve of his recent visit to Pakistan said, , “We need to form a ‘1+4? cooperation structure with the Economic Corridor at the center and the Gwadar Port, energy, infrastructure and industrial cooperation being the four key areas to drive development across Pakistan and deliver tangible benefits to its people.” There should be no doubt to this effect that all the regions of the country will receive equal benefit under this fate-changing project, he added. Meanwhile, establishment of special security division of Pakistan army for the projection of Chinese workers has raised high the confidence of the Chinese companies to make maximum investment in the country. According to the Chinese companies which are engaged in various China-funded projects in Pakistan, the decision of handing over the security of Chinese workers to the army was received well by the Chinese workers and they are now more inclined to work in Pakistan, The establishment of a special division also reflected the commitment and support of the security forces towards the China-Pakistan economic corridor project (CPECP), said a senior official of Chinese company which is working with an energy-related project in Pakistan. It was decided during the recent visit of President Xi Jinping that Pakistan military will train over 12,000 personnel who will be inducted into the special division. This high-profile force will help to provide foolproof security to the Chinese workers. As per the decision, ranger’s personnel will also be part of this security plan in addition to the army unit. The Chinese diplomat appreciating the decision to the effect said that our concern about the security of the Chinese workers was well attended by the government of Pakistan.

Both the governments, he said will be working together for promoting a peaceful environment to implement the CPECP on fast-track basis. While appreciating the counter-terrorism measures recently taken by Pakistan, the official said ‘terrorism is our common enemy’ and it has to be rooted out through joint efforts. The official assured that the Chinese government will provide all possible support to Pakistan to promote peace and tranquility in the country for its socio-economic development.

Stating that Pakistan and China are enjoying exemplary relationship in all spheres of life, the official further said people of the two countries enjoyed shared destiny and their enhanced cooperation is meant to improve the living conditions of their people across the board. They have taken a pro-active approach for fostering their mutually beneficial cooperative partnership on the basis of win-win situation, he added.

The recent visit of President Xi has created new opportunities for the two countries, bringing their strategic partnership to a new height. It was an historical visit that has also given a new direction to the development of their multi-dimensional relationship, he added. He referred to the joint declaration issued after the visit, which he said provided a comprehensive overall framework for addressing their common problems, and promoting peace and development in the region. Following his highly fruitful visit, the two countries are now laying greater focus on quick implementation of CPECP, which a flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative.— INP

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May 26, 2015 Tue All Day

Mammoth Rs 359.4b budget allotted for 19 CPEC projects -- Pakistan Today The government on Tuesday finalised a mammoth Rs 359.4 billion for 19 development projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for next financial year’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

This was decided at the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC), chaired by the Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. The APCC helped finalise the development outlay for the next financial year.

According to the details, overall the development spending is estimated to be over Rs 1,400 billion during the next financial year, including a Rs 838 billion provincial component. The total cost of projects under CPEC is estimated to be Rs 1.122 trillion, while during the next financial year the allocation will be Rs 359.4 billion, out of which Rs 234.4 billion have been allocated for road and infrastructure projects while Rs 125 billion have been allocated for LNG based power projects. The government has allocated Rs 200 billion for highways, Rs 40 billion for railways while higher education gets an allocation of Rs 21 billion.

The allocation approved under CPEC projects is Rs 7 billion for New Gwadar International Airport, Rs 1 billion for land acquisition of Karachi – Lahore Motorway, Rs 76 billion for 387 km long Multan – Sukkur Motorway, Rs 10.6 billion for Lahore – Abdul Hakeem Road, Rs 12.4 billion for Sukkur – Hyderabad Road, Rs 74.5 billion for Raikot – Havelian – Islamabad Road, Rs 28.5 billion for KKH ThakotHavelian Road, Rs 6 billion for Thakot to Havelian Road, Rs 4 billion for Construction of Break Waters (CPEC), Rs 4.7 billion for Construction of Eastbay Expressway, Rs 900 million for Dredging of Berthing Areas and Channel for Additional Terminal, Rs 1.2 billion for Infrastructure Development for EPZA and GIEDA, Gwadar, Rs 3 billion Necessary Facilities of Fresh Water Treatment and Supply Gwadar, Rs 984 million for Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute at Gwadar, Rs 2 billion for Upgradation of Existing 50 Bed Hospital to 300 beds Gwadar, Rs 290 million for Comprehensive Feasibility Study for Upgradation of Mainline, Rs 1.2 billion for Installation of 300 MW Coal Fired Power Plant at Gwadar, Rs 62.5 billion for LNG Based Power Plant at Balloki, Rs 62.5 billion for LNG Based Power Plant at Haveli Bahadurshah.

The government has projected a GDP growth rate of 5.5 per cent for 2015-16 backed by a projected growth of 3.9 per cent in agriculture, 6.4 per cent industry, with six per cent in large scale manufacturing sector, 8.3 per cent in small and household, 8.5 per cent in construction industry and six per cent in electricity generation and gas distribution, and 5.7 per cent in the services sector.

Inflation is projected to rise to six per cent in 2015-16 compared to a provisional estimate of 3.6 per cent in the current year.

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May 28, 2015 Thu All Day

Pak-China Sign An Important Deal In Railways -- Dawn

LAHORE – Pakistan and China sign an important deal on the transportation of coal through Railways. The ceremony of signing MOUs in underway in Lahore.

The Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique attends the ceremony. The minister said that different proposals are under consideration for the development of railways sector.

“1320 MW of electricity would be added to the national transmission through Sahiwal-Coal Project.” Saad added.

Talking about the current plans in upgrading the services, he said that the ETicketing would soon be employed for the convenience of passengers.

Khwaja Saad Rafique said that 55 new railway engines would soon be purchased to replenish the overgrowing needs of the sector.

Commenting on the CPEC, he said that the project would be completed as per the plans at all costs.

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May 29, 2015 Fri All Day

Construction sector: PCJCCI, Chinese delegates review opportunities for JVs -- BR Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) President Shah Faisal Afridi has said introduction of cost effective, space efficient and environment friendly Chinese construction material could bring a revolution to the construction sector of Pakistan. He stated this while meeting four-member Chinese delegation headed by Xiaoming Cheng Board Chairman, Shandong Building Materials Group.

Other members were Zhang Pei Hao, General Manager Marketing, Tony Hu, Sales Manager and Xiao, Vice President Yantai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The delegation visited the chamber's office to review opportunities for joint ventures in the construction industry that would further supplement other related industries such as cement, iron, steel, timber, wood, marbles, tiles and stones, plastics, fibres, furniture and electrical appliances.

Welcoming the Chinese delegation, Shah Faisal Afridi said the construction industry of Pakistan is one of the prime source of employment generation in Pakistan and the second largest industry of Pakistan followed by textile sector, which is providing jobs to millions of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled work force. But, the industry still has a huge untapped potential due to lack of latest infrastructure needs in Pakistan, he added.

Referring to a World Bank study, he speculated that the growth in the construction industry of Pakistan this year would be higher than the previous year due to increased foreign investment and the improved law and order situation that is helping the industry to grow at a faster pace. This year the construction industry grew by 11.3 percent so far against the set target of 5.7 percent while the share of the industry in GDP at 2.4 percent by raising the annual growth to over 10 percent because of the growth in construction industry, he mentioned.

He was hopeful that the visit of Chinese entrepreneurs would produce fruitful results as it would help in exploring potential areas of mutual collaboration. Xiaoming Cheng, Head of the Chinese delegation said that Chinese entrepreneurs were encouraged to find out tremendous possibilities of investment and joint ventures in Pakistan in the field of construction industry. This is the time to transform the good historic ties into thriving trade and economic relations between the two countries.

He further invited the members to visit Taitou Town, Shouguang, China where he has developed innovation production facility centre that he want to relocate partially to Pakistan due to rising labour costs in China.

Zhang Pei Hao, General Manager Marketing, Shandong Building Group said that as per market research conducted by our team, there is a huge untapped potential that requires concerted efforts along with giving special prices for widespread introduction. He also presented proposals for joint ventures in building materials, PPR pipes and fittings, interior designing, electrical equipment including elevators and excavators, mobile and mobile accessories, innovative and smart lifestyle products, security solutions and tourism sector.

All Day

Parties give go-ahead to China-Pak corridor -- Dawn

ISLAMABAD: Doubts expressed by the political leadership over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor were partially addressed by the government on Thursday and an all-party conference held at the prime minister’s office gave a go-ahead to the project.

The remaining concerns will be addressed by a bipartisan/bicameral parliamentary committee which the government agreed to constitute for a regular oversight of the project.

The government also agreed to set up joint working groups having representation of all provinces to give their views and suggestions on economic and industrial hubs to be built along the corridor.

All concerns over western alignment linking Gwadar with Khunjerab addressed 1532

May 29, 2015 Continued Fri An APC on the matter held earlier remained inconclusive because of the Safoora Goth carnage having taken place on the same day.

Thursday’s meeting decided to first take up the corridor’s western alignment which would pass through Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa connecting Khunjerab with Gwadar to address concerns of the two provinces.

MNA Asad Umar, of the PTI, told Dawn, “Our concerns about project-wise details and three alignments of the corridor have been addressed.”

The government’s decision to constitute a special parliamentary committee and working groups is a way forward for forging political consensus.

He said his party would raise its concerns at the parliamentary committee and working groups about the nature of investment and actual terms and conditions under which the Chinese money would be invested.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who led the PTI delegation, highlighted the same issues.

Talking to newsmen after the meeting, MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar said his party had only agreed to the western alignment and it would give its input once central and eastern alignments would be discussed.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said his party had agreed to the western alignment which was the real project.

ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan said the meeting had agreed to build the route for which his party had been campaigning.

The western alignment, passing through Thakot, Mansehra, Hassanabdal, Peshawar, D.I. Khan and Quetta, will connect Khunjerab to Gwadar.

It appeared that the efforts of Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who along with his special assistant Asim Niazi, had one-to-one meetings with heads of all political parties had paid off.

“The minister spent hours briefing parliamentary heads and chiefs of political parties at their residences on the nitty-gritty of the project,” a government source told Dawn.

The planning minister told the politicians that about $46 billion of Chinese investment would not be distributed among the provinces because it was meant for energy, road and rail projects.

He clarified that the Lahore’s Orange Line project was not part of the corridor.

Mr Iqbal said no new road would be constructed, but the existing road network would be improved for better interconnectivity so that the entire country benefitted from the project.

He said roads along the three major alignments would be upgraded for an improved North-South connectivity.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif thanked the political leadership for their support to the project which, he said, would help Pakistan achieve its cherished dream of becoming a developed country and would also benefit other countries in the region.

He said having a difference of opinion was a healthy tradition which helped to reach better decisions.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah of the PPP, Shah Mahmood Qureshi of the PTI, Asfandyar Wali of ANP, Farooq Sattar of MQM, Maulana Fazlur Rehman of JUI-F, JI chief Sirajul Haq, BNP leader Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini, Mushahid Hussain Sayed of the PML-Q, Mehmood Khan Achakzai of the 1533

May 29, 2015 Continued Fri PkMAP, Hasil Bizenjo of NP, Ijazul Haq of PML-Z, Aftab Ahmed Sherpao of QWP, Senator Prof Sajid Mir, Syed Ghazi Jamal and Shah Jee Gul from Fata and Peer Ejaz Hashmi attended the conference.

Chief Ministers Qaim Ali Shah of Sindh, Pervez Khattak of KP and Dr Abdul Malik Baloch of Balochistan, Leader of the House in the Senate Raja Zafarul Haq, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Railways Minister Saad Rafique, Minister for Safron retired Lt Gen Abdul Qadir Baloch, Special Assistant to the PM on National Affairs Irfan Siddiqui, Special Assistant to the PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistants Barrister Zafarullah Khan and Khwaja Zaheed Ahmed also attended the conference.

5:10 PM - 10:00 PM

Flight to Jeddah -- Multan MUX

Pakistan flight 739 Multan MUX 5:10pm (local time) - Jeddah JED 8:00pm (local time) Confirmation number: ILQXQV

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May 30, 2015 Sat All Day

Ahsan Iqbal succeeds in hammering out consensus on CPEC route -The News

ISLAMABAD: It was minister for planning and development Ahsan Iqbal who worked tirelessly to evolve consensus among the political parties on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route.

Prior to the all parties conference chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday Ahsan Iqbal held a series of meeting with the leaders of all political parties to allay their concerns. Those he met included JUI (F) chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, senior leaders of the PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Shireen Mazari and Asad Omar, chief of PkMAP Mehmood Khan Achakzai and chief of Qaumi Watan Party Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao.

Sources said Ahsan Iqbal assured them that the chief ministers will be taken on board and working group will be established with representatives form all provinces to examine the sites for industrial parks/economic zones and prepare feasibility studies for presentation to the Joint Working Group in July 2015.

He assured Asfandyar Wali Khan that presently no new road is being constructed under CPEC but only the existing network of roads is being upgraded. He informed Asfanyar Wali Khan and Mehmood Khan Achackzai about the projects that would be initiated in KPK and Balochistan which include early harvest projects, Gwadar Eastbay Expressway, New Gwadar International Airport, Gwadar Projects (school, hospital, marine works, infrastructure, social sector projects) 660 MW coal-based project, Hub 300 MW coal-based project, Gwadar 600 MW solar project, and upgrading of railways and road network.

Minerals Processing Zones in Balochistan include Khuzdar (Chromite, Antimony, Chaghi (Chromite), Qila Saifullah(antimony, chromite), Sandak (gold, silver), Reko Diq(gold), Kalat (iron ore), Lasbela (Manganese), Gwadar (oil refinery), Muslim Bagh (chromite), Industrial Economic Zones/Parks in Quetta, Dostan, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Uthal, Hub, Dera Murad Jamali.

The mega projects in KPK include Early Harvest Projects KKH Phase-II(ThakotHavelian), Havelian Dry Port, Fiber Optic Data Communication System (KhunjerabIslamabad), 870 MW Hydro power project, Suki Kinari, Mansehra and Potential projects includes Swat Expressway, Hydro Projects Shogosin 132 MW Chitral, Balakot 300 MW, Shigokuch Dir 102 MW, etc), Chashma Right Bank Canal, Outer Ring Road , Peshawar.

Ahsan Iqbal said that CPEC-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Potential Economic Zones/ Industrial Parks include Minerals Economic Processing Zones Dargai (Chromite), North Waziristan (Chromite), Kurram (Antimony), Waziristan (copper), Chitral (Antimony), Besham(iron ore, lead), Nizampur (iron ore), Mohmand (Marble), Industrial Economic Zones/Parks, Hattar, Gadoon, Ghazi, D I Khan, Jalozai, Nowshera, Banu, Chitral, Risalpur.

The Early Harvest Projects of Gilgit-Baltistan include KKH Fiber optic Data communication system (Khunjerab -Islamabad). The CPEC-Gilgit Baltistan Potential Economic Zones/Industrial Parks include Minerals Economic Processing Zones, Gilgit (copper, antimony), Diamer (iron ore), Gilgit (herbs, herbal medicines), Gilgit (handicraft), Gilgit (wood industry) and Industrial Economic Zones/Parks at Gilgit andf Sakardu.

For Sindh, he said, the projects include Thar, Port Qasim, Thatta power projects, power transmission lines and LNG pipelines, Peshawar-Karachi motorway while potential projects include water supply for Karachi city, mass transit system for Karachi and provision of reliable electricity to Karachi while Potential Economic Zones/Industrial Parks in Sindh include Minerals Economic Processing Zones, Thar (coal), Lakra (coal), Industrial Economic Zones/Parks in Sukkur, Larkana, Karachi, Bin Qasim, Korangi Creek and Khairpur.

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May 30, 2015 Continued Sat In Punjab early harvest projects include energy projects in Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Salt Range; power transmission lines and LNG pipelines, Peshawar-Karachi motorway work, while Potential Economic Zones/ Industrial Parks in Punjab include Minerals Economic Processing Zones in Salt Range (antimony), Chiniot (iron ore), and Industrial Economic Zones/Parks in Sialkot, Gujranwala, Rawat, Lahore, Sundar, Multan and Vehari.

Ahsan Iqbal told the political leaders that working group comprising representatives of the provinces would study the feasibility of setting up of viable economic zones along the Western, Eastern and Central routes.

He invited the representatives of political parties for their input and suggestions in this regard. He said the projects along the Western alignment would be completed by 2016.

All Day

Pak SMEs can use CISMEF to explore Chinese business opportunities -The Nations Islamabad - The 12th China International SME Fair (CISMEF) would be held in October 2015 with the aim of boosting cooperation and development of SMEs in China and other countries and it is an ideal platform for Pakistani SMEs to attend the Fair and explore opportunities of business matchmakings with Chinese and other countries SMEs.

Liu Zhigen, Vice Governor, Guangdong Province of People’s Republic of China said this during his separate visits to Board of Investment and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chinese entrepreneurs of SME sector have shown interest to establish business collaborations with Pakistani counterparts.

SMEs were representing various sectors including economic, information technology and communications.

Addressing the local business community, Liu Zhigen, Vice Governor said that Guangdong Province was home to a lot of industries with matching facilities.

Liu Zhigen said Pakistani and Chinese businessmen should strengthen liaison in areas of mutual interest to promote bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.

This way, they could also compete more effectively in the international market.

He said entrepreneurs of both countries should share expertise, experiences and resources for mutual benefits.

He said maximum number of Pakistani SMEs should visit China to attend 12th China International SMEs Fair and find out opportunities of business expansion and joint ventures.

He also invited a delegation of ICCI to attend the said fair.

In his welcome address, Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the investment potential in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy.

He said that economy of Pakistan was in a recovery mode and time was ripe for Chinese investors to enhance investment in Pakistan, especially in energy, information technology, infrastructure development and exploration of natural resources.

During the visit to Board of Investment, Iftikhar Babar, Secretary, BOI briefed the delegation about the available investment opportunities in Pakistan in all sectors of the economy specifically in power, energy, infrastructure, mining & minerals and machinery etc.

The Secretary, BOI informed that Pakistan is committed to provide an investment friendly regime to investors by offering lucrative fiscal incentives and conducive business environment to foreign investors.

The Secretary, BOI said that China and Pakistan have entered into a comprehensive plan of Pak - China Economic Corridor.

1536

May 30, 2015 Continued Sat Pakistan China trade and economic relations have a great scope for further expansion.

Pakistan and China as strategic partners and have been cooperating in various fields of mutual interest.

The recent visit of the Chinese President will further cement the existing relations and open new avenues of investment, trade and cooperation.

All these strengths offer Chinese investors and business community unlimited business opportunities.

Liu Zhigeng, Vice Governor, People’s Government of Guangdong Province thanked BOI for cooperation and briefing regarding the investment opportunities available in Pakistan.

Liu Zhigeng has shown keen interest in different areas of investment specifically in transport and information technology sectors.

He also invited Secretary, BOI to participate in their incoming International Investment & Trade Fair in Guangdon, China.

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June 1, 2015 Mon All Day

Pak’s acquisition of nukes smashed India’s dreams: Aziz -- Pakistan Today Pak’s acquisition of nukes smashed India’s dreams: Aziz

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz on Sunday said that Pakistan’s acquisition of nuclear power “smashed India’s dreams”.

Aziz was addressing a gathering of the Nazaria Pakistan Council where he also said that Pakistan’s enemies would not succeed in sabotaging the China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“Pakistan’s adversaries have started their conspiracies to sabotage the Pak-China Economic Corridor, but make it clear that enemies’ nefarious designs will never succeed.”

He also said India’s desire for regional hegemony would not be allowed, and stated that economic prosperity and self-reliance are imperative to a strong defence.

The adviser said Pakistan ─ and the entire region’s future ─ was dependent on the completion of the CPEC. Talking about the war on terrorism, Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan has to fight a war against evil ideologies, including extremism and terrorism, which are harming the country.

Aziz’s assertions follow statements by the Pakistan Army that Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is involved in terrorism in Pakistan.

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June 2, 2015 Tue All Day

Budget 2015-16: 12% of approved funds goes to CPEC’s western alignment -- Express Tribune

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chairing a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the PM House on Monday. All four chief ministers attended the meeting.

PHOTO: PID Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chairing a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the PM House on Monday. All four chief ministers attended the meeting.

PHOTO: PID ISLAMABAD: After achieving political consensus, the government has made small changes in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and allocated 12% of the approved Rs171 billion for construction work on the western alignment.

Headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the National Economic Council (NEC) approved next year’s federally funded development programme including over two and a half dozen CPEC-related projects. The approved NEC plan shows that the government has included Rs942 billion worth of CPEC projects in the 2015-16 budget and allocated Rs171 billion for spending in the year.

However, the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) that met on May 26 had proposed CPEC projects valuing Rs842 billion and suggested an allocation of Rs194 billion. After the APCC meeting, an All Parties Conference was held where all political parties agreed to construct the western alignment of the CPEC first.

China wants to build a trade link through Pakistan aimed at using the Gwadar Port for strategic and commercial purposes. After a year of controversy, political factions have eventually reached a consensus on the alignment of the corridor route.

Western alignment The NEC’s plan shows that 12% or Rs20.8 billion worth of CPEC projects will go to the western route. Of the five schemes that have been shown on the western route, construction work on four has already started. One dated back to 1999 and was nearing completion, work on second commenced in 2007, the third was approved in 2010 and the fourth approved last month.

The fifth project is general in nature called the land acquisition and construction of CPEC projects. The total cost of this project is Rs60 billion and Rs10 billion has been allocated.

A lion’s share of Rs95 billion or 57% of CPEC allocations will go to projects on the eastern corridor. An amount of Rs31.8 billion or 18.7% of the allocation is proposed for the northern alignment, which is the link for all the routes.

The Ministry of Ports and Shipping will receive Rs6.8 billion or 4% of the allocation for Gwadar-related projects while the Ministry of Interior will get 2% of the allocation or Rs3.5 billion for raising 28 civil armed forces wings for ensuring security of the CPEC route and Chinese workers.

Eastern alignment The NEC has approved Rs60.2 billion for the construction of a 387km MultanSukkur section of the eastern route. The total cost of this project is Rs259.3 billion.

For the 296km Sukkur-Hyderabad section of the eastern route, the NEC allocated Rs10.5 billion. The total cost of the project is Rs148 billion.

It approved Rs20 billion for a 230km Lahore-Abdul Hakeem road section.

Northern alignment For the northern alignment, the NEC cleared Rs31.8 billion or 18.7% of the CPEC allocation. For the construction of 120km Thakot to Havelian section, the NEC approved Rs23.5 billion. The total cost of the project is Rs95.4 billion. For the acquisition of land for this project, the NEC allocated another Rs6 billion.

1539

June 2, 2015 Continued Tue The council approved Rs2.3 billion for construction work on the Burhan-Havelian road section, with a total estimated cost of Rs39.5 billion.

Similarly, for construction of the Islamabad-Mianwali-Dera Ismail Khan road, which will link eastern and central routes, the NEC approved Rs10 billion. The total cost of the project is Rs68 billion.

For the construction of an approach road to the New Gwadar International Airport, the NEC approved Rs503 million and allocated Rs30 million for the new fiscal year.

In order to complete work on the Gwadar Port, the NEC approved eight projects worth Rs41.6 billion and allocated Rs6.8 billion for the next year. These projects include construction of break way waters, capital dredging of berthing areas, infrastructure development for the Export Processing Zone Authority, Pak-China Technical and Vocational Centre and upgrading of the existing 50-bed hospital to 300-bed at Gwadar.

The NEC also approved Rs4.7 billion allocation for the construction of Eastbay Expressway that will link Gwadar with the coastal highway.

All Day

Economic corridor will help to bring peace and stability in the region: Hua Chunying -- Dunya News

Spokesperson of China’s Foreign Office Hua Chunying said on Tuesday that Pakistan-China Economic Corridor is not against any country, she was addressing a press conference in Beijing. She said that Pakistan and China are making a framework for the economic corridor in order to increase co-operation in all fields, she further said that this will be an important project under China Belt and Road project.

Hua Chunying said that Pakistan-China Economic Corridor will prove to be extremely helpful in the development of Pakistan and China and also for the peace and stability of the region. Talking about Kashmir, she said that the roots of Kashmir issue are in the history of Pakistan and India and it should be solved through dialogue and table talk.

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June 3, 2015 Wed All Day

Economic cooperation to open corridor of prosperity: Chinese CG -- The Nations Chinese Consul General in Lahore Yu Boren has said the Pak-China economic cooperation will open new corridors of prosperity for the people of Pakistan and appreciated contributions made by the Technical and Vocational Training Authority to provide skilled training courses.

He admired efforts by the Pak-Chiana Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) for initiating the Chinese language courses. "This course will be beneficial for realizing the need of overcoming the communication barriers between both the nations. It will also helpful for the youth who will learn Chinese language in getting jobs in Chinese companies who are investing in Pakistan," he said.

He also said, "China is committed to helping Pakistan and putting it on the path of prosperity. China is helping Pakistan in evolving a win-win strategy for developing joint ventures. A more developed China will make greater contribution and bring more opportunities to the world, he said adding that the year 2015 was marked as a special year for the "friendly partnership for common development" between China and Pakistan."

His comments came in the inaugural ceremony to launch the Chinese language courses at the TEVTA Secretariat on Tuesday which also drew in Deputy Counsel General Wang Dauxue, Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Shaikh, Chief Operating Officer TEVTA Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, Secretary General Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry Salah-ud-Din Hanif and other dignitaries of both organisations.

Chinese Consul General Yu Boren while addressing the participants said that the purpose of this language programme is to make the already technically skilled labour force of Pakistan more acceptable in the Chinese market. He asserted that it was the right time to make better choices and take progressive initiatives by imparting Chinese language and work ethics to the trained labour force of Pakistan which would increase its competitiveness and effectiveness in the large economy of china. Imparting language training to Pakistani labour with the collaboration of China would enhance labour capacity utilization and preference over untrained workforce. This trained workforce having a competitive edge could be preferably hired by countries that are expanding their manufacturing sector by relocating it in other viable countries, he added.

Wang Dauxue, in his address, quoted an old Chinese saying "Long distance never separates close friends and true neighbours don't necessarily live next door". He said China and Pakistan had different social and cultural traditions, but the people of the two nations had expressed an earnest wish to enhance friendship. He said that, "I believe China and Pakistan will work more closely to push forward bilateral relations and strengthen coordination and cooperation in the international affairs".

Authority Chairperson Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said, "TEVTA is doing its full efforts to provide trained manpower in shortest time as per requirement of the Industry. On the recommendations of relevant Industry, TEVTA is starting new short courses.

TEVTA is signing memoranda of understanding with different organisations to introduce new courses to meet the requirement shortage of trained manpower.

Expertise of our manpower on Chinese Language will provide better working environment with Chinese stakeholders in Pakistan."

All Day

PM emphasizes on Pak-China relations -- The Nations

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and China are Iron Brothers co-operating closely in all domains with the common vision to build a better future for the peoples of the two countries and promote regional peace.

He was talking to a delegation of Research and Development International, a new joint China-Pakistan think tank on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 1541

June 3, 2015 Continued Wed today.

The Prime Minister welcomed the establishment of the think tank which comprises of leading scholars, public figures and business groups from China.

Nawaz Sharif said the corridor is the flagship project of the "One Belt and One Road" initiative, since both the Belt and the Road have their meeting point in Pakistan.

He was confident that the agreements and the MOUs signed during the visit of the Chinese president will forge an ever stronger relationship between the two countries.

The delegation congratulated the government on achieving a historic consensus on the corridor project in the recently held All Parties Conference.

The Prime Minister said a parliamentary committee has also been formed to oversee the corridor project and to speed up the process of its building.

The delegation informed the Prime Minister that the Research and Development International plans to establish China Pakistan Information Corridor as well, in order to support and supplement the CPEC, which would be a one window operation to provide necessary information to all.

The Prime Minister was informed that Chinese authorities are deliberating to hold China-Pakistan Economic Corridor forum every year in the Karamay city of Xinjiang.

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June 4, 2015 Thu All Day

China backs Pak membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group -- The Nation

BEIJING: China on Wednesday said it backed Pakistan’s “engagement” with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) but at the same time maintained that acceptance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was a standard to admit new memberstates in the 48-nation grouping.

“China has noted Pakistan’s aspirations for the NSG membership. Pakistan has taken steps towards its mainstreaming into the global non-proliferation regime,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing.

“We support Pakistan’s engagement with the NSG, and hope such efforts could be conducive to the authority and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime. We wish to strengthen communication and coordination with Pakistan,” she said. At the same time, she said, “It is the long-standing consensus of the international community that the NPT is the cornerstone of the regime”.

She was replying to a question on how China views Pakistan’s aspirations for NSG membership at the NSG plenary meeting being held in Argentina.“In fact, besides Pakistan, there are other non-NPT states who have expressed similar aspirations,” she said in an apparent reference to India’s interest to become NSG member.

All Day

National Highway Authority spent Rs1.342 trillion on 72 projects in 2014-15 – Gwadar handed 6.279 million tons -- ARY News

The 2014-15 Economic Survey of Pakistan released this evening by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar provided the following details about Pakistan’s communications sectors, especially the roads network, railways and ports

Pakistan’s total road network is around 263,942 Kms which carries over 96 percent of inland freight and 92 percent of passenger traffic.

Length of the NHA (National Highways Authority) road network is around 12,131 kms and comprises of 39 national highways, motorways, expressway and strategic roads.

During 2014-15, the NHA executed 72 development projects costing Rs 1,342 billion.

3-n10-pakistan The M-9 highway in Balochistan The Government of Punjab and the Federal government jointly completed the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro-Bus service project with a total cost of Rs44.21 billion.

The network of Pakistan Railway comprises of 7,791 route kilometres, 452 locomotives, 1,732 passenger coaches and 15,948 freight wagons.

During the financial year 2014-15, 90 kms of track has been rehabilitated besides doubling of 57 kms track. pakistan-railways PIA’s expenditure decreased by 38 per cent and its operating revenue increased from Rs. 95.771 billion to Rs 99.519 billion in 2014.

During July-March, 2014-15, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation companies earned revenue of Rs12.20 billion compared to Rs 11.37 billion over the corresponding period of last year.

During July-March 2014-15, the total cargo handled at Gwadar Port stood at 6.279 million tons against 5.764 million tons over the corresponding period of last year showing a growth of 8.9 percent.

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June 5, 2015 Fri All Day

China to set up massive industrial park at Gwadar -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Chinese will establish a massive Industrial Park at Gwadar, which will house an oil city and petroleum refining zone beside dozens of other technical and logistical installations.

Chinese City of Karamay and Gwadar have decided to enter in a sister city relationship.

A Memorandum of Understanding for Framework Draft Plan in this regards was signed today by Babu Gulab, Chairman District Gwadar, and Zhang Hongyan, Mayor Karamay Municipal government Xinjiang People Republic of China.

A sister city, county or state relationship is a broad-based, officially approved, longterm partnership between two communities, counties or states in two countries.

According the agreement Xinjiang Petroleum will develop Gwadar Karamay Industrial Park, the industrial park will include two parks, hi-tech and petro chemical industrial park, four sectors including trade, tourism and catering, agriculture processing and training of occupational skills and three routs including wharf, highways and air route.

Both parties are willing to further enhance friendship and mutual trust in order to create a friendly exchanges and cooperation platform in various fields such as culture, education, health, science and technology, economy.

Other parts of the agreement included teaching training in Karamay, doctor training, short courses for students in science & technology, Chinese language training etc.

Under the agreement Karamay will develop an oil city where they will set up petroleum refining zone, petroleum engineering and technical service zone and logistics center.

Moreover building material area, logistic and warehousing area, high tech zone, commodity wholesale district, food processing zone, machinery and equipment rental area will be also part of the industrial park.

About further details of the agreement an official of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) told The Nation that Chinese told us that they will require about 10 km area for setting up the industrial park.

The GDA coordinator, Nawabzada Zakir, said that it is a long term project and the MoU will be implemented in 6 phases.

The Chinese official have told us that the project is in very beginning stage and they will obtain the whole information about the area, investment environment etc and will start work step by step.

He said that the Chinese told us “we will put ourselves in Pakistan shoes to solve its primary concern�.

The Chinese delegation has invited the official of district government Gwadar to visit Karamay to further the idea of the industrial park.

A 15-member team consists of Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, Chairman District Council, DG Gwadar Development Authority will be visiting Karamay on 15 July, he informed.

All Day

Govt to spend Rs.3bn on new Gwadar International Airport -- APP

ISLAMABAD: The government will spend Rs.3 billion during the next fiscal year 2015-16 to construct new Gwadar International Airport, Minister for Finance and Revenue, Ishaq Dar said.

In his budget speech for 2015-16 in National Assembly here on Friday, he said keeping in view significant role Gwadar has to play for strengthening the economy in the coming days, the government takes the development of this area very seriously.

He said accordingly, allocations are being made for a host of development projects and added provision of Rs.2 billion has been made for Gwadar Development Authority.

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June 5, 2015 Continued Fri For necessary facilities of water treatment and supply, the government is making a substantial allocation of Rs.3 billion.

All Day

No one can come between Pak-China love: Chinese envoy The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong has said that no other country holds value between Pakistan and China relations, adding that the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would be completed at a -- Pakistan Today The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong has said that no other country holds value between Pakistan and China relations, adding that the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would be completed at all cost.

Talking exclusively to the media on Thursday after the address of the joint session of the Parliament, the Chinese envoy said that no one should doubt relations between Pakistan and China. He said no third country, which is attempting to damper relations between the two countries, would be allowed to succeed and neither it holds any value.

He said that Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would be completed at all cost and it will prove to be beneficial to the entire region, and not only Pakistan. He said that the corridor would open avenues of employment for all the people in the region.

Regarding Kashmir issue he said that Kashmir is a disputed area and China desires a solution for it according to UN resolutions.

Regarding the president speech to the joint session, the Chinese envoy said that his speech was appropriate, adding that the Government and Parliament should make their decision in light of the president’s address so that a new era of development could open.

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June 6, 2015 Sat All Day

Budget: Rs700bn for development -- Dawn

The government on Friday announced Rs700 billion Public-Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2015-16 with major emphasis on water and power, temporarily displaced persons, highways, railways, education, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, PM Youth Loan Programme and ports and shipping.

The allocation was higher by 29.1 per cent from this year’s PSDP of Rs542bn.

WATER AND POWER: An amount of Rs142.2bn was allocated for this sector, with Rs30bn in water and Rs112.2bn in power.

The budget document said that 13 major water projects are hoped to be completed this year including Drawat Dam, Rainee Canal, Shadi Kaur Dam etc.

Major allocations include Rs4bn for construction of break waters, Rs300 million for capital dredging of berthing areas and channel for additional terminal for ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Rs500m for infrastructure development of export-processing zone at Gwadar, Rs3bn for Gwadar fresh water treatment and water supply.

The government has earmarked Rs112.2bn for power sector and planned to add 14,400MW to the national grid by 2017-18. It also hopes to fetch 10,400MW under CPEC project by the year 2018.

Besides more than 4,000MW thermal projects would be initiated in public-sector including 425MW Power Project Nandipur; 1,320MW Coal-fired Power Plant Jamshoro; 2,400MW LNG-based Power Plants at Haveli Bahadur Shah and Balloki.

HIGHWAYS: National Highway Authority (NHA) was allocated Rs159.6bn against this year’s Rs111.5bn, an increase of around Rs48bn (43pc).

Of the allocated amount, Rs14.6bn was earmarked for on-going projects and Rs86.8bn for other new projects and Rs58.1bn under new initiatives of CPEC. RAILWAYS: Another major chunk of Rs40bn was allocated for railways but the increase is nominal when compared to this year’s Rs39.6bn allocation.

The railways authorities claimed that the work would continue on projects of rehabilitation and doubling of track, procurement and manufacturing of locomotives, passenger coaches.

PORTS AND SHIPPING: Allocation of Rs12bn was made for this sector from this year’s Rs2.576bn, a significant increase of around 366pc.

Additional allocation of Rs9.3bn has been made in this sector for CPEC projects.

PM YOUTH LOAN PROGRAMME: The programme attracted a sum of Rs20bn against this year’s allocation of Rs7bn.

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION: The government earmarked Rs20.5bn for 191 development projects of different universities for research development, infrastructure development, programmes, scholarships programmes, establishing of new varsities etc.

PAKISTAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION: The commission was allocated an amount of Rs30bn from this year’s Rs42bn, a decline of 28.57pc.

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CPEC fetches sizeable amount in PSDP -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - The China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) - a development megaproject which aims to connect Gwadar Port to China's Northwestern region of Xinjiang via a network of highways, railways and pipelines - has fetched Rs1961 million in the Public Sector Development Programme 2015-16.

Out of the total estimated cost of Rs3554 million of the project, the government 1546

June 6, 2015 Continued Sat would be spending Rs155 million as of June 30, 2015 and further Rs1961 million have been allocated in the PSDP 2015-16. The allocation shows government's interest in completing the project which is considered central to Pak-China relations, on priority basis. The project will run about 3,000 km from Gwadar to Kashgar in China.

The CPEC projects as shown in the PSDP include feasibility study (PC-II) for the construction of new rail link from Havelian in district Haripur to Pak-China border (682km) (Rs1 million); feasibility study for up-gradation of existing Main Line-II (Rs 300 million); comprehensive feasibility study for upgradation/rehabilitation of mainline-I and new dry port at Havelian (Buldhair) district Haripur (Rs270 million); acquisition of land for new dry port at Buldhair, district Haripur (Rs300 million); and PC-II for feasibility study to connect Gwadar with Karachi and feasibility study from Gwadar to Basima and from Basima to Jacobabad via Khuzdar (Rs10 million).

The CPEC project, according to the experts, will prove to be a game-changer and for this purpose work on Raikot-Islamabad road will also be launched during the next fiscal year. For this purpose, Rs29 billion have been allocated. Similarly, Rs10 billion have been allocated for the construction of Islamabad-DI Khan road.

The Corridor is an extension of China's proposed Silk Road initiative, which would go a long way in making Pakistan a richer and stronger economic entity than ever before, the experts believe.

The CPEC-related development schemes put in the PSDP 2015-16 also include a vast network of roads.

According to the Programme, Western Alignment (CPEC) include Gwadar-TurbatHoshab Section (200km) of Gwadar-Ratodero Road (892km) M-8 including Khuzdar-Shahdadkot-Ratodero (143km)-(Gwadar-Turbat, Khuzdar in Balochistan and Kamber, Shehdadkot and Larkana in Sindh). Rs2,800 million have been allocated for this project. Similarly, Rs2500 million have been allocated for widening and improvement of N-85, Hoshab-Nag-Basima-Surab Road (459km) (Khuzdar,Paniqur); Rs3,000 million for Zhob Mughal Kot 81km N-50; Rs2,000 million for rehabilitation of DI Khan Mughal Kot 50km section N-50 and Rs10,000 million for land acquisition/construction of Western Alignment and other CPEC projects.

As far as Northern Alignment of CPEC is concerned, Rs2,300 million have been allocated for construction of Burhan-Havelian Expressway (59km); Rs20,500 million for Thakot to Havelian (120km) (Construction) (phase-I) and Rs5000 million for Thakot to Havelian (120km) (Land) (Phase-I).

Similarly, Rs10,000 million have been allocated for the construction of IslamabadMianwali-DI Khan CPEC route including land acquisition and technical study.

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JF-17 programme a symbol of Pak-China friendship: China Aviation Industry -- Express Tribune

Chairman Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Lin Zuoming assured his all-out support to enhance the capabilities of JF-17 aircraft, Radio Pakistan reported.

Chief of Air Staff Marshal Sohail Aman, during his visit to the Headquarters of Aviation Industry Corporation of China, expressed his satisfaction over the JF-17 programme.

The programme was also deemed by the marshal as a symbol of the Pak-China friendship.

Read: China to deliver 50 more JF-17 Thunder jets to Pakistan It was announced earlier during the year that China would deliver another fifty JF-17 Thunder fighters to Pakistan over a period of three years.

During a recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan, it was also asserted by both sides that the jets were a symbol of friendship.

The close friendship has come under scrutiny by India who have termed the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) ‘unacceptable’.

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June 6, 2015 Continued Sat This vocal opposition lends credence to Islamabad’s claims that New Delhi is fomenting unrest in Balochistan in a bid to sabotage the project described as ‘game changer’ for the region.

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June 7, 2015 Sun All Day

200 Pak engineers to get thermal engineering training in China -- The Nations LAHORE - Presiding over a high level meeting held here to review progress of Sahiwal coal power project, Punjab Chief Minister said that initial design of this 1320MW project has been prepared and an agreement reached with Pakistan Railways for transportation of coal from Karachi.

The Chief Minister told the meeting that overcoming energy crisis is top priority of the government since promotion of industry, trade and economic activity is not possible without it.

All out resources are being used for ending shortage of electricity.

Shahbaz Sharif said that work is continuing on generation of energy through coal, hydle, wind, solar, gas and other alternate sources.

He said that two coal power projects of 660MW each are being set up in Sahiwal and a total of 1320MW electricity will be generated from this project.

The Chief Minister said that the project will be implemented transparently by ensuring high quality and speed.

He said that this project of national importance will be completed in 2017.

He said that Punjab government will impart training of thermal engineering to 200 Pakistani engineers in China from its own resources.

He directed that a comprehensive programme with regard to training of Pakistani engineers in China should be evolved and presented within seven days.

Shahbaz Sharif said that setting up of thermal engineering department in Engineering University Lahore should also be considered.

He said that the decision of imparting training to Pakistani youth in thermal engineering discipline in China by a Chinese company is a welcome step.

The Chief Minister said that he will personally monitor the progress of Sahiwal coal power project and also visit the site soon.

Head of the project Song Taiji gave briefing to the meeting.

Addl Chief Secretary Energy, Commissioner Sahiwal Division, Chairman PPDC, concerned authorities and officials of Chinese companies working on Sahiwal coal power project attended the meeting.

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June 9, 2015 Tue All Day

Pak-China friendship follows no boundary: CM Shahbaz -- Dunya News Pak-China friendship follows no boundary: CM Shahbaz

Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday has termed ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as vital to the region’s progress.

While talking at the ceremony in Lahore, CM Punjab stated that the visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping has created a new history.

He said that the previous government has failed to utilize the China relations in a positive sense but the government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has given new dimension to Pak-China friendship.

CM Punjab expressed that Pakistan-China friendship is more than the marked boundaries as it’s between two nations without following the barrier of borders.

He further vowed to stand by the China at any cost.

CPEC is a gift from Chinese investors for Pakistan, we should employ it for the development of the country, he added.

Moreover, Shahbaz Sharif invited the political leaders to be united for nation’s progress.

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June 10, 2015 Wed All Day

No tax on export of Halal meat through Gwadar port -- The Nations

All Day

Pak-China sign agreement for MSA patrol vessels -- Daily Times

Federal Minister for Ports & Shipping Senator Kamran Michael has said that there will be no export tax on export of Halal meat through Gwadar port.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, the minister said that the Government is encouraging the investors and exporters for ‘Halal Meat Industry’ as there is huge demand of Halal meat in international market.

Michael said that Government has exempted the investors and industrialists from all kind of import and export taxes, adding that exporters who may get clearance from export bureau and launch their Halal Meat Industry till 2016, they will be exempted from taxes for next four years.

Michael has said that Central Asian States are earning $3 trillion only through Halal meat sector while Pakistan earns least from this sector but present Government is the first one to pay heed towards this.

Federal Minister has stated that the lives of local fishermen will be changed with the commercial exports of fish from Gwadar port.

Michael remarked that for the first time, Baloch would be benefiting directly through this export.

The Minister said that the foreign exchange reserves have started increasing with export of deep sea water fish, adding that government is taking special steps for expanding the export of fish at maximum level.

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China signed a landmark agreement on Wednesday for construction of six patrol vessels for Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

The agreement was signed on Wednesday during a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) in Rawalpindi. Documents were signed by M/s China Ship Trading Company (M/s CSTC) and the Pakistani government on behalf MoDP. According to the agreement, four ships will be constructed in China while the remaining two will be built at Karachi's Shipyard and Engineering Works under Transfer of Technology.

The spokesman for MoDP said that acquisition of new ships was a step towards PMSA's capacity building by the government which will boost the agency's operational preparedness for protection of resources in Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone and fishery protection. The spokesman further said that new ships will be used for maritime law enforcement operations against drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

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June 11, 2015 Thu All Day

Motorways will be built in Sindh,KP and Balochistan: Nawaz Sharif -Pak Tribune Motorways will be built in Sindh,KP and Balochistan: Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday while addressing the National Assembly said that motorways will be built in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as well.

The budget discussion at the House enters its third day as Premier Sharif shed light on the country's infrastructural development projects.

"We initiated [the motorway] in Lahore and from there we went to Peshawar," PM Nawaz recalled. "It was not supposed to end in Lahore...it was to be built till Karachi and Gwadar."

In response to points raised by Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Nawab Ali Wassan, the premier said that progress on the Hyderabad-Karachi motorway is underway.

He further said that in the past, the project came to an end when his government had previously ended in the early 90s. He added that in 1997 his government again conceived of a project to build a motorway till Karachi.

Similarly, the premier said that there will be a motoway from Lahore to Multan and Multan to Sukkur, which comes under the Pak-China Economic Corridor (PCEC).

"Our government also made a coastal highway from Gwadar to Karachi," PM Nawaz said. "We have started construction in Gwadar and want to make it Pakistan’s best city and district."

He went on to stress importance of Gwadar and making it a duty-free port.

"Gwadar should be given the status of a free port and a new administrative system and unit should be developed there," PM Nawaz said. "Like Gulf countries, Gwadar should also become a duty-free port and have the same progress as countries like Singapore, Dubai and Hongkong."

The premier also acknowledged PPP's efforts and mentioned the Attabad Lake. "A tunnel is being constructed a few kilometres away from the lake, on which around Rs27 billion are being spent," he said.

He acknowledged that PPP started the project and said it was a positive move.

The opposition in both houses of parliament had on Monday refused to participate in the debate on the budget unless the government agreed to arrange live coverage of all speeches through the state-run PTV, forcing a day’s postponement of the debate.

Leader of the Opposition Khursheed Ahmed Shah was temperate in criticising the government for missed targets in the outgoing financial year and perceived deficiencies in the new budget while opening the debate in the National Assembly.

The federal cabinet last week approved the budget for the fiscal year 2015-16 (FY2015-16), with a total outlay of Rs4.313 trillion, which is 9.1 per cent higher than the revised 2014-15 outlay of Rs3.9tr.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar while presenting the budget for fiscal year 2015-16 on the floor of the National Assembly said a growth rate target of 5.5pc had been set for the upcoming year, which he said is budgeted to reach 7pc by the end of PML-N government's tenure in 2017-18 Before announcing the budget, the minister briefed the cabinet about the salient features of the budget and said measures have been proposed which may enhance exports, industrial growth, and employment.

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June 11, 2015 Continued Thu

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June 12, 2015 Fri All Day

A new administrative unit should be made for Gwadar, says Nawaz -Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday told the National Assembly that a special status should be given to Gwadar to make it a model port, and a new administrative unit should be established for it.

“Gwadar should be made a duty-free port like in Gulf countries, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc, and for this purpose, we should sit together to frame new laws. I will approach the opposition parties in this regard. We want to make Gwadar the best port, city and a district,” the prime minister expressed these views while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Thursday.

The prime minister said that Gwadar should not only be a gift to Pakistan but to the entire region. He said that Tajikistan and other countries are keen to connect with Gwadar. “We will increase Tajikistan’s connectivity with Gwadar,” he said.

The prime minister said that load shedding would end within three years, adding that two big energy projects of 650MW each – based on coal – had been launched in Thar. The Thar coalmine will also be developed and its coal will be used in these projects, he said, and added that two projects of 1,320MW would be completed at Port Qasim and Hub.

Leader of opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah said that the PPP government had handed over Gwadar to China and PML-N government has continued this policy, which was good for the country. He said that continuity in policies was required to take Pakistan forward on the path of development.

The opposition leader maintained that there is 10 to 12 hour of load shedding in cities and 18 to 20 hours in the rural areas. He acknowledged that people of some areas where load shedding duration is high are not paying electricity bills. However, he said that it was the responsibility of the government to control line loses and electricity theft.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar informed the lawmakers that the Moody’s Investor Service has upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating from Caa1 to B3.

He said that Moody’s had downgraded the country’s credit rating to Caa1 on July 13, 2012. However, Moody’s has upgraded Pakistan’s rating, which shows macroeconomic stability in the country.

Taking part in the budget debate, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf member Ali Muhammad Khan gave an emotional speech on problems being faced by common man in rural and far-flung areas of the country. He said that the budget does not reflect the needs of the poor people, low ranking government officials, students, farmers and labourers.

“The budget is just a jugglery of words and offers no relief to ordinary people,” he said, adding that the government should pay a little focus on building schools, colleges and hospitals as well, along with the motorways and metro buses.

PML-N member Dr Ramesh Kumar, however, defended the budget, saying the government has presented a balanced budget despite all the odds. He said that economic indicators have improved a lot as compared to the previous government and the effects would ultimately trickle down to improve the living standard of the ordinary citizens. Several members took part in the budget debate.

Speaking on the occasion, Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that PTV National would broadcast live proceedings of parliament.

The minister said that PTV National had been assigned the task to broadcast live proceedings of the budget session keeping in view the desire of members of the National Assembly and Senate from both treasury as well as opposition benches.

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June 12, 2015 Continued Fri The minister said he had issued instructions that equal time must be given to members of the National Assembly and Senate, as proceedings of both the houses were going simultaneously.

Pervaiz Rashid expressed the hope that members of parliament would be satisfied with the decision, as their voice would reach to the people of the country.

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Hub: Will connect Gwadar port with Central Asia, says PM Nawaz -Dunya News

Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that military operation will be launched till eradication of terrorism. He said that perpetrators of tragedy of Safoora Chowrangi will be caught and justice will be served soon, reported Dunya News.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony after ground breaking at Hub oil refinery, PM Nawaz said that the condition of the country is improving and expressed hope that all terrorists will be caught.

Calling the current military operation a ‘well calculated’ decision, PM Nawaz said that operation Zarb-e-Azb had been launched after deliberation and much thought.

He said that North Waziristan had become peaceful once again.

PM expressed determination that culprits behind the tragedy of Safoora Chowrangi will be caught and speedy justice will be served.

Talking about energy crisis, PM said that coal plant is being set up at Thar while the crisis is expected to end in 2017.

PM Nawaz said that Gwadar port will be developed as free port and will be connected with Central Asia.

Talking about the construction of oil refinery in Balochistan, PM Nawaz said that construction of refinery is an important achievement which will increase oil output.

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June 14, 2015 Sun All Day

CPEC, Gwadar port to be built at any cost: COAS -- The Nations

KARACHI - Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said that the world endorses security concerns of Pakistan.

The country, he said, is willing to cooperate with other nations for peace but not at the expense of ‘our national interest, sovereign rights and national pride’.

Addressing the passing out parade of Pakistan Navy cadets, the army chief said ceasefire violations, bloodletting in Balochistan, Fata and Karachi manifest enemy’s hostile intent, in a clear indication to India’s anti-Pakistan activities.

“We are ready to pay any price to protect our nationhood and safeguard our interests, be it Kashmir, development of new ports or exploitation of natural resources. .

We are acutely aware of our enemy’s campaigns and will defeat its designs,” he declared.

Talking about China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said that CPEC holds enormous potential for transforming lives of our region’s people.

“CPEC with Gwadar port as its catalyst will be built and developed as one of the most strategic deep-sea port in the region at any cost whatsoever,” Gen Sharif said.

“The entire nation expresses resolve to eliminate the menace of terror and operation Zarb-e-Azb is delivering decisive results.

The terrorists are now resorting to desperate actions.

Battle against terrorism won’t be won by Armed Forces alone and it is encouraging to see the entire nation is pursuing this national effort with great sense of purpose. ” While congratulating and extending felicitations on achieving this milestone, the army chief advised the passing out Midshipmen and cadets to always ensure that “interests of the state and the service is prime for you and never let your personal feelings stand in the way to your commitment to the national duty bestowed upon you”.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers’ training.

He apprised the audience that the commissioning term comprises of 86 Midshipmen, including 48 from Pakistan and 38 from brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Nigeria.

He added that 43 cadets from Short Service Commission Officers batch were also being passed out.

The commandant highlighted that cadets from Bahrain, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Yemen are also undergoing training at Pakistan Naval Academy.

Later, COAS Raheel Sharif gave away prizes to the winners and those attaining distinction.

Midshipman Fazal Qadeer was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance.

Midshipman Syed Mubashir Shah won the Academy Dirk.

Lieutenant M Bilal Asif, Cadet Arsalan Tariq, MSC Perera (from Sri Lanka) and Cadet Muhammad Shahid (SSC) were given Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal and Commandant’s Gold Medal, respectively.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior military officers, ambassadors, defence attaches of various countries, civil dignitaries and parents of passing out midshipmen and cadets.

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June 15, 2015 Mon All Day

China, Pakistan should build railways to link with South Asia: Official -Economic Times BEIJING: China and Pakistan should build a railway network in further to a due $ 46-billion mercantile mezzanine to boost trade with South Asia and Arabian Peninsula, a tip Chinese central said.

“We should ready to build a railway between China and Pakistan as shortly as possible,” He Sanqiu, conduct of ride in Kashgar was quoted as observant by staterun Xinhua news group today.

Kashgar, a Chinese city in flighty Xinjiang region, borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), that will be connected with a 3,000-kilometre-long China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ( CPEC) with Pakistan’s pier city of Gwadar.

The corridor, due to pass by a PoK, is objected by India due to a doubtful standing of a region.

The news pronounced that a construction of roads, railways and pipelines opposite Pakistan is approaching to take around 15 years.

Rail is “the easiest way” to couple Kashgar with South Asia, a Arab Peninsula, and even tools of easterly Africa around a Arabian Sea and a Indian Ocean, He Sanqiu said.

There are copiousness of opportunities to boost trade, including industrial parks, cultivation and tourism, he said.

China and Pakistan have skeleton to boost trade to around $ 20 billion within 3 years from a stream $ 16 billion.

The mercantile mezzanine will emanate new business opportunities for enterprises in many mercantile sectors, Sun Weidong, Chinese envoy to Pakistan said.

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Gwadar Port Zone completes land acquisition process for free zone ISLAMABAD: The Gwadar Port Authority has completed land acquisition process for free zone (FZ) and its execution is expected to start soon. The funds for acquisition of land to be han -- Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The Gwadar Port Authority has completed land acquisition process for free zone (FZ) and its execution is expected to start soon.

The funds for acquisition of land to be handed over to concession holder for establishment of FZ has been provided through Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) as with FZ development the port throughout in transshipments, export and import will enhance significantly.

The same time the company is going to establish a large exhibition centre adjacent to Port for display of Chinese and Pakistani products. This would be the first Zone in Pakistan, spread over an area of 9.23 sq km, adjacent to the port.

According to a budget document, Gwadar port offers lots of opportunities to prospective investors. Chinese investors have taken keen interest in establishing Marine Silk Route and establishment of heavy industries in the industrial zone.

In this regard, banks from China and Pakistan are working on concept of development of Special Economic Zones in Punjab and Balochistan and the investors, especially the Chinese, are planning to establish a steel mill and a cement factory in Gwadar.

Moreover, under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Gwadar Port is said to be strategically important to China because it will bring closer Middle Eastern ports to China through Karakoram Highway (KKH) linking Gwadar with 1557

June 15, 2015 Continued Mon Kashgar.

Under CPEC, Gwadar Port is considered as gateway of CPEC, and Gwadar city as one of the pivotal cities of the corridor.

The first special economic zone (SEZ) of CPEC is being developed in Gwadar city.

The government-to-government CPEC agreements have created bright prospects for optimum operationalisation of Gwadar Port and harnessing the benefits of regional trade connectivity through this naturally deep-sea port by Pakistan, China, Central Asian Republics and Afghanistan.

To resolve the port connectivity with the highway network, “Gwadar Port Eastbay Expressway” project has now been agreed upon for funding under CPEC. The project has been approved by ECNEC at an estimated cost of Rs.14 billion and its execution has been started.

The proposed expressway will connect the Gwadar Port with the Mekran Coastal Highway, passing along the east bay of Gwadar City, with a total length of 18.98 Km, including 4.3 Km along -the-shore/off-shore and 14.6 Km on -shore sections. A rail link along this expressway is also part of the project.

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Pakistan wins first JF-17 order at Paris Air Show: PAF -- Express Tribune PARIS: After high expectations for a deal to pull through, Pakistan was successful in securing its first ever export order for its JF-17 Thunder fighter on Monday at the first day of the International Paris Air Show.

Air Commodore and Pakistan Air Force officer dealing in sales and marketing, Khalid Mahmood said “A contract has been signed with an Asian country.” However the name of the country was not disclosed and deliveries are likely to begin in 2017.

The report added that 80 people were promoting the JF-17 in Paris this year, reflecting a significant marketing push.

Read: Pakistan eager to secure first ever-order for the JF-17 at Paris Air Show Due to security concerns and client sensitivities, Mahmood chose not to specify the name of the customer and the number of aircraft it will obtain from Pakistan.

Further, speaking to AFP from the Paris Air Show by phone, Air Commodore Syed Muhammad Ali said an order for the plane had been finalised but declined to give details.

“That’s the case, we’ve finalised the order,” he said, citing sensitivities for not naming the client, the number of aircraft or the date of delivery.

Mahmood further stated that the sales for the JF-17 had been delayed due to the political turmoil in numerous countries in the Middle East.

Having brought three aircraft to the show this year, one of them will make its flying debut.

Commenting on the success of the show, Mahmood said the choice of venue in terms of meeting prospective customers from French speaking countries is a good one.

Read: China to deliver 50 more JF-17 Thunder jets to Pakistan Analysts believe the major selling point of the JF-17 is its cost, which is likely to be substantially less than the $16-18 million cost of an US-made F-16.

The latest models of the jets, which are locally produced in cooperation with China, are lightweight multi-role aircraft capable of Mach 2.0 (twice the speed of sound) with an operational ceiling of 55,000 feet.

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June 15, 2015 Continued Mon With a total 11 countries including Pakistan, China also markets the aircraft.

Updating the guests and media on Pakistan’s induction of the type, he claimed that a total of 54 examples of JF-17 have been delivered till date. Out of which the first 50 were delivered in a Block I configuration and an update of these to a Block II standard is underway.

The Block II configuration features improved avionics and better software, and adds a fixed air-to-air refuelling probe. The JF-17 is powered by a single Klimov RD-93 engine.

An addition of Block III configuration with 50 aircraft and 46 aircraft delivered in the Block II configuration is expected to push Pakistan’s fleet to 150 examples, aiming to be delivered by the end of 2018.

“Though the aircraft’s developers are still working out the specifications of the Block III aircraft, upgrades are likely to include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) or Passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar”, Mahmood said.

Further, the configuration could also include an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, stations under the forward fuselage for various pods, and expanded precision weapons capabilities.

With the aim to serve mainly as a trainer, a two-seat variant is also planned by the developers. Pakistan produces 58% of the airframe and China 42%.

Pakistan was eager to secure its first-ever order for the JF-17 at the international event as Canada’s Bombardier is particularly hungry for sales, after its new C Series aircraft struggled through development delays and difficult market conditions.

Airbus has also confirmed it will display its A400M military transport plane for the first time since a fatal crash in Spain last month caused by a massive engine failure.

With air passenger numbers set to double to six billion annually by 2030, the world’s premier air show in Paris will next week focus on green issues even as the aircraft sales war remains centre stage.

The Paris Air Show brings together some 315,000 visitors and 2,260 exhibitors from 47 countries, with much of the attention focused on which big manufacturers, particularly Airbus and Boeing, will land the most orders.

Pakistan’s large and well-funded military has long been a major importer of defence equipment, particularly from China.

The Paris Air show runs from June 15 to 21, with the final three days open to the public.

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June 16, 2015 Tue All Day

Pakistan launches project to connect Gwadar Port with Central Asia -Dispatch News Desk

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the federal government is launching a mega project to connect the southern Gwadar port with the Central Asian states and then to the Western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

While speaking on the floor of the National Assembly in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister said that all the link roads from Gwadar to Central Asian city of Tirmiz in Uzbekistan will be completed to connect Pakistan with all central Asian countries Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan through Afghanistan.

The prime minister said that Quetta-Chaman route will be completed by the end of next year. He said that Chaman-Kandahar-Mazar-e-Sharif-Tirmiz road connection will be developed.

Sharif said that work on Peshawar-Torkham-Jalalabad motorway is going on. He said that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) is constructing this project and will soon be completed. He said that it will be extended from Jalalabad to Kabul-Mazare-Sharif and Tirmiz.

Nawaz Sharif said that with the completion of these routes, Balochistan will be opened and will be connected with all parts of the country. He said that these are big communication projects which will connect the whole country. He said these projects are necessary for integrity, unity and cohesion of the country and ending sense of deprivation of Balochistan.

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June 17, 2015 Wed All Day

Chinese Embassy compound inaugurated amid applause, celebrations -Pak Observer Islamabad—Amid appreciation and applause, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong, accompanied by Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, inaugurated on Tuesday the new building of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Islamabad, the federal capital.

Situated at Zhu-Enlai Avenue, it is the largest Chinese embassy overseas (areawise) While addressing hundreds of participants including large number of ambassadors, politicians, bureaucrats and celebrities during launching of new compound of Chinese Embassy, Chinese ambassador termed the compound as symbol of friendship between China and Pakistan.

The completion and launching of new compound is testimony to the all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan, he said adding that it was the largest compound of Chinese Embassy ( by land area) across the globe.

Speaking about China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Chinese envoy said the construction of China Pakistan Economic Corridor maintains a good momentum.

“The CPEC, as a significant initiative, is based on the principle of broad consultations, joint contribution and shared benefits,” Chinese ambassador said.

While speaking highly of incumbent government for allocating huge chunk of prime land in the heart of Islamabad exclusively for building new compound of Chinese Embassy, Chinese ambassador said the new compound was ‘as huge as PakistanChina friendship.’

Followed by national anthems of China and Pakistan, Chinese ambassador delivered a short speech in which he vowed to continue Chinese support for Pakistan in the fields of defence, education and economy. “ We will continue to support Pakistan through thick and thin. The CPEC will benefit 180 million people of Pakistan. We will continue helping our Pakistani brothers in the future,” Weidong said.

Hundreds of participants, who especially came to attend launching ceremony of the new Chinese Embassy, appreciated his speech.

Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab, Senator Rehman Malik , Khawaja Asif, Minister for Defence, Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning and Development , Pervez Rashid, US Ambassador Richard Olson, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sikander Hayat Bosan , Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research and others attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Ayaz Sadiq congratulated Chinese ambassador and his government on launching huge compound of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.

Terming Pakistan-China friendship as unique example in the world, Sadiq said government of Pakistan was grateful to China for investing heavily in Pakistan.

“We are grateful to our Chinese friends for extending their support. Pakistan-China friendship is unique example in the world,” Ayaz Sadiq said.

The New Chinese Embassy, China’s largest ever diplomatic Mission overseas, is the most beautiful spacious building of Islamabad China maintains large diplomatic missions abroad including Washington, New York and New Delhi. Its mission in New Delhi has over 300 personnel, according to officials. With the launch of new compound of Embassy, Chinese mission in Pakistan becomes the largest one.

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June 17, 2015 Continued Wed Earlier this year, China agreed to construct two nuclear reactors to generate 1100MW electricity which is expected to cost $6.5 billion in addition to the four medium size reactors.The agreement was signed during Chinese president Xi’s two-day visit to Pakistan earlier this year.

On 29 April 2015, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced to build new Gwadar city with the Chinese cooperation whose effects will reach entire country, adding further, that China’s investment in Pakistan under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project envisages construction of motorways and installation of energy projects.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a landmark project, which will connect Pakistan’s deep seaport Gwadar with China’s Xinjiang region bordering with Gilgit Balochistan. “ Both the Pakistan and China are discussing a number of mega projects under the rubric of Economic Corridor in several fields like energy, infrastructure and connectivity which would revitalize Pakistan’s economy,’ Nawaz Sharif said last month.

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Pak-Chinese JF-17 Knocks At World Fighter Aircraft Market -- Defence World Pakistani-Chinese JF-17 Thunder fighter might be the beginning of the end of western dominance of the global fighter aircraft market.

The JF-17’s international flight debut at the Paris Air Show 2015 was further enhanced by the absence of US fighters such as the F-16 and F/A-18. In addition the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen and BAE Systems Hawk too did not take to the Skies.

The JF-17, flown by Pakistani air force pilots was the only new fighter at the flying displays. It stole the show with its deft flying and the lone announcement for fighter aircraft order at the show.

The Pakistani marketing team announced the sale of the low-cost, lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat jet JF-17 to an Asian country on Monday. The fighter estimated to be priced at $20 million apiece is cheaper than any western fighter aircraft and might be just about twice that of the light attack and surveillance aircraft, Embraer Super Tucano which costs an approximate $10.6 million apiece.

The JF-17 costs a forth of the American-built F-16s (estimated $80 million apiece) and a third of Swedish Saab JAS Gripen (estimated $61 million) and fifth of Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale (estimated $95 million apiece).

Pakistan has ordered 50 of JF-17s to be delivered in the next six months costing anywhere between $1 billion and $1.25 billion.

Although the aircraft has not been selling like hotcakes on the international budget fighter market, Yesterday’s deal might be the start of sales to other countries.

Pakistan had offered 16 JF-17 jets under a tender for the Bulgarian Air Force in March this year.

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Senate body for increasing allocation for CPEC in PSDP 2015-16 -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Senate special Committee on project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Wednesday decided to write a letter to the federal government proposing to increase allocation of funds in Public Sector Development Fund (PSDP) 2015-16 for both western and and eastern routs of CPEC. Senator Taj Haider who is also convener of the committee said keeping in view the importance of the project, more allocation was needed to complete it as soon as possible.

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June 17, 2015 Continued Wed He said the purpose of forming this committee was to present various recommendations to address grievances and objections of concerned stakeholders.

Taj Haider said in order to listen to the grievances of the local stakeholders of Gwadar, a meeting would be held in Gwadar during first week of July 2015 in which all concerned stakeholders would be invited to address their concerns.

Senator Usman Kakar said the government was not fully implementing the decision of All Parties Conference (APC) on CPEC as it was depicted in the PSDP where the eastern rout has given more priority over the eastern rout.

Senator Kabir Ahmed said Gwadar was the central point of CPEC but it was being neglected and no energy and other development projects were being launched in this area.

He demanded to launch special package for well being of the local people of Gwadar as most of the local people were living under the poverty line.

Senator Chaudhry Tanvir said currently Gwadar was totally dependent upon Iranian electricity and it was not connected to the national grid so the government should link Gwadar with the national grid immediately.

He proposed to construct a railway line from Dalbandin to Gwadar so that this area could be linked with the rest of the country through railway line. Senators Nehal Hashmi, Karim Ahmed Khawaja, Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh, Muhammad Talha Mehmood,Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Hidayatulla also participated in the meeting.

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June 18, 2015 Thu All Day

300 Pak-China co-developed JF-17 Thunder to be sold -- Web Desk

BEIJING (Web Desk) – Three hundred JF-17 Thunders, co-developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF), are expected to be sold with in next 10 years.

Yang Ying, president of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), revealed during a press conference jointly held by China and Pakistan, reported People’s Daily Online.

Chief project director of JF-17 fighter project of PAF, Marshal Arshad Malik said, “The JF-17 Thunder is cost-effective and its potential is unrivaled among fighter jets at the same level.”

To date PAF has established three JF-17 fighter squadrons and plans to equip them with at least 250 JF-17 fighters in the next few years.

China and Pakistan signed a deal to develop the fighter in 1998. The first batch of JF-17 Thunders was delivered to Pakistan in 2007.

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June 21, 2015 Sun All Day

4,000 cops to guard Chinese -- The Nations

LAHORE - The Punjab police department on Saturday announced more than 4000 vacancies of Constable in the Specialised Protection Unit (SPU), a unique and highly-trained force to provide security cover to the foreigners, particularly the Chinese.

“At least 4076 constables will be recruited in the Punjab Police’s Specialised Protection Unit (SPU) with the purpose to provide foolproof security to the foreign experts working on various government projects in the province,” a police spokesperson confirmed on Saturday.

These vacancies are being advertised in the national dailies during the next couple of days, the spokesperson added.

According to official sources, at least 918 posts will be advertised for Lahore region, 245 for Sheikhupura region, 546 for Rawalpindi, 227 for Sargodha, 170 for Sahiwal, 350 for Multan, 274 for DG Khan, 266 for Bahawalpur and 471 constables will be recruited for Faisalabad police region.

These constables will be recruited in pay scale 5 and five percent quota has been fixed for minorities and 10 percent for retired army personnel.

After proper professional training, these constables would be deployed at development project sites to provide security to the foreign experts.

Hundreds of Chinese nationals are working on various development projects across Punjab.

Since China has pledged over $40 billion investment, which is being seen by economists as a “milestone in the history of Pak-China relations”, more Chinese are expected to arrive in the energy-hungry country to share their expertise.

Therefore, the authorities are establishing a well-equipped and highly-trained special unit to provide protection to the foreign experts, an official explained.

This Specialised Protection Unit (SPU) of the provincial police had been formed to protect foreigners working in the province.

The project was expected to be fully functional by June 30 but financial constraints and bureaucratic mess delayed the progress, official source believe.

The government had decided to form a new unit to ensure foreigners’ security in March2014.

The initiative has been taken after proper working since many foreign experts were reluctant to work on the development projects citing security concerns.

The SPU will provide foolproof security to foreign engineers and technicians working on projects across the province.

According to officials, this is the responsibility of the state to provide best security to win the confidence of foreign companies, encouraging them to invest in Pakistan.

At present, hundreds of police commandoes are deployed at Nandipur Power Plant, Iron Ore Plant Chiniot, Jinnah Barrage near Mianwali and at Quaid-i-Azam Solar Plant in Bahawalpur.

The SPU headquarters are being established at Farooqabad Police Lines.

According to the proposed plan, the SPU will be headed by a police officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) with two SSPs, and four SPs. Once the recruitment and training is completed for the unit, it will be made independent from the district police.

The SPU officials would be provided Elite Police Force training and their salaries would be equal to those of the EPF personnel.

“SPU staff will not be transferred to other branches,” police sources said.

A senior police officer said that the SPU was expected to take over the security of almost all development projects where foreigners are working.

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June 21, 2015 Continued Sun The provincial government had allocated Rs1.

2 billion for procurement of automatic weapons, vehicles, wireless sets, night vision goggles and other modern security gadgets for the force to make it operational.

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June 23, 2015 Tue All Day

Chinese desk set up at foreign security cell -- Dawn

KARACHI: The Sindh police on Monday announced setting up of a ‘Chinese desk’ at its foreign security cell amid growing presence of the neighbouring country’s professionals in the province working on more than 100 projects after reinvigorated economic relations between the two countries.

To design a security plan for the hundreds of Chinese professionals and visitors in Sindh, IGP Ghulam Hyder Jamali presided over a meeting at the Central Police Office (CPO) which led to the new plan and appointment of a high-ranking officer to look after that.

“The foreigners’ security cell would be strengthened further,” said a CPO statement issued after the meeting. “This was decided at a high-level meeting held at the CPO, which reviewed security matters pertaining to Pak-China Economic Corridor projects as well as other projects already going on in Sindh besides the security of Chinese citizens.”

The meeting was informed, the statement said, that currently Chinese citizens were busy with their professional duties at 109 projects being carried out in different parts of Sindh.

“The Sindh IG directed the AIG operations that a Chinese desk be established at the AIG operations office with a monitoring room to further strengthen the security of foreigners, especially Chinese,” added the statement. “The meeting decided to strengthen further the foreigners’ security cell. It was also decided to set up a separate cell for the security of Chinese workers at the Pak-China Economic Corridor projects.”

The Sindh IG also issued orders for a committee to execute all decisions taken during the meeting regarding security of foreigners, mainly the Chinese nationals, in the province, added the statement.

“The additional IG informed the meeting that the Karachi police were introducing an emergency alert system for security of Chinese and foreign workers at various ongoing projects in the metropolis,” it said.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2015

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Sri Lanka might become the first customer to acquire the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet from Pakistan. -- Defense World According to Pakistan based 92NewsHD reports, Sri Lanka might order around 18-24 lightweight multi-role jets, which are locally produced in cooperation with its ally China.

The report confirms Pakistan’s claim of selling its JF-17 Thunder fighter to an Asian country at the Paris Air Show 2015 earlier this month.

The news report suggests that Sri Lanka might be the first to purchase the JF-17 arose earlier this month when a photo of the office of a Sri Lankan air force commander revealed a scale model of the JF-17.

The JF-17 is developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China is also known as FC-1 Xiaolong in China.

Sri Lanka has seven J-7 fighter jets and nine Y-12 transport aircraft acquired from China and has an additional order for two MA60 transport aircraft.

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June 25, 2015 Thu All Day

Desalination plant of 2 MGD at Gwadar starts functioning -- BR

On the directives, of Chairman NAB, Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, NAB Balochistan took cognisance to expedite the completion of mega project of Desalination Plant of 2 MGD at Karwat (Gwadar). In order to ensure safe and cheap portable water to the 0.25 million people of tehsils, Gwadar and Jevni. The project was pending for a long time. Due to NAB efforts, the mega project of Desalination Plant of 2 MGD at Karwat (Gwadar) has started functioning for the last three months and people of Gwadar and Jevni are being provided safe and cheap portable water to the 0.25 million at their doorsteps.

The project was initiated in 2006. However, the project kept on delaying on one pretext or the other till the NAB Balochistan on the directions of Chairman NAB, Mr Qamar Zaman Chaudhry took the cognisance of the undue delay in the completion of the project. Subsequently upon taking cognisance, an inquiry was authorised against the officials of BDA and the contractors of the project. Relevant record was collected, concerned were examined and ground check was conducted. Finally, the officials and contractors agreed to resume the work.

It is important to mention here that there was no pipe line laid for the supply of water to the city of Gwadar and adjoining areas. Due to NAB's efforts, Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Balochistan managed to lay the water supply pipelines in the city. Currently, the PHE Gawadar is ready to manage the supply of water from the plant to the public. The contractors are also bound to operate and maintain the plant for one year after commissioning. The people of Gwadar and Jevni, Balochistan have welcomed Chairman NAB and NAB Balochistan's humanitarian efforts for provision of safe and cheap portable water to the 0.25 million at their doorsteps.

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June 27, 2015 Sat All Day

Economic corridor: Pak, China to establish tech school -- Express Tribune

Pakistan and China will jointly establish ‘IIU New Silk Road School of Technology’.

This was agreed in a meeting between a Chinese delegation led by educationist Din Hai Tao and International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai. The delegation also consisting of Chinese entrepreneurs offered faculty and management support for the school.

The meeting mainly focused on utilisation of the corridor in developing skilled youth in Pakistan through bilateral cooperation. A memorandum of understanding was also signed according to which China would provide cooperation through universities.

The participants discussed ways of developing platforms of vocational training, scholarships, exchange of students and faculty and other opportunities.

A joint committee would soon be formed so as to arrange a conference on ‘PakChina Economic Corridor’ in which intellectuals, famous success stories and core leaders of both the countries would participate.

“Pak-China Economic Corridor is a revolutionary step and its materialisation and operationalisation would be a ‘win-win’ situation for both the countries” Yasinzai said.

The rector also apprised that more than 700 on campus Chinese students are acquiring education at IIUI. “Educational institutions should focus on creating human resource relevant to the needs of society. IIUI is working on same vision because knowing the needs of society is like having solution to the problems” he added.

Chinese delegates said that different organisations of international repute in China are ready to give opportunity to Pakistani students to broaden their exposure and skills.

They also endorsed the suggestion of the rector that at least 50 students from Pakistan’s different areas be selected and given opportunity to learn in China.

Din Hai Tao invited the IIUI rector to visit China and assured all possible support in expanding mutual cooperation. Delegates were later given souvenirs by the rector.

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China opens new compound in Islamabad, the largest in all Chinese embassies across the world: Ready to jointly plan, construct economic corridor with Pakistan: -- Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: China on Tuesday said it is ready to make joint efforts with Pakistan in planning and constructing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“We share the same dream of achieving economic growth, social progress, people’s well-being and national peace and prosperity,” Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong told the inauguration ceremony of the new building of the Chinese embassy in Islamabad.

The new compound is the largest one by land area among all Chinese embassies in the world.

The ambassador said that the CPEC, as a significant part of the Belt and Road Initiative, is based on the principles of broad consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

“It is a corridor that covers Pakistan and benefits the Pakistani people and combines the complementarities of both countries for win-win cooperation and common development,” he said, and added that the corridor will help strengthen 1569

June 27, 2015 Continued Sat regional connectivity and promote peace, stability and development.

“We are fully confident that the future of China-Pakistan relationship is broad and bright. We’d like to work with Pakistan with unremitting efforts, to translate the grand blueprint formulated by our leaders and our shared dreams into reality in the years to come,” he said.

The ambassador said Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Pakistan this year. The two leaders made the plan for the future direction of ChinaPakistan relationship together, he said. “Now, the China-Pakistan substantive cooperation is in full swing and the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor maintains a good momentum,” he said, and added that the China-Pakistan relationship is now faced with historical opportunities.

In his remarks about the new compound, the ambassador expressed his thanks to the Pakistani government for providing such a space and termed it as the new reflection of the China-Pakistan friendship.

The New Compound, backed by the grand Margalla mountains in the north, faces Rawal Lake in the south which brings a broad view of a magnificent and diversified landscape. The ambassador informed the audience that the design of the new compound originated from the typical Huizhou architecture style, one of the major traditional Chinese architecture schools.

On the overall layout, the New Compound takes the advantage of the background mountains and stands in harmony with the surroundings, he added. On the visual effect, it is simple and plain with dark blue tiles and white walls. On the space utilization, it is rationally distributed with rhythm.

He said, “On the interior decoration, it is inclusive and full of cultural heritages.

Overall, it is gracious yet cordial, grand yet delicate. It can be regarded as the combination of traditional Chinese culture and modern design.”

Sun Weidong said that it will serve as a window and platform for all the friends to have a better understanding of the Chinese culture and civilisation. He termed the completion and launching of the compound as testimony to the all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan.

He said that the land, premises and ancillary facilities of the original compound of the Chinese Embassy will be returned to the Pakistani government.

He said that on the approval of the Pakistani government, the permanent address of the new compound of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan will be “No. 1, Zhou Enlai Road, Diplomatic Enclave (Extension), Islamabad”.

Premier Zhou Enlai, the founder of China-Pakistan friendship, is also the great Chinese leader who has been deeply loved by peoples of two countries. “We feel very proud to have the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan located on the road named after our beloved leader,” he added. He said the New Compound was just a piece of blueprint years ago, but after continued efforts, it has now turned into reality, adding, “I think that is also true with the development of China-Pakistan relationship.”

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was chief guest on the occasion who formally inaugurated the new compound.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Minister of Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Defence Khawaja Asif, Minister of Information Pervaiz Rashid, Minister of National Food Security & Research Sikandar Hyat Bosan, Minister of States & Frontier Regions Abdul Quadir Baloch, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi also attended.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the new compound would become a icon of the PakistanChina friendship. He said that the magnificent state of the art compound of the 1570

June 27, 2015 Continued Sat Chinese embassy is reflective of special and exclusive decades’ old Sino-Pak deeprooted relationship. He said it was also a testimony of over-growing multifaceted relationship between the two countries. He said Chinese President Xi’s visit to Pakistan and the Sino-Pak economic corridor project have brought their friendship to a new height and opened wide opportunities of the scoio-economic development.

12:00 AM - 4:30 AM

Flight to Multan -- Jeddah JED

Pakistan flight 740 Jeddah JED 10:00pm (local time) - Multan MUX 4:30am (local time) Confirmation number: ILQXQV

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June 28, 2015 Sun All Day

Pak, China agree to expedite work on solar power park -- Daily Pakistan ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan and China have agreed to gear up work on generating 900 megawatts of electricity in Bahawalpur Solar Power Park.

The understanding came at a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and a Chinese delegation in Lahore today, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation cited.

In his remarks on the occasion, the chief minister said the solar power park project is part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. He said the project will be completed by 2016 while 300-megawatt of electricity will be generated from the power park by the end of this year.

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June 29, 2015 Mon All Day

Deepening partnership: Pakistan looks to Russia for satiating energy demand -- Vision Tribune

In an effort to meet the burgeoning demand for electricity and gas, the government has found a new partner – the energy-rich Russia that has vast reserves of oil and natural gas.

In recent years, energy supply has become a major challenge for Pakistan where hours-long outages and gas rationing have been part of the daily life of ordinary people and industrial and commercial concerns.

Though some initiatives have been taken by the present and past governments to clinch major energy deals like the Iran-Pakistan (IP) and Tapi gas pipelines and Central Asia-South Asia 1,000-megawatt power import programme, implementation work on these has not yet begun.

The energy projects agreed as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), however, have become encouraging and may be executed on a fast track.

Read: Pak-Russia ties: Big room for enhancing trade, says envoy Now that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is going to Moscow on July 9, Pakistan is likely to sign a $2-billion energy deal with Russia for laying a liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline from Karachi to Lahore, officials say. However, the partnership may spark angry reaction from India. “We are trying to sign an LNG pipeline accord with Russia in a government-togovernment arrangement during the visit of prime minister to Moscow,� Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said while talking to The Express Tribune.

Sharif would be in the Russian capital to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and in talks on the sidelines, the two countries are expected to ink the $2 billion accord.

Indian premier Narendra Modi is also likely to attend the SCO gathering and he may express concern over the Russian investment in Pakistan. He has already reacted against the CPEC agreement.

During the SCO meeting, Pakistan and India are expected to get permanent membership of the regional forum as Russia and China are pleading the cases of the two South Asian states. At present, Pakistan and India have observer status in the SCO. In addition to financing the pipeline, Russia has also agreed to export LNG in a bid to help ease energy shortages in Pakistan. This issue will also come up for discussion during the talks.

The two sides have already signed an initial deal in the form of a protocol and finalised an agreement during earlier talks in Moscow. Under the partnership, Russia will provide $2 billion to lay a 1,100km pipeline from Karachi to Lahore for supplying LNG that will be imported from Qatar and other countries. Pakistan will award the contract to Russia without inviting bids.

Read: Defence union: Pakistan, Russia to conduct joint military drills

In the 1970s, Russia had helped to set up a steel mill in Karachi and also supported Oil and Gas Development Company, which is still using old Russian machinery in exploring oil and gas.

Pakistan is currently working on two LNG pipelines as an alternative to the shelved IP gas pipeline project including the Gwadar pipeline and the south pipeline from Karachi to Lahore.

The government has signed a deal with China for the award of the $3-billion 1573

June 29, 2015 Continued Mon Gwadar LNG pipeline and terminal project.

Earlier, Pakistan had invited China and Russia to lay the IP gas pipeline but both hesitated because of western sanctions on Iran.

According to officials, a commercial deal will also be inked with a Russian firm following the pact between the two governments.

“The Russian side is very positive about helping Pakistan in tackling the energy crisis,” an official said. “It will start LNG exports in 2016.”

An LNG terminal has started functioning in Karachi with the first LNG shipment brought by the private sector at the end of March.

At present, the pipeline network has the capacity to transport 320 million cubic feet of LNG per day and the government is striving to build an additional pipeline.

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Free Trade Zone being established at Gwadar -- Radio Pakistan A Free Trade Zone is being established at Gwadar to attract investment in manufacturing and export of goods.

Land acquisition for the purpose has been completed for setting up of the zone over 9.23 square kilometres, adjacent to the port.

The project is being executed by Gwadar Free Zone Company, which also plans to establish a large Exhibition Centre adjacent to the Port for display of Chinese and Pakistani products.

Meanwhile, Gwadar Port Eastbay Expressway project costing fourteen billion rupees is being initiated under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to resolve the port connectivity with the highway network.

The expressway will connect Gwadar Port with Mekran Coastal Highway, passing along the east bay of Gwadar City.

A rail link along the expressway is also part of the project

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June 30, 2015 Tue All Day

Free Trade Zone being established at Gwadar -- APP Free Trade Zone being established at Gwadar

ISLAMABAD – A Free Trade Zone is being established at Gwadar to attract investment in manufacturing and export of goods.

According to Radio Pakistan quoting an official, land acquisition for the purpose has been completed for setting up of the zone over 9.23 square kilometers, adjacent to the port.

The project is being executed by Gwadar Free Zone Company, which also plans to establish a large Exhibition Centre adjacent to the Port for display of Chinese and Pakistani products.

Meanwhile, Gwadar Port Eastbay Expressway project costing fourteen billion rupees is being initiated under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to resolve the port connectivity with the highway network.

The expressway will connect Gwadar Port with Makran Coastal Highway, passing along the east bay of Gwadar City.

A rail link along the expressway is also part of the project.

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Pak, China to join hands to promote research in agri sector -- Daily Times Pak, China to join hands to promote research in agri sector

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Agriculture Research Council and the China Lanzhou University plan to establish the Ecological Cycle Agriculture Research and Development Centre with an aim to promote research and development in the agriculture sector.

A four-member Lanzhou University delegation led by Science and Technology Department Director Dr Ruijun Long on Monday visited the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) where it was briefed in detail about the working of PARC, NARC and their research and development projects.

PARC Chairman Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, members and secretaries of the council, NARC Director General Dr M Azeem, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pakistan Country Representative Dr Jesra and other senior officers of the council were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ruijun said that the Lanzhou University president is scheduled to visit Pakistan in September during which agreements for the development of agriculture and collaboration between the two institutions would be discussed in detail. He said that memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements between the two organisations would also be signed during the visit.

He added that before this visit a renowned professor of the university is also scheduled to visit Pakistan in July. The aim is to enhance and strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in science and technology, he said. His university, he added, has been providing higher education to foreign students, which include students from Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Iftikhar Ahmad stressed the need for implementing the agreements for the benefit of both the organisations. He said that growth of the agriculture sector was important to ensure poverty alleviation. He expressed the hope that the centre would become a hub for promoting research and high learning.

It is pertinent to mention here that both the institutions have had signed an MoU for Biomass Energy Research and Application in 2013, expanding friendship and cooperative educational exchanges.

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June 30, 2015 Continued Tue Earlier, NARC DG Dr Azeem gave a detailed presentation to the visiting delegation on the working and performance of NARC. He briefed the delegation about the research conducted at the center on various crops and other agriculture yields.

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July 1, 2015 Wed All Day

IIUI, CHINESE ISLAMIC COUNCIL INK MOU FOR TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL -- Pak Observer

Wednesday, July 01, 2015 - Islamabad—International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) and Council of Islamic Chinese Relations of China (CICRC) have penned an MoU for establishing “IIUI New Silk Road School of Technology” at IIUI.

Chinese Council will provide full support for infrastructure, equipment and faculty members for the school, while Chinese faculty would impart technical training to the students of school to cater the needs of human resources for joint Pak-China projects under Pak-China Economic Corridor.

The MoU was signed here at Faisal Masjid campus of IIUI by the IIUI Rector Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, and Dr. Ding Houfei, President, Council of Islamic Chinese Relations in presence of Vice President Academics (IIUI) Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, Director General (IIUI) Gulzar Ahmed Khwaja and Chinese delegates.

According MoU, both sides would jointly hold conference, seminars, lectures and exchange of faculty, students to share the experiences. Both sides agreed that a committee will be formed to ensure execution of the plans set to achieve the goals .

It was agreed that exchange of research and cooperation in development of training strategies and programs would be extended by both sides.

Talking on the Mutual cooperation and importance of economic corridor, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that IIUI and Chinese organizations’ mutual cooperation in enhancing human resource can be proved as one of the pioneer steps for the success of the economic corridor.

He maintained that this opportunity can help in brining improvements in the education sector and it would also increase people to people contact between both countries.

Dr. Ding Houfei said on the occasion that different organizations of international repute in China are ready to give opportunity to Pakistani students where they can broaden their exposure and skills as well.

Meanwhile, An Iftar dinner was also hosted by Rector IIUI in honor of Council of Islamic Chinese Relations of China, on the sidelines of MoU.

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July 3, 2015 Fri All Day

China offers $50 billion for hydroelectric projects in Pakistan -- The Economic Times

ISLAMABAD: China's state-run power company, Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), is keen to participate in a financing consortium to fund up to $50 billion of hydroelectric power projects in Pakistan, a media report said.

This disclosure was made at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy on June 18. The CTG expressed interest in financing projects in Pakistan in conjunction with the International Finance Corporation, a World Bank subsidiary, the Express Tribune reported today.

"The offer comes on top of the $46 billion in financing for power and transportation infrastructure being provided by the Chinese government and Chinese banks to Pakistan for the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," the paper reported.

If the offer pans out, it would make China the biggest financier of infrastructure in Pakistan by far.

CTG owns and operates the world's biggest Three Gorges Dam, having a capacity of 22,500 megawatts, which is equal to Pakistan's total installed capacity of 23,500 MW. Pakistan has a potential of producing up to 60,000 MW of hydroelectric power, of which 40,000 MW is located in a region called the Indus Cascade, which begins in Skardu in Gilgit- Baltistan and runs through to Tarbela, the site of Pakistan's biggest dam, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

The biggest project the government has already identified and begun preliminary work on is the Diamer Bhasha dam, which would require USD 15 billion to construct and would have a nameplate capacity of 4,500 MW. Pakistan is trying to end crippling energy crisis and already started several projects to tackle the power outages by the end of 2017.

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Way cleared for launch of Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) -- The Nations

On Monday 29th June, 50 countries including Pakistan signed the Articles of Agreement (AOA) for the formal launch of Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) at an impressive ceremony held at Beijing, which determined each member’s share in the proposed capital and the Bank’s initial Capital. The AIIB will begin with an authorized capital of $50 billion, eventually to be enhanced to $100 billion. The signatories apart from Asian and Latin American nations included UK, Germany and Australia who opted to join the new financial institution despite US opposition to its launch. Seven members are expected to sign by the end of the year when the Bank is set to start its operations. The establishment of the Bank conceived by China became a reality when 21 Asian countries formally signed the MOU for setting up of the Bank on 20th October 2014.

Pakistan has been actively associated with the member countries in consultations at all levels to draw up Articles for Agreement since the signing of the MOU. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar who represented Pakistan at the signing ceremony, dilating on the significance of the AIIB said, ”We believe that the bank will be an important platform to convert the abundant savings available in the region into investment, to help regional economies achieve sustainable and rapid development and thereby contribute to the world economy. Pakistan hopes to draw financial support for communication and energy infrastructure projects including projects for construction of roads, dams and power generation”. It is indeed hard to disagree with what he has said.

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July 3, 2015 Continued Fri The AIIB as per IMF objectives to promote international economic cooperation, international trade, exchange rate stability and to meet balance of payments needs of the member states, aims at providing finances to the member countries for the development of necessary infrastructure which is considered a vital ingredient for nudging the process of sustained economic growth in the developing countries. It would provide finances to the member countries on less stringent conditions than the IMF and also create a healthy competition among the lending institutions to the benefit of the borrowing countries. China is inclined to make the lending process hassle free, to ensure that the borrowing countries do not have to jump through hoops to get their money.

The US virtually enjoys a veto in the major decisions and policies of the existing international lending institutions by being a major contributor, especially the IMF. Thus, the policies framed by these agencies are heavily tilted towards serving the interests of the developed nations and geared to strengthening the existing global economic order. They lack recognition of the cultural sensitivities and moorings of the borrowing nations. The US and its allies view the establishment of AIIB as a threat to the existing international financial institutions. They fear that the establishment of AIIB would relax their hold on the economies of the developing countries of Asia and also undercut the international institutions like the World Bank, IMF and ADB by relaxing fiscal discipline and good governance. US reportedly also used its influence with Australia and few other countries of the region to stay away from venture. The US fails to acknowledge the fact that the Chinese President on the eve of signing of MOU in October 2014 stated in unequivocal terms that the new bank would use the best practices of the World Bank and ADB and other existing multilateral development institutions.

The AIIB would surely enhance the international stature of China. The US is also worried about any move by China to shift world attention from the existing lending institutions as both are engaged in a fierce competition for pre-eminence in Asia.

Some circles believe that the establishment of AIIB was China’s reaction to being continuously relegated to second class status at the existing institutions. China also is supporting another alternative institution, the New Development Bank sponsored

by BRICS countries. The idea being that if US and its allies would not make room for China at the table then Beijing could take its own initiative.

The IMF loans have political repercussions as they are given on very stringent conditions that almost dictate the borrowing countries as to the policies initiatives it should take to improve the health of the economy. It is more discernible in Pakistan where the IMF is insisting on enhancement in the prices of electricity and gas, phasing out subsidies and increase in regressive sales tax which the government finds very unpalatable in view of its political fall out because they directly affect the poor masses. Pakistan is currently spending a big chunk of its budget on debt servicing.

The establishment of AIIB is indeed a very imaginative and prudent move on part of China and member countries. China’s phenomenal rise as an economic power has generated excessive savings which can be productively employed for the benefit of all the countries of the region. The move also has the potential of building strong economic linkages and creation of a regional economic fraternity contributing to the health of the regional economies as well as the global economy.

Pakistan will greatly benefit from the establishment of AIIB as it desperately needs resources to build necessary infrastructure to revive its economy as well as to kickstart a process of sustained economic development. It also needs enormous resources to tide over the energy crisis in the country and ensure energy safety in the years to come. The entire focus of the Pak-China Economic Corridor initiative under which China would be making an investment of US$ 46 billion, is also on building the infrastructure, which would not only provide easy access for Chinese 1579

July 3, 2015 Continued Fri products to the littoral states of the Indian Ocean and beyond but also help in a big way to boost the economy of Pakistan. The decision by Pakistan to join hands with China and other Asian countries in the establishment of AIIB stems from the new narrative evolved by the present government for building economic and political linkages with neighbours and Asian countries. Pakistan’s security and economic progress is inextricably linked to the region where it belongs. Therefore the emphasis on finding solutions to the security and economic challenges confronting it, through collective efforts of the countries of the region is a pragmatic and visionary initiative.

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July 4, 2015 Sat All Day

Pakistan, China expand economic dimension of their ties: Dar -- AAJ TV ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan and China have greatly expanded the economic dimension of their relationship as a key priority.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a flagship initiative in this regard which would speed up economic cooperation and connectivity, he said in an interview withh CCTV NEWS (China).

“We have several institutional mechanisms in place such as Pakistan-China FTA and the Pakistan Joint Economic Committee as well, which would boost trade and investment in the years to come.”

Ishaq Dar said that two countries had upgraded their strategic partnership to an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”, formalized in the joint statement issued during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s to Pakistan.

The political leadership-level interaction had increased, which would of course further deepen this relationship, he remarked.

Highlighting the significance of Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB), the minister said that the bank would provide financing support to developing countries in Asia, including Pakistan, for infrastructure development in order to promote regional connectivity.

“We believe that the bank will be an important platform to convert the abundant savings available in the region into investment to help regional economies to achieve sustainable and rapid development thereby contributing to the world economy,” he added.

The minister said that Pakistan had been supporting the initiative right from the initial announcement for the establishment of AIIB. The bank, he said, would provide additional financing to support the establishment of infrastructure projects, including construction of roads, dams, power projects etc.

He expected that the bank would cooperate with the existing multilateral development banks by providing co-financing for the development of infrastructure projects in the member countries.

However, he said that the bank would also aim to be leaner and faster than the existing institutions and it would provide some healthy competition.

The AIIB, he added, would distinguish itself from other multilateral development banks (MDB) like the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) because MDBs major focus was on poverty reduction while the AIIB would focus on infrastructure development and regional connectivity.

Ishaq Dar said,”A regional bank provides an excellent framework for decisions about projects and financing, particularly those with cross-border implications at regional level.”

Pakistan, he said, had always extended support to China at regional and international fora.

“We believe this is another of China’s sincere efforts to help out developing countries that are left out of the race for economic development otherwise due to lack of support from international financial institutions,” he added.

He said the banks, which had been previously shouldering responsibilities for lending, were already overburdened and therefore, there had to be some new institution that could come in handy at this critical juncture.

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July 4, 2015 Continued Sat Infrastructure development and poverty alleviation was needed for nations like Pakistan in Asia to ward-off the dangers of extremism and “I think AIIB is a hope for all of us in Asia,” he noted.

Replying to a question about China-Pakistan Friendship Year, Dar said that Pakistan-China friendship was all-weather and time-tested.

“It is an evergreen relationship that has its roots in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan and China. It has been the constant endeavour of our government to add more depth and breadth to this all-important relationship,” he added.

As strategic partners, he said, Pakistan and China had always enjoyed excellent cooperation across a diverse range of areas and sectors.

However, he said,”Our two governments have placed a special emphasis on enlarging the economic footprint of this relationship. We believe that the peoples of both countries should enjoy the fruits of this special relationship.”

As a result, he added, both the countries were cooperating on a number of peoplecentric projects.

The highlight of these projects, of course, was the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which “we regard as a game changer for our countries as well as the region at large,” he said.

Dar said that the Corridor and its related projects would deliver jobs and prosperity to millions of people in both countries.

Replying to another question regarding Chinese President’s visit to Pakistan in April this year, he said this was President Xi Jinping’s first visit after assuming office in March 2013 and the first by a Chinese President since November 2006.

“This visit was the hallmark of “Pakistan-China Year of Friendly Exchanges: 2015″.

The highlight of the visit, he said, was the signing of over 50 agreements/ memorandums of understanding relating to key development projects in infrastructure, energy and communication sectors, under the umbrella of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the governmental and private sector.

Important agreements relating to areas of cooperation outside the CPEC were also concluded, which would go a long way in changing the destiny of the people of the two countries, he added.

Ishaq Dar said that the CPEC was being conceived as a lynchpin of plans by both China and Pakistan to deepen their economic cooperation.

Early implementation of the CPEC would be transformational for Pakistan’s economy and dovetail perfectly with China’s strategy of developing its inland and western regions, he added.

He said that China’s interest in the project was also strategically driven by President Xi Jinping’s visionary concept of integrating regions and countries across the globe under the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative.

“It envisages deepening policy coordination amongst countries and regions, extending and improving infrastructure connectivity in all its forms – road, air, sea, rail, telecommunications, energy etc. – across regions, fostering trade and investment flows and, last but not the least, enhancing people to people connectivity. The CPEC fits naturally into this vision of a `Road and Belt’ with Gwadar and Karachi serving as its southern nodes and an outlet to the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf,” he added.

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July 4, 2015 Continued Sat The minister said that regional and sub-regional economic integration as a means to bolster growth, investment and trade in countries had a long chequered history.

However, he said, the recent history of regional economic integration had had some unmistakable successes.

In fact, this had been one of the major successful developments after the Second World War, he added.

Ishaq Dar said that the regional integration in Europe brought success in terms of regional growth, economic development, investment and trade and more importantly fostered peace in the region.

“Hence Asia can also benefit by following the same pattern. In this respect, the Corridor can provide an integrating platform for over three billion people in Central, West and South Asia, the Middle East and Africa regions”, he added.

He said that the increase in trade, investment, digitalization and financial flows would bring peace and prosperity to the region through enhancement in the competitiveness of the economies of the countries, contribute to reducing regional disparities and social inequality, and improve life expectancy and quality of life in every country and in the region.

Thus in real terms, he added, it could re-open the economic artery blocked for years as said by my Chinese brother.

“This shall become even more relevant when we look at future forecasts that Asia and Pacific region’s share in world GDP between 2010 and 2050 is expected to rise from nearly from 28 to more than 52 per cent, with China accounting for 20 per cent and India for 16 per cent,” he remarked.

Replying to yet another question, Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan had always been upfront and committed towards the issues dear to China’s core interests matching the consistent support, friendship and cooperation provided by both countries to one an

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Pakistan's economy better than India's: Bloomberg -- Dunya News

LAHORE: – Pakistan’s economy has been declared better than India’s in Bloomberg report published on Friday. Pakistan has been included among the Top 10 emerging economies of the world, reported Dunya News.

According to the report published by Bloomberg, economic reforms and good relations with the international monetary organizations gave boost to Pakistan economy. It said that the success is better than India’s.

Report says that the payment of loans’ issue was resolved after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took over the government. It said that the construction industry also improved, leading to better ratings for Pakistan by Moody’s and Standards and Poors.

Bloomberg report says that interest rate is at 42-year lowest in Pakistan. It says that Nawaz Sharif government kept the economy afloat despite protests in the country.

Pakistan wrote a new chapter in the history of reforms, privatization and economic progress, it says, and has become the best undiscovered investment opportunity of the world for investors with a 232-billion dollars economy.

Report goes on to say that Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) saw 16% improvement during the last one year and is among the 10 best performing stock markets of the world. It says that progress has been observed in cement, construction and steel sectors. It said that the biggest of companies are trying to double their volume.

Appreciating the government reforms, the report says that a 27% increase was 1583

July 4, 2015 Continued Sat seen in the government expenditure on infrastructure, inflation came down and buying power of Pakistanis increased due to better incomes after Nawaz Sharif government took control in 2013. It says that the current government has also focused on rural progress along with the urban due to which suburban centers are growing fast in the country.

The report also acknowledged China’s support for Pakistan, saying that China once again proved to be Pakistan’s best friend by investing in 45-billion-dollar economic corridor project. Quoting the business circles in Pakistan, the report says that almost all the fields have observed three-time growth which is a clear indicator of economic progress.

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July 7, 2015 Tue All Day

Chinese assure timely completion of Sahiwal coal power plant -- Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in connection with Sahiwal coal power projects, held a videoconference on Monday from Lahore with president of Hauneng Shandong power generation group in China.

Besides President of Hauneng Shandong, other senior officers of the group also participated in the conference and assured completion of 1320-megawatt coal power project in Sahiwal within stipulated period. Talking to the President of Hauneng Shandong power generation group through video conference, the chief minister said that two power plants of 660 megawatt electricity based on coal are being set up in Sahiwal with the cooperation of China and work is being carried out speedily on this project.

He said that the Sahiwal coal power project is of vital importance for overcoming energy shortage and instructions have been issued to concerned federal and provincial institutions to dispose of all matters relating to the implementation of the project speedily. The chief minister said that Pakistan and China are bound together in strong ties of friendship, which are unprecedented. He said that friendship between the two countries is strengthening with the passage of time.

He said that the visit of Chinese president to Pakistan has promoted historic economic cooperation between the two countries and economic package of China is a big gift for Pakistan. He said that the sincere efforts to remove darkness from the country with the cooperation of China are being furthered speedily as energy projects play an important role in the strengthening of industrial sector of the country as well as national economy. He said that all out efforts are being made for completion of energy projects speedily and Sahiwal coal projects are of vital importance in this regard. He said that he is personally monitoring the pace of progress on these projects regularly.

He said that 1320-megawatt coal power project will start producing electricity from 2017. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made on this project so far and thanked Hauneng Shandong and Ryui group for their invaluable cooperation. He also invited President of Hauneng Shandong group to visit the site of Sahiwal coal power project. President of Hauneng Shandong power group said that work on Sahiwal coal power project will be continued in accordance with the expectations of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and it will be completed within timeline. He said that orders have been given for the purchase of turbines, generators and boilers and all necessary machinery will reach the site of the Sahiwal coal power project before schedule.

Provincial Minister Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada, Inspector General Police, Additional Chief Secretary Energy, Secretary Home, Chairman Punjab Power Development Company, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board, Secretary Energy, concerned authorities and the head of Chinese team working on Sahiwal coal power project participated in the conference from Lahore while Commissioner Sahiwal RPO, DCO and DPO also attended the conference through the video link.

In the conference held through video link various matters regarding Sahiwal coal power projects were considered in detail.

Shahbaz Sharif has said that the entire nation is united for elimination of terrorism and extremism. He said that Pak army has set glorious examples of valor and courage in the war against terrorism. He said that the unprecedented sacrifices of the martyrs will not go waste and Pakistan will become a haven of peace. He expressed these views while talking to assembly members of various districts who met him, here today. Shahbaz Sharif said that the steps taken against terrorism under National Action Plan are yielding positive results and the war against terrorism, extremism and sectarianism is being fought on every front. He said that Pakistan Army has hit terrorists hard through operation Zarb-e-Azb. The chief minister vowed that making Pakistan a safe and peaceful country is the mission of every Pakistani.

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July 7, 2015 Continued Tue He said that terrorists are enemy of the country and the nation and they will be eliminated at all costs. He said that the terrorists will find no place to hide in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan will be made a peaceful country with the power of unity of the nation. Those who met the Chief Minister included MNAs Tahir Iqbal Chaudhry, Mian Alam Dad Laleka, Rana Zahid Hussain, Abid Raza, Advisor Arshad Saeed MPA, former minister Abdul Waheed Arain, Begum Faiza Mushtaq MPA and former MPA Dewan Mushtaq.

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July 11, 2015 Sat All Day

Pak, China working on 120 MW power plant in Muzaffargarh -- The Nations

Muzaffargarh: An energy unit is being executed with the Chinese assistance at a sugar mill, to produce 120 megawatt electricity from coal and sugarcane husk.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong visited the Unit that is likely to be completed by February next year, at a cost of 27 billion rupees. The Envoy was briefed that completion and subsequent commissioning of the project would open windows for other sugar mills in the country, to set up their own power plants. He was informed that surplus electricity from this unit would be added to the national grid, with the help of Multan Electric power company.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador said that his country would continue to help Pakistan in different fields, including power and agriculture sectors.

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July 15, 2015 Wed All Day

Good tidings: Iran deal brightens IP gas pipeline prospects -- Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed the landmark nuclear deal signed between Iran and global powers in a move that Islamabad hopes will help remove Western sanctions against doing business with Tehran, the biggest obstacle hindering the completion of the multibillion-dollar Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

“Pakistan welcomes the important comprehensive nuclear agreement reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the P5+1,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah, hours after the historic agreement. The P5+1 refers to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia – plus Germany.

As an ally of Western powers, but also a neighbouring country of Iran that sees Tehran as a potential major supplier of cheap energy, Pakistan’s diplomatic stance on the matter has always been a delicate balancing act. “As a neighbouring country, we have also reiterated that reciprocal confidence-building measures relating to Iran’s nuclear programme auger well for peace and security in our region,” Qazi said.

Read: Iran, big powers clinch landmark nuclear deal Within hours of the announcement of the deal, a discussion was under way in a Senate panel in Islamabad about how the deal would affect economic ties with Iran, specifically the fate of the IP gas pipeline. At a meeting of the Senate Special Committee on Gas Infrastructure Implementation, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi sounded an optimistic note about the project with the expectation of sanctions being lifted against Tehran.

“It is our international commitment that we will connect the gas pipeline with Iran.

From the Gwadar side we have already started it. With the [expected] relaxation of sanctions, both [Pakistan and Iran] will conclude work on the gas pipeline,” said Abbasi, responding to questions from senators about why work on the gas pipeline had been halted.

Pakistan faces a massive shortage of natural gas as the gap between demand and supply often exceeds 2,000 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd). The IP gas pipeline would supply 750 mmcfd at rates cheaper than the liquefied natural gas (LNG) Pakistan would most likely begin importing from Qatar. Work on the badly needed pipeline, which was supposed to have commenced operations by December 2014, was halted under intense US pressure, as well as internal fears within the Pakistani banking system that failure to comply with US and European sanctions would result in the country being cut off from the global financial system.

As a result, Pakistan began an alternative plan, building an extended pipeline that would connect Gwadar to the natural gas pipeline hub at Nawabshah.

This new pipeline, meant to transport imported LNG from Gwadar port to the northern parts of the country, would have the potential to be extended to Iran once the sanctions were lifted. Iran tacitly agreed to this plan, and has not yet pressed any late fees on Pakistan for failing to complete the project on time.

“Pakistan never stopped work on this project but sanctions against Iran remained a major stumbling block in executing the project,” said Abbasi.

Combined, the two projects are expected to have a cost of Rs1 trillion ($9.9 billion).

“We are hopeful to start work on the Gwadar LNG pipeline in September this year from Nawabshah,” Abbasi told The Express Tribune.

At this early stage, it is not yet clear how soon the sanctions would be lifted, a fact 1588

July 15, 2015 Continued Wed that the minister took note of. “We will have to see the modalities of lifting sanctions against Iran, whether they are lifted in phases or in one go,� he said.

GIDC bill The Senate committee also discussed the gas infrastructure development cess (GIDC). Abbasi told the lawmakers that the government has stopped collecting the GIDC from consumer gas bills for the last three months, as a result of which it has only been able to achieve half its Rs272 billion collection target.

Read: IP gas pipeline: Iran threatens to slap penalties for delays The committee will take up the GIDC bill after Eid. Lawmakers in the Senate have already criticised the government, urging it to present the bill in the Council of Common Interest (CCI) for consultation with the provinces before its passage.

Abbasi told lawmakers that Rs100 billion would be collated annually through this levy and it would be used for gas infrastructure, adding that no province is selfsufficient in gas.

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July 16, 2015 Thu All Day

IP pipeline most feasible of energy projects -- The Nation

ISLAMABAD - Iran Pakistan gas pipeline ‘Peace Pipeline’ is the most feasible of all the projects and the government should start work on it immediately, as it is cheapest and cleanest alternative to the imported expensive LNG, imported coal and furnace oil, official source told The Nation.

The commissioning of the Iran Pakistan gas pipeline also dubbed as “Peace Pipeline” will end reliance on the, most expensive fuel in power sector, furnace oil and will silence various camps currently lobbying for the import of oil and coal, an expert of the Planning Commission said on the condition of the anonymity.

Besides, the pipeline will also reduce the importance of the imported coal which the country was planning to import in desperation to meet acute energy shortage. If clean fuel is easily available why one will consider the import of dirty fuel (coal), which is hard to transport, environmentally hazardous and with fluctuating prices, the expert said.

The US-Iran deal has created a hope for Pakistan to quench its thirst for the cheap energy and the government is required to fully and immediately exploit the situations, emerged of Iran nuclear deal. After the indigenous energy resources, the official said, the Iranian gas pipeline is the second priority. “Half of our natural gas deficit of 1500 mmcfd will be filled with the construction of Iran Pakistan gas pipeline which will transport 750 mmcfd” the official maintained adding that he doesn’t believe on the shortage figure of 2000 mmcfd figure as it seems too exaggerated.

Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and is being used throughout the world to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to coal, natural gas produces far fewer carbon dioxide emissions and sulfur emissions.

Similarly on the LNG side the starting of work on Iran Pakistan gas pipeline will provide an upper hand to Pakistan in its price negotiations of LNG with Qatar or any other country of the world,” the official maintained. Now the government should public the prices of LNG, as we will still need LNG import but on Pakistan’s terms, the expert maintained adding that Pakistan is a huge market for the gas but we need to avoid long term and expensive agreement for the LNG import.

Pakistan was planning to import 500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of LNG from Qatar which will ultimately reach to 2000 mmcfd in coming three years, but after the IP commissioning the country will have a shortage of 750 mmcfd of gas so we only need to import one-third of the earlier planned import, the expert said.

The federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resource has earlier told the Senate Special committee that Pakistan has never stopped work on Iran Pakistan pipeline and work from the Gwadar side have already started. “Connection of the pipeline with Iran is our international commitment and we have to fulfill it” the minister said adding that Pakistan never stopped work on this project but sanctions against Iran were a major hurdle in its execution.

Work on the pipeline was supposed to have completed by December 2014, was halted under intense US pressure. As an alternative plan, it was decided that a 700 km LNG pipeline from Gwadar would be laid to connect it to the main natural gas pipeline at Nawabshah. A LNG terminal has been proposed at Gwadar. The Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline would also be ultimately extended by 71 kilometers towards the Iranian border for transportation of gas. According to Minister of Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the two projects are expected to have a cost of Rs 1000 billion.

First conceived over 20 years ago, the 1682km pipeline will transport gas from Iran to Pakistan and China is currently financing the construction of a gas pipeline from Nawabshah to Gwadar.

Once that is built, Pakistan has reportedly agreed to finance the project. The pipeline, to be completed in two years, would eventually supply Pakistan with enough gas, 750 mmcfd, to fuel 4,500 megawatts of electricity generation, which is country’s current electricity shortfall.

Under the IP contract, Pakistan is bound to pay a penalty as it failed to complete the construction of its portion of the pipeline by December 31 2014. But Iran tacitly agreed to the alternative plan, of constructing Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline, and has not yet pressed any late fees on Pakistan. Iran has already completed the 900 km section of the pipeline on its territory.

Now Pakistan needs to accelerate work on the project as earlier due to sanction no international lender was ready to fund the project but now the scenario has totally changed and beside China other countries and institutions will be ready to provide 1590

July 16, 2015 Continued Thu the money for the early completion of the project, the expert maintained.

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Zunjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has termed Sahiwal Coal Power Project a great example of Pak-China friendship. -- Pakistan Today He was holding a video conference from Lahore, with Chinese Power Company Huang Sheng Dong President Wang Wen Dong in Beijing on Tuesday.

Both sides discussed progress on the project and watched the videos of construction work. They agreed to take all out measures for speedy completion of the project.

The chief minister said all possible measures are being taken for smooth transportation of coal from Karachi port to the site. He assured to provide every facility to the Chinese company’s engineers and other staff of the project.

The Chinese company president of said the project will be completed according to chief minister’s vision.

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July 17, 2015 Fri All Day

China-funded LNG project to turn into Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline: Abbasi -- Pakistan Today

With Iran’s nuclear deal finally secured, Pakistan is hoping to be one of its first benefactors by using the China-funded LNG pipeline to complete the much delayed IP gas pipeline project.

According to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the solution to Pakistan’s energy woes lies in importing more natural gas to adequately meet its energy needs.

“Gas is 50 per cent of Pakistan’s total energy needs today,” he told Voice of America.

However, Pakistan may not be able to complete the IP gas pipeline project without financial assistance from China as the expected cost to complete it is a hefty amount of $2 billion.

China is likely to fund 85 per cent of the $2 billion required to build a liquid natural gas terminal at Gwadar and to install a 700 kilometre-long pipeline to other areas.

The LNG project is expected to start in October this year and will take 30 months to build. “The same pipeline will turn into the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline when the time comes,” said the petroleum minister.

“So as soon as we see that the sanctions are lifted or being lifted, there is only [an] 80 kilometre stretch of pipeline that we have to build. And that can be built in about six months,” Abbasi explained.

Gwadar is at the heart of China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which will connect the port city to western China’s autonomous Xinjiang region with a network of highways, railways and pipelines.

The $46 billion CPEC will connect China to the sea which would drastically reduce shipping times and costs from its mainland to the Middle East and Europe.

Government officials believe that trade with Iran will significantly improve after the sanctions are lifted, with crude oil, petrol and diesel being some of the hot commodities.

Further, the Iranian oil that was previously being smuggled into the country will now be formally brought to the market, they said.

The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline had long been stalled owing to the imposition of international economic sanctions on Iran in response to its nuclear development programme.

Pakistan’s energy crisis has worsened in the past years, calling for drastic measures to improve the crippling energy sector so it can boost the country’s frail economy.

Unannounced power outages are common not only in rural but urban areas as well and the recent heatwave, that hit the country’s southern parts, made matters worse.

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July 22, 2015 Wed All Day

Over Rs 20,000m allocated for Western alignment of CPEC -- Radio Pakistan

Government has allocated twenty thousand and three hundred million rupees for Western alignment project under China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC).

An official of National Highway Authority (NHA) said in Islamabad that twenty-eight hundred million rupees have been allocated for Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab section of Gwadar-Ratodero Highway.

He said twenty five hundred million rupees have been earmarked for widening and improvement of Hoshab-Nag-Basima-Surab Highway.

Three thousand million rupees have been approved for Zhob-Mughal Kot section of Kuchlak-Zhob-D.I.Khan.

The official said ten thousand million rupees have also been allocated for land acquisition and construction of western alignment and other CPEC projects.

To a question, the NHA official said that western alignment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would become operational by December next year.

He said that Balochistan province will be the biggest beneficiary of CPEC.

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July 25, 2015 Sat All Day

China renews pledge to complete CPEC at any cost -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - China has reaffirmed its total commitment to complete China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at all costs after Pakistan's political leadership took ownership of multibillion dollars project that would benefit the two brotherly neighbouring countries.

This resolve came from within China's powerful ruling party - Communist Party of China (CPC) - and that too with a greater sense of gratification over the manner Pakistan's political leadership took a consensus decision about CPEC's western alignment.

"It's really gratifying that all the political parties in Pakistan have consensus on this project. CPEC will be built with consensus within 'one belt one road' framework", Chen Fengxiang, CPC's Vice Minister for International Department, has reaffirmed.

Chen, who spoke to The Nation in Beijing on July 9, was of the view that the ChinaPakistan relations have reached historical level as CPEC will help further cement bilateral ties between the two nations.

China had to secure ownership of CPEC from mainstream political parties in Pakistan for a number of reasons.

There could be many reasons to that, but there are three factors which are chiefly responsible to push Beijing to secure political ownership for the CPEC project.

One of the three reasons is that it wanted to create a political framework which it would use to negotiate with other countries which will become part of the project called 'one belt, one road'.

The 'one belt, one road' project is also part of Chinese 21st century vision of reviving the old Silk Route that would connect 54 countries through land, rail and sea routes. The second factor for securing political backing for the CPEC is to ensure that all political parties are on the same page, and have consensus on the $40 billion plus project to be completed by 2030.

China had proposed the idea of CPEC to Pakistan in September, 2013 when Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) was in power with party's cochairperson Asif Ali Zardari, as President of Pakistan.

The proposal was deliberated threadbare by China and Pakistan and both the countries eventually agreed on North-South route connecting all the four provinces through highways with Gwadar port and Kashgar, the western most Chinese city.

Apart from PPPP, the ruling party in China has also cultivated good friendly ties with almost all the political religious parties of Pakistan and deepened party to party cooperation on various issues of mutual interest including eradication of terrorism.

Yet, the PPP and CPC enjoy unique relations largely for the historic ties between the two political entities of China and Pakistan.

The CPC was gratified on the role of PPP for hosting an All Parties Conference (APC) on the controversial issue of route change that helped evolve a broad based national consensus on developing the western alignment of the CPEC first.

This was followed by another APC convened by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif which after deep deliberations also agreed to undertake the western alignment.

A high level PPP delegation, led by former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi, has recently visited China, conveyed to the CPC leadership of the decision about the western alignment.

"Despite differences among the political on other issues, all the political parties in Pakistan are on one page when it comes to China", Faisal Karim Kundi told Vice Minister Chen Fengxiang.

The 4000 km road being constructed between Gwadar and Kashgar as key component of the 'one belt, one road' that would eventually connect as many as 54 countries has been designed by the Chinese government.

Despite major challenges Beijing has opted for the CPEC to be undertaken first because of its feasibility.

Pakistan Army has set up a special security division for the security of Chinese nationals working on the CPEC. According to National Highway Authority (NHA), the construction work on highway connecting Gwadar port with upcountry on the western alignment is in progress as Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has completed more than 500 kilometers road.

Similarly, work on various patches of the western alignment is also in progress including the strip from Burhan motorway intersection to Havallian and upto Thakot.

Work on a number of bridges and tunnels is also being executed.

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July 25, 2015 Continued Sat All Day

Gwadar port, CPEC to be completed at all costs: Army Chie -- Dunya News

PANJGUR ) – Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said on Saturday that Gwadar port and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be completed at all costs.

General Raheel said that army is well aware of nefarious plans of enemies and will crush such intentions with full force, reported Dunya News.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), roads constructed are a part of CPEC. 502 out of 870 kilometres worth of roads have been constructed.

Admiring Frontier Works Organization’s (FWO) work, General Raheel Sharif said that Gwadar port and CPEC will be constructed at all costs adding that Gwadar port will be an important port in the defence of country.

General Sharif said that army is well aware of the nefarious plans made against Gwadar port. The army, he said, will spare no expense and leave no stone unturned to realize the dreams of the country.

He also praised law enforcement agencies in the province saying that their crackdown against terrorists and their activities is commendable.

General Raheel Sharif paid tribute to the people of Balochistan adding that the country thanks the people of province for extending full support for completion of development projects.

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July 27, 2015 Mon All Day

: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Monday directed completion of infrastructure projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by end of 2017 -- Geo TV

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Monday directed completion of infrastructure projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by end of 2017 by mobilizing resources and completing financial and technical formalities.

He was chairing a high level meeting of CPEC to review the progress of infrastructure and energy projects. Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal Secretary Water and Power and Secretary Planning and Development briefed the Prime Minister on various projects.

The Prime Minister was informed that major infrastructure projects of PeshawarKarachi Motorway including Sukkur, Multan, Gojra, Khanewal and Lahore, Abdul Hakim Sections of Motorway were ready for groundbreaking.

The meeting reviewed the Havelian to Thakot road project and other sections of KKH that were being upgraded. The meeting also reviewed the progress on the Gwadar East Bay Expressway Mughalkot, D.I Khan Road and other road projects in Balochistan.

The Prime Minister said that completion of road projects in Balochistan under CPEC would be a game changer for the region. He directed that all necessary arrangements be completed before the inauguration so the physical work could be started immediately thereafter.

The Prime Minister was informed that work on Attabad tunnel in Gilgit has been completed and is ready for inauguration in last week of August. The Prime Minister would inaugurate the tunnel.

The Prime Minister directed completion of work on new Gwadar International Airport in the shortest possible time.

The PM was briefed about the projects of up-gradation of 10 railway stations on Peshawar-Karachi main railway line. The Prime Minister directed quality upgradation of railway stations provision of maximum facilities to passengers and to utilize the buildings of railway stations for economic and commercial activities.

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July 29, 2015 Wed All Day

Pakistan and Belarus would sign agreements for agriculture -- Pakistan Observer

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 - Islamabad—Among other engagements, Pakistan and Belarus would sign at least three agreements for agriculture cooperation during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to Belarus. A four-member high-level delegation of Belarus scientists have had detailed discussions with the scientists of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to explore the areas of agriculture and livestock cooperation.

Both the countries are having huge potential for cooperation as Pakistan is agricultural country whereas Belarus has also advanced its agriculture sector through the use of scientific technology. The focus of the cooperation could be on promotion of biotechnology, crop productivity, livestock and agriculture machinery.

Speaking on the occasion Chairman PARC, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad highlighted the importance of agriculture sector in the world, saying that there were about 16000 scientists in Belarus for population of just 10 million.

However, the situation is reverse in Pakistan where just 600 scientists were working for its 200 million population. He urged the Belarus delegation to highlight the importance of agriculture sector during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to Belarus. He said that scientific cooperation would help transfer of knowledge, adding that Pakistan has an opportunity to enhance agriculture cooperation with Belarus and take advantage of latest technology that country has produced.

He said that during the upcoming visit of Pakistan PM, three agreements related to agriculture sector would be signed with Belarus to promote agriculture sector of the country on modern lines.

He said that cooperation with Belarus would also help Pakistan to take full advantage of Pak-China Economic Corridor and establish agricultural sciences parks on the thoroughfare. He also urged the NARC management to set up new institute for bio-technology and nanotechnology to have positive impact on agriculture sector. In his detailed presentation, Belarus delegate Academician Secretary, Department of Biological Sciences of National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Belarus, Mikhail Nikiforov said that Belarus has developed several crop technologies that could be utilized for the betterment of Pakistan agriculture sector.

All Day

Governor Punjab supports promotion of Chinese language in Pakistan -Dunya News)

LAHORE – Governor Punjab Rafique Rajwana on Wednesday directed to establish centers for the promotion of Chinese language, Dunya News reported.

While talking at Pak-China-Arab thematic conference, governor Punjab lauded the friendship of China and stated that China has always helped Pakistan. He said that authorities are completing the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridors (CPEC) despite the criticism.

Moreover, Rafique Rajwana assured that Pakistan will develop after implementation of CPEC.

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July 30, 2015 Thu All Day

Govt offers lucrative incentives to foreign investors: Miftah -- Pakistan Observer

Thursday, July 30, 2015 - Islamabad—Zhiren Lu, Managing Director, Zhejian Dayu Roads & Bridges Engineering Co. Ltd China along with 3-member Chinese delegation visited Board of Investment and met with Minister of State/Chairman, BOI Dr. Miftah Ismail. Chairman, BOI welcomed the Chinese investors to invest in Pakistan in all sectors of the economy especially in hydro power, ports & harbor, bridges and Roads Constructions etc. Chairman, BOI informed that Pakistan is committed to provide an investment friendly regime to investors by offering lucrative fiscal incentives and conducive business environment to foreign investors.

He said that China and Pakistan have entered into a comprehensive plan of Pak – China economic corridor. Pakistan China trade and economic relations have a great scope for expansion. Pakistan and China as strategic partners have been cooperating in various fields of mutual interest. The recent visit of the Chinese President will further cement the existing relations and open new avenues for cooperation. All these strengths offer Chinese investors and business community unlimited business opportunities. M/s. Zhejiang Ring Construction Group was created in 1957, and has a national Premier General Contractor construction, is a construction, installation, decoration, and other specialized facilities for comprehensive enterprise group, a part of the National 500 is a large construction company, the national excellent construction company.

Mr. Zhiren Lu thanked BOI for cooperation and briefing regarding the investment opportunities available in Pakistan. M/s. Zhejiang Ring Construction Group principally engaged in the construction of roads and bridges projects. Mr. Zhiren Lu shows keen interest in construction of roads and bridges projects in Pakistan.

Chairman said that BOI being the apex body of the Government of Pakistan for investment promotion and facilitation to foreign investors assure them full support as and when needed. He also assured Zhejiang Ring Construction Group to arrange their meeting with NHA to explore available projects in Pakistan. At the end Dr. Miftah Ismail, MOS/Chairman, BOI thanked the Chinese delegation and appreciated their efforts and intention with regard to boost investment and economic relations between the two countries

All Day

PCJCCI seeks proactive role of Pakistan in SCO -- Pakistan Observer

Lahore—Shah Faisal Afridi, President Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while commenting on full membership of Pakistan in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), has said that it will enable Pakistan to diversify its foreign policy and play a more effective role in stability of the region. Afridi has the appreciated the government efforts on this achievement and expressed the hope that Pakistan’s permanent status in the SCO would prove to be milestone in achieving the millennium development goals set for Pakistan.

Mr. Afridi urged upon the government to play that being permanent member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Pakistan should play a proactive role in the formation of an integrated and connected Eurasia. “It’s time to work with the “Shanghai Spirit” he asserted and said that SCO could not be undermined in this complex world order as it covers 60 percent of the total Eurasian landmass and nations having world’s largest energy resources. Faisal Afridi pointed out that SCO had created a new model of international relations encouraging partnership instead of alliance.

Terming the SCO as “fully in tune with the realities and requirements of the 21st century”, he said that SCO had introduced a new model for future of the international relationships. He mentioned that as this is going to be an Asian Century, “the regional and world powers couldn’t ignore Pakistan in any kind of framework that places a focus on peace and development within the geographical arena of SCO” added Afridi.

While evaluating Pakistan’s quest for full membership, he explained that Pakistan had the requisite credentials — a constructive role in Afghanistan, determination to fight against forces of terrorism, extremism and separatism, a promising and 1598

July 30, 2015 Continued Thu prospective energy and trade corridor for the region, historical and cultural ties with Central Asian Republics, close strategic and economic ties with China, and growing relations with Russia — that supported Pakistan’s claim to full membership of the SCO. As members of the SCO, Pakistan should have to observe the ‘Shanghai spirit’.

Afridi said that Pakistan is a natural ally of the SCO, ideally located where it can be a source for regional economic integration within and between SCO member states.

Chinese assistance in developing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan (CPEC), developing Gwadar Port and Kashgar as a special economic zone, upgrading the Karakorum Highway (KKH) and linking Gwadar with Kashgar and Central Asia via the KKH are steps being taken with the SCO’s efforts to create trans-continental overland connectivity, he added.

Afridi further elaborated that the main goals of the SCO bloc are to strengthen mutual confidence and good-neighborly relations among the member states moreover the bloc seeks cooperation among the states in energy, transportation, tourism, environmental protection as well as joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region, added Afridi.

He explicated that the six member states of SCO was covering a territory hosting more than one-quarter of the world’s population and the forum was not an alliance directed against any other state or region. “Over the last decade, its activities have expanded to include military cooperation, intelligence sharing and counter terrorism drills in order to combat three evil forces: separatism, extremism and terrorism” added Afridi.

He said that the SCO’s membership would be in Pakistan’s interest. “If Pakistan plays its cards well it would enhance Pakistan’s stature in the diplomatic ranking of the region”. Pakistan’s membership of the SCO would not only provide an opportunity to Pakistan in influencing the regional security architecture to its benefit but it could also be able to acquire an important position in the SCO’s 2015 to 2025 vision. He advised that Pakistan should prepare itself well to avail the openings and opportunities offered by the SCO because the SCO has proven its effectiveness in conflict resolution and the conflict prevention mechanism.

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August 1, 2015 Sat All Day

Hashoo Group to expand its five-star hotel in Gwadar -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Chian-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will benefit both the countries. Gwadar, owing to ideal location of its deep Sea Port, is expected to develop into a regional hub, serving the incoming, outgoing commercial traffic, and also facilitating in transit and intra-transit trade from many countries.

Once the connection between Gwadar Port and Kashgar through the Indus and the Karakoram Highway materialises, it will serve Pakistan and China’s economic interests as well.

According to press release, Hashoo Group invested over Rs2 billion including construction of ‘five-star hotel in the region by the name of Zaver Pearl Continental Gwadar to cater to the needs of its customers who are mostly government officials, foreigners, businessmen, bankers, tourists etc’.

Located on the cliff-top of the Koh-e-Batil in the beautiful surroundings of Arabian Sea and clear beaches, the hotel has 114 bedrooms equipped with modern facilities, 3 restaurants offering variety of cuisines, coffee shop, banquet facilities, health club & SPA, 24 hours business centre, and car rental facilities available for both in-house and walk in clients. The hotel is a gem unmatched with any other facility in the region.

Further, given the scenic attraction of Gwadar with its long stretch of golden sunny beaches, it is soon expected to become a tourist resort for the national and international tourists.

The Makran coastal highway has linked Gwadar with Karachi, which has improved access to the Hotel. Additionally there is also an air link to Gwadar from other cities.

The new road network for being built for Pak-China Economic Corridor will give access to this city from Southern Punjab and KPK and this will result in influx of tourist visiting Gwadar.

Keeping in view the recent increase in economic activity in the area and the promising future prospects of the Gwadar, the Hashoo Group is planning expansion of its existing 5-star Hotel initially by adding 40 deluxe rooms by complete phase II of the Hotel for which drawings, foundation and piling work is ready. This will not only provide additional accommodation but will also be instrumental in uplifting the economic situation in the region. Further the Hashoo Group is also planning to add another 300 rooms accommodation by putting up Hotel Apartment Building on the adjacent Hotel Land for which initial studies are underway.

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August 12, 2015 Wed All Day

New era of Pak-China relations starts during current tenure: CM -- BR LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that a new era of economic relations between Pakistan and China had started during the current tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Talking to a delegation from Ji Ning City China led by Secretary Ji Ning Municipal Party Committee Ma Ping Chang, he said Pak-China friendship had been stood strong every hour of trial.

Promotion of cooperation in energy particularly mining sector was discussed during the meeting.

The chief minister said bilateral relations were touching new heights of friendship and cooperation.

Mentioning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the chief minister said the historic economic package besides investment given by China was a great gift for Pakistan.

He said the historic economic package of 46 billion dollars during the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan was a glorious example of everlasting friendship between both the countries and Pakistani people could never forget this favour.

The CM said the CPEC would not only bring prosperity in Pakistan but the in the whole region.

Shehbaz Sharif said a huge amount of 33 billion dollars had been allocated for energy projects under CPEC. He said the work on the project under CPEC in Punjab had been started briskly, adding the construction of 1320 megawatt coal power project plant had been started in Sahiwal and this project would start producing electricity in 2017.

Similarly, he said, a 900 megawatt solar project was being set up in Bahawalpur which would be completed in 2016.

He said that Chinese companies were making investment in all these projects, adding the CPEC projects would be completed through round-the-clock work and no hindrance in this regard would be tolerated.

He said that there should be maximum exchange of delegations for the promotion of bilateral relations and the both nations should benefit from the experiences of each other.

Head of Chinese delegation Ma Ping Chang speaking on the occasion expressed his willingness to extend cooperation with the Punjab government.

He said that Chinese consider Lahore as their second home. Acknowledging untiring efforts of Shehbaz Sharif, he appreciated development in Punjab province.

Chairman Shandong RuYi Group Qiu Yafu, Executive President Shandong Group Zhai Meng Giang and senior officials of various companies were included in the delegation while Provincial Minister for Minerals Ch Sher Ali, Secretaries Minerals, Energy and concerned officials were also present.

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August 13, 2015 Thu All Day

Economic relations: MoU to promote Pak-China trade -- The Express Tribune

The Punjab Board of Investment and Trade and the China Overseas Investment Federation on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to utilise their resources to enhance trade between the two countries.

The MoU stated that the two organisations would evolve a plan for generating investment opportunities in infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, renewable energy, mining, information technology and textile sectors of the two countries.

They agreed to arrange trade fairs and exchange visits in this regard.

PBIT chairman Abdul Basit said that under the MoU emerging Chinese enterprises would be invited to invest in the province. He said the PBIT would facilitate such enterprises.

The COIF delegation was headed by its executive president, Marshall Zhenb.

Representatives of several Chinese companies in the infrastructure and energy development, security services, industrial investment and asset management sectors were part of the delegation.

All Day

Need stressed to increase trade with China, Germany -- Pak Observer

Karachi—Patron-in-Chief of Pak China Club and chairman of Al-Karma Towel Industries Mahtab Uddin Chawala has said that trade of Pakistan with Germany and China needs to be further increased. Talking at a dinner hosted at his house in honour of Pakistani ambassador in Germany Syed Hassan Javed and Consul General of China Ma Mayau he said Germany and China have a major role in the trade and commerce of the region; therefore, increasing trade volume with these both important countries is in the interest of Pakistan. Consul General of China Ma Mayau said on the occasion that bilateral trade with China is being increased. He said increasing investment is also amongst our priorities.

Chawala said there are vast opportunities of investment in Pakistan in different sectors like energy and infrastructure and the traders of China and Germany should invest in these lucrative sectors. On the occasion the president of Pak China Club Javed Rashid Asghar Arian said tariffs should be positively adjusted keeling the local industrial situation in Pakistan. He said reduction in tariff is a must for increasing trade relations with Pakistan. Pak China Club senior Vice President Rehan Uddin Chawala said with the exchange of trade delegations with both Germany and China new vistas of trade would be opened.—INP

All Day

Pak, China Sign USD Two Billion Agreements in Field of Energy, Health -- Outlook

Pakistan and China have signed 20 agreements worth USD 2 billion in the field of energy, communication, social services, agriculture, health, education and infrastructure, state media reported today.

The agreements were signed yesterday as the two-day meet of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Karamay- Xinjiang Forum concluded in China.

Associated Press of Pakistan reported that the MoUs were signed in sectors of energy, communication, social services, agriculture, health, education and infrastructure at the Karamay Government Municipal Auditorium.

A consortium of 35 Chinese companies was also formed that will invest in Pakistan, pushing forward the CPEC. The next meeting of the forum would be held in October this year in Beijing.

Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal proposed cooperation in space technology between Pakistan and China as part of the historic 1602

August 13, 2015 Continued Thu declaration, saying it will take the bilateral relations to new heights.

He assured the Chinese that Pakistan was committed in implementation of the economic corridor in letter and spirit.

"I give an open invitation to Chinese firms to contact us directly in case of any problem they face in Pakistan; we will eliminate all obstacles in the way of CPEC," he said.

The CPEC was announced when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan earlier this year. The USD 46 billion ambitious project would link western China with Gawadar seaport on the Arabian Sea in Balochistan province.

All Day

Pakistan, China sign 20 MoUs worth $2 billion -- Express Tribune

Pakistan and China on Wednesday signed 20 memoranda of understanding (MoU) worth $2 billion as the two-day historic moot of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Karamay-Xinjiang Forum concluded.

The MoUs were signed in sectors of energy, communication, social services, agriculture, health, education and infrastructure at the Karamay Government Municipal Auditorium.

A consortium of 35 Chinese companies was also formed that will invest in Pakistan pushing forward the CPEC. Read: MoU to promote Pak-China trade The participants laid great emphasis on sustainability and decided to make the forum an annual feature. The next meeting of the forum would be held in October this year in Beijing.

In his brief address, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal proposed cooperation in space technology between Pakistan and China as part of the historic declaration, saying it will take the Pak-China relations to new heights.

Iqbal lauded the organisers of the Pak-China forum for holding such an event.

“I assure you on behalf of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and government of Pakistan that we are committed in implementation of the CPEC in letter and spirit.

I give an open invitation to Chinese firms to contact us directly in case of any problem they face in Pakistan; we will eliminate all obstacles in the way of CPEC. Read: Agreements signed between Pakistan and China “Sun is rising from the east and the history will not forget what accomplished today from the two days moot of this historic forum. This is sure to bring everlasting prosperity to the region.”

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August 14, 2015 Fri All Day

LCCI urges Pak-China businessmen to increase trade -- Daily Times

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has urged the Pakistani and Chinese businessmen to speed up their efforts to enhance two-way trade volume.

While talking to the Chinese businessmen on Thursday, LCCI Vice President Mahmood Ghaznavi said that businessmen of both the countries should identify new areas for joint ventures.

He said that the Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) would start a new era of trade and economic cooperation, adding that Pakistan’s private sector should avail this unique opportunity to the maximum.

The LCCI vice president said that CPEC is an ample proof of unbreakable PakChina historic friendship. He said that both the countries are associated together in strong ties and their mutual relations are based on solid foundations. He said that economic globalisation and regional integration has provided enormous opportunities for further cooperation between China and Pakistan. “Pakistan is an ideal destination of foreign investment and is a top priority of the Chinese investors,” he added. He said that Pakistan had made attractive investment policies that provide a lot of investment opportunities to the Chinese entrepreneurs to come and invest in Pakistan.

Mahmood Ghaznavi said that an obvious increase in frequency of the Chinese delegations to Pakistan makes it apparent that special significance is being given by China to Pakistan to further strengthen the relations.

He said that in context of the ongoing project of CPEC, the need and importance of private-to-private contacts has mounted. “Being the hub of business activities in Punjab, Lahore holds a special significance. Both public and private sector organisations are striving hard to fully exploit the trade and investment potential of Punjab in collaboration with the foreign investors,” he added.

The LCCI vice president said that China is first choice of the Pakistani business community for joint ventures. “We hope that the state level cooperation between two countries will bring greater fortune to both of us. China is an important trading partner of Pakistan. It is the second largest importing country after UAE and regarding the top exporting countries of Pakistan, China comes at second place after USA,” he added. He said that these stats are bound to improve in a decade or so because once the CPEC project becomes fully functional, a win-win situation would take place for both the countries, adding that in the meantime, we need to interact on regular basis for exploring avenues for trade expansion and opportunities for investments.

The LCCI vice president said that there are ample opportunities of trade for the Chinese businessmen in almost all the sectors or sub-sectors of economy.

“Although our Chinese delegates would study the Pakistani market related to their focus areas but Pakistan has got a lot to offer being the closest trading partner of China,” he added.

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August 15, 2015 Sat All Day

Navy conducts security exercise to protect Gwadar -- Daily Times

KARACHI – In order to check efficacy of security mechanism in place for the protection of the Gwadar port and associated infrastructure against any terrorist venture, the Pakistan Navy conducted coastal security exercise – Tahaffuz-e-Sahil.

In this exercise, the Special Operations Forces of the Pakistan Navy, marines, ships and aircraft participated. Apart from displaying high degree of professionalism, synergy was achieved amongst various stakeholders including the law enforcement agencies and other relevant organization.

Various scenarios cum contingencies related to asymmetric threats to port/infrastructure were exercised. During debrief of the exercise, Coast Commander Rear Admiral Syed Bashir Ahmad lauded efforts of all participants in making the exercise a success by achieving desired goals.

He emphasised on the need for continuous training and holding of such exercises regularly all along the coastal belt in coordination with all maritime stakeholders.

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August 17, 2015 Mon All Day

‘CPEC a key to region’s prosperity’ -- APP

ISLAMABAD: The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has not only set up the strategic framework for increasing cooperation between China and Pakistan but it would also contribute to development and prosperity of the whole region.

The important projects to be completed under the CEPC initiative includes the Gwadar Port, the second phase of the upgrading project of Karakoram Highway, Motorway project between Karachi and Lahore, Thakot Havelian Motorway, Gwadar Port Expressway, Gwadar International Airport and Karachi-Sukkur Motorway.

Reiterating the commitment and resolve of the Chinese government, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao while briefing a delegation of journalists from Pakistan and Afghanistan who recently visited the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, said that the one of the purposes of building CPEC is to promote regional development, adding that it is important for the countries of entire region to support the initiative.

The Chinese leadership has been appreciating the ongoing military operation Zarbe-Azb against terrorists and militants, as the maintenance of peace is vital for development of CPEC. Commending Pakistan’s Armed Forces role, Liu Jianchao said, “China pays glowing tributes to the sacrifices rendered by the people, government and the armed force of Pakistan in fighting the menace of terrorism.”

He said that some terrorist elements were still present in Pakistan and they could damage the Pakistani government, its people and also CPEC, adding, “We will provide assistance to Pakistan to make sure that no force will be able to stop the development of CPEC.” A senior Chinese diplomat also said that the CPEC is not limited to a road but it would connect the country with a number of motorways and infrastructure projects.

He said the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping early this year had provided a strategic framework for broadening avenues of cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields.

The state visit launched a new chapter in the bilateral relations and both the countries should take this opportunity to promote implementation of the projects announced during the visit, he added.

The two sides, during the visit, agreed to increase collaboration in areas of energy, finance, commerce, banking, industry and education.

The two countries agreed to formulate 1 plus 4 structure of cooperation comprising CPEC as the main component with important projects.

According to the economic experts, soon after taking oath of his office, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced to initiate a number of projects in a bid to correct the ailing economy of the country.

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August 17, 2015 Continued Mon Of the many projects, power seemed the most crucial sector, a sector that would strengthen other sectors of the economy. These projects have, enthusiastically, been taken on by the strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, now being referred to as the CPEC. The CPEC is an under-construction development programme to connect Gwadar Port in southern Pakistan to China’s northwestern autonomous region of Xinjiang via highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas.

When the corridor is constructed, it would serve as a primary gateway for trade between China, Middle East and Africa.

The project received a major boost when control of Gawadar was transferred to China’s state-owned China Overseas Ports Holding (COPH) in February 2013.

Built by the Chinese workers and opened in 2007, Gwadar is undergoing a major expansion to turn it into a full-fledged deepwater commercial port.

Pakistan and China have signed agreements for constructing an international airport at Gwadar, upgrading a section of the 1,300km Karakorum Highway connecting to Islamabad and laying a fibre-optic cable from the Chinese border to Rawalpindi.

With the development of the corridor, Central Asia, traditionally an economically closed region owing to its geography and lack of infrastructure, would have greater access to the sea and to the global trade network.

On November 2014, the Chinese government announced that it would finance the Chinese companies to build $45.6 billion worth of energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan as part of CPEC. Documents show that China has promised to invest around $33.8 billion in various energy projects and $11.8 billion in infrastructure projects, which would be completed by 2017. The deal includes $622 million for the Gwadar port.

Under the CPEC agreement, $15.5 billion worth of coal, wind, solar and hydro energy projects would add 10,400MW of energy to the national grid of Pakistan.

Physically, the corridor is a 2,700km highway that stretches from Kashghar to Gwadar through Khunjrab. But in essence, these road and rail links would further strengthen the bond of brotherhood, as highlighted by the two governments.

The project is also establishing several economic zones and physical links connecting Pakistan and China. Both the countries believe that this economic corridor would benefit new emerging regional cooperation in South Asia. According to a senior official in the planning commission, the CPEC is strategically important for both countries keeping in view the growing regional trade and investment collaboration.

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August 17, 2015 Continued Mon All Day

Pak-China to coop in space-technology under CPEC -- The Observer

Monday, August 17, 2015 - Islamabad—Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has proposed space-technology cooperation between Pakistan and China under the economic corridor project.

He made the proposal at the China-Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) Forum that was held this week at the Chinese city of Kramay in Xinjiang region. On his plea, the proposal was formally included in the historic Karmay’s declaration which was later unanimously adopted at the end of Forum’s two-day deliberations.

In his brief address at the concluding session, Ahan Iqbal said bilateral cooperation in the field of space-technology will take the Pak-China relations to new heights. He emphasized that both the countries should launch joint space mission program comprising their astronauts as “this is the strength of the CPEC to increase more connectivity between the two friendly countries. It will shape up the future destiny of both the nations through communication linkages,” the Minister added.

Chairman Senate Defence Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Senator Hasil Bizenjo, Senator Afrasiab Khattak, Senator Nuzhat Saddiq, Senator Nawabzada Saifullah Magsi, Minister for Planning and Development Balochistan Hamid Khan Achakzai, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid and other high-ranking officials witnessed the signing ceremony.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong also attended the Forum and termed the meeting as highly successful in promoting understanding among the relevant stake-holders for implementing CPEC- a fate-changing project and to further deepening the Sino-Pak strategic partnership, particularly in the field of energy and communication.

DG FWO Major General Muhammad Afzal, Engineer-in-Chief FWO Khalid Asghar, Quartermaster General Major General Javed Mehmood Bukhari, DG NLC Major General Muhstaq Ahmed Faisal were also present on the occasion. It was decided that forum will work as a permanent platform and meet annually to review the project in a broader prospect, ensuring its implementation in letter and spirit.

Just before the passage of the Karamay’s declaration senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and from Chinese side member NPC standing committee Madam Baige Zaho, vice chairman NPC foreign affairs committee gave a detailed presentation on the achievements made during the two-day forum, participated by over 300 officials, business and public figures.

They recalled that the ancient Silk Road is the shared cultural heritage and historical wealth of countries along the Road that embodies the spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and mutual benefit. The CPEC consists of an integral part of the broad consensus reached between respective leaders during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s landmark visit to Pakistan in April 2015.

The declaration stressed the principle of “Jointly building through consultation to meet the interests of all stake-holders. Concerted efforts should be made to achieve major goals in policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, and financial integration aiming at promoting the common development of both countries and even the entire region.

Both sides called for strengthening capacity-building., promoting scientific research and innovation and consolidating people-to-people exchanges. They will vigorously promote communication and mutual learning in education, culture, tourism, media and sports fields.

“We attach great importance to a wide participation of the community and the public, particularly women and the youth, aiming at promoting mutual understanding and consolidating public opinion, so that pass on the torch of China-Pakistan friendship from generation to generation,” the declaration added.—INP 1608

August 19, 2015 Wed All Day

China eases terms for Pak banks to open branches -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Beijing has agreed to slash down requirement from $50 billion to $15 billion for opening up of Pakistani bank branches in China under revised Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan.

“Yes, China has reduced its requirement for opening up Pakistani bank branches from $50 billion assets to $15 billion and now Habib Bank Limited becomes eligible to open its branch after this relaxation,” the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) high-ups informed the Senate standing committee on finance here on Tuesday.

They said that it was expected that National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) would be able to meet this requirement paving the way for opening up its branches in China as well.The NBP had opened up 21 international branches in 19 different countries but its international operation had been facing losses because of Bangladeshi scam of Rs18.5 billion and $80 million bad debt to Al Tuwairqi Group that could not succeed in running its business because of lack of availability of gas.

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Chinese company to build cement plant -- APP

Under the agreement, the Chinese company will set up a cement plant in the Salt Range with an investment of $350 million.

Under the agreement, the Chinese company will set up a cement plant in the Salt Range with an investment of $350 million.

LAHORE: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab government and Chinese cement company, Yantai Baoqiao Jinhong (YBJ), over establishing a modern cement plant in the Salt Range.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, the Chinese company will set up a cement plant in the Salt Range with an investment of $350 million. Secretary Minerals Arshad Mahmood and YBJ Chairman Li Baolu signed the document. Sharif said that this will stimulate Chinese investment.

Sharif said the Punjab government welcomes investment by Chinese companies in the cement industry. He said that all facilities are being provided to promote foreign investment and Punjab government will extend maximum cooperation in the establishment of the cement plant. Sharif further noted that this agreement will result in transfer of technology to Pakistan.

“The Punjab government wishes to benefit from Chinese technology in other sectors as well,” said Sharif. “A number of Chinese companies are already investing in Punjab due to which economic cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries have strengthened.”

Sharif said that China is investing billions of dollars in Pakistan under historic investment agreements. He said that mega projects are being established in energy, infrastructure, industry and other sectors under the China-Pak Economic Cooperation (CPEC).

The Chief Minister said that since the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan, a new era of economic cooperation between Pakistan and China has taken off.

Li Baolu said that his company wants to set up a state of the art cement plant in Punjab which will be environment-friendly and based on modern technology.

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CPEC- a window of opportunity for Pakistan -- Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a window of opportunity for Islamabad to boost its economy, noted speakers attending an international seminar on Tuesday.

A day-long seminar on the “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Economic, Political 1609

August 19, 2015 Continued Wed and Security Perspective” was organised by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies and chaired by Pakistan Council of China Executive Director Dr Fazalur Rahman.

Terming the project an uplift package from the Chinese government to boost Pakistan’s economy, the executive director said, “China is much committed to launching this project and it is now up to the main stakeholders in Pakistan including the federation, provinces, civilians and military establishment to undertake sincere initiatives in order to make it a success.”

He acknowledged that confusion still persisted pertaining to the economic corridor and no one from the government had bothered to clear the air.

Former foreign minister Inamul Haq said the CPEC was a historic initiative and Pakistan needed to attract investors to invest along the long route of the corridor, which would create jobs and business opportunities for the locals.

“Most of the $45-billion investment announced under the CPEC is in the energy sector, but there is no major project on the agenda for repairing the dwindling transmission lines,” he pointed out, saying these lines were the main cause of power crisis as 25% of the total installed energy capacity was wasted.

Haq voiced concern over the security challenges associated with the project as the chief minister of Balochistan had sought Rs2 billion for raising a special force, comprising 1,100 personnel, to safeguard the Gwadar Safe City project.

“Those who are against Chinese investment are working at the behest of foreign elements and must rather work for attracting investment to Pakistan in the same quantum as China wants to make,” he stressed.

National Defence University Assistant Professor Humayun Khan said the CPEC was a comprehensive package of competitive economic initiatives from China and the energy projects initiated would kick-start an industrial boom in Pakistan.

Shahzada Zulfiqar, a researcher and journalist, said there were widespread reservations in Balochistan about the project. “Baloch people have always been deprived of their due rights. Now, since the project has been initiated, and there is a lack of skilled workers in Gwadar, the Baloch fear that outsiders will come and fill the gap, leading to demographic changes which could be damaging for them,” he added.

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J-10 fighter jets: Pakistan may be China’s first customer -- Express Tribune

A military expert revealed on Tuesday that Pakistan may be the first buyer of China’s J-10 fighter jet which was initially set to be sold to Iran after the lifting of UN sanctions.

Fu Qianshao, an aviation equipment expert with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, said that Pakistan may overtake Tehran in becoming the first overseas buyer of the multi-role aircraft, which Chinese experts claim is comparable to the latest version of the US’ F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Citing Japanese website The Diplomat, the report said Pakistan had signed a deal for the purchase of 36 J-10 jets in 2009.

The report further stated that Pakistan, which jointly produces the J-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, had been showing interest to acquire the J-10 jets, while adding that China was wooing Iran to buy 150 J-10s.

“Once the sanctions against Iran are completely lifted, the country will definitely renovate its civilian and military aircraft fleets. The J-10 is a good option for the Iranians because it can fulfill all operations they want to conduct,” said Wang Yanan, Deputy Editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge Magazine.

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August 19, 2015 Continued Wed Fu added, ”The J-10 is able to confront any of the third-generation fighter jets operated by neighbouring countries because it features supreme maneuverability, strong firepower and cutting-edge avionic equipment.”

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Pakistan, China to cooperate in space as part of Karamay declaration -APP PESHAWAR: The Chinese government has agreed to a proposal by the Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, initiating the collaboration between Pakistan and China in space technology as part of the Karamay declaration under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

At the Pakistan-China forum meeting held in Karamay-Xinjiang last week, Ahsan Iqbal, proposed space technology collaboration between China and Pakistan, an official of the forum told APP. His proposal was approved and made a part of the Karamay-Xinjiang Declaration.

The declaration was later approved unanimously after the two-day meeting.

At the concluding session, Ahsan Iqbal said that bilateral collaboration on space technology would take Pakistan-China relations to new heights. He stressed upon a joint launch of space missions which would consist of astronauts from both countries.

He said “CPEC will increase connectivity between the two friendly countries. It will shape up the future destiny of both the nations through communication linkages”.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong, was also a part of the CPEC forum. He labelled the meetings as successful in increasing understanding among the related stakeholders for implementing CPEC. He also pointed out the field of energy and communication as a major part of the CPEC. Over 300 officials, businesspersons and public figures were a part of the two-day forum.

Another decision made at the forum was to make these meetings a permanent platform that will meet every year to examine the project and present collaboration on broader aspects. The forum will also be used to ensure the project's true objective of promoting Pakistan-China relations.

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August 20, 2015 Thu All Day

2,281 acre land acquired for free trade zone in Gwadar -- The Nation

GWADAR: Authorities acquired at least 2,281 acre land for a free trade zone and the work is to be started within two to three months.

Gwadar Development Authority Chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini said that the Expressway project will be started this year. At least Rs 14 billion have been reserved for the project, he added.

He also said that Gwadar International Airport’s construction is going to start this year. Jamaldin further said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) includes the potable water project in Gwadar.

The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a development mega project which aims to connect the Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan to China’s northwestern autonomous region of Xinjiang, via a network of highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas.

The economic corridor is considered central to China–Pakistan relations and will run about 3,000 km from Gwadar to Kashgar. Overall construction costs are estimated at over $46 billion, with the entire project expected to be completed in several years.

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'Pakistan's economy has all ingredients to grow like China's' -- BR

Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Song Jong Hwan on Wednesday said that Pakistan has all the required ingredients to grow like China. In a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he said in 1980, China was exactly like Pakistan and today it has become the economic giant of the world. "I am sure that 10 years down the line, Pakistan would be a shining star on the world economic horizon," the diplomat said.

He was hopeful that the volume of trade between Pakistan and South Korea was bound to increase as both the governments are taking measures to get the desired results. He called for a proper sector-specific strategy to identify the challenges and problems coming in the way of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Korea.

While identifying numerous areas for mutual cooperation, he said there was a need for expertise-sharing as both the countries have a lot to learn from each other and he urged the Lahore Chamber to arrange a business delegation to South Korea so that Pakistani businessmen could have firsthand knowledge about opportunities there.

Lahore Chamber President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said, "Korea is an important trading partner of Pakistan. South Korea is the second biggest export destination of Pakistan in East Asia after China. It comes at 14th place among the top importing countries and at 16th place among the top exporting countries for Pakistan. The total volume of trade between Pakistan and Korea was around dollar 1.26 billion in 2013 but in the following year, it came down to almost dollar 1 billion."

It was mainly because of the substantial decrease in imports from Korea in last two years. He said that the imports dropped from dollar 859 million to dollar 658 million.

Likewise, Pakistan's exports also fell from dollar 397 million to dollar 378 million in the same period. He said although the worth of bilateral trade was still above one billion dollar but there was a plenty of margin to improve it. It seriously calls for making joint efforts.

"The way different Korean companies are gaining success in Pakistan that day is not far away when Korea will outclass other countries in terms of foreign direct investment. We are ready to facilitate new Korean companies to study the market conditions in Pakistan", he added. He said Korea had already declared Pakistan as a priority destination for investment and business in recent meetings with business community. He said that the success stories of leading Korean business groups in Pakistan like Daewoo, Samsung, LG and Hyundai etc can serve as a strong reference to other Korean companies to invest here.

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August 20, 2015 Continued Thu He said the forums like KOTRA Karachi could also play pivotal role in searching new business opportunities and building economic partnership between Korea and Pakistan in various fields. He said considering the size of Korean economy which was one of the trillion economies of the world and also ranked among the twenty largest economies, Pakistan can benefit by way of developing trade and economic relations with Korea.

"The quickest way to achieve the desired objective is to highlight the need of diversifying product lines of both countries through mobilising business forums, exchanging business delegations and participating in each other's exhibitions. For that purpose, market surveys and latest trends prevailing in both the countries must be gathered and shared with the representatives of private sectors," he added.

"A lot of development work is going on with respect to the Pak-China Economic Corridor. This project will cause to take place a lot of changes in political and economic scenario of Pakistan. Korea should forecast the newer opportunities which really promise good fortunes to foreign investors," he said.

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August 21, 2015 Fri All Day

PM says Pak-China nuclear cooperation will help country meet energy shortfall -- APP

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday noting the excellent cooperation between Pakistan and China in peaceful use of nuclear energy said it would help the country meet its energy shortfall.

Inaugurating the concrete pouring ceremony of the Nuclear Power Plant-II, the Prime Minister said he was pleased to note the pace of progress as he had performed the ground breaking of Kanupp-2 and Kanupp-3 in Nov 2013.

He said the event was significant as it showed the close collaboration between Pakistan and China in all areas, particularly in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

He said it was during his previous government that Pakistan and China initiated cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear power through the construction of Chashma Nuclear-I.

He said it was the continuity of this cooperation that has led to addition of more nuclear power plants in the country with the Chinese cooperation.

He said under the China National Nuclear Corporation Chashma III and IV would start producing 630 MW more electricity by next year. He said Kanupp was successfully generating electricity over the past 43 years and contributing to national economy.

Prime Minister said he was grateful to China’s Atomic Energy Authority, Export Import Bank of China and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) for its support to Pakistan.

He said Pakistan’s economic indicators were positive, investors confidence has been restored, country’s image has been improved internationally and more people were getting employment as several new projects were being completed.

Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) was performing its assigned duty of keeping a close watch on the nuclear power plants in the country and ensuring safe operation of nuclear facilities, according to the international standards.

The prime minister said apart from his government’s efforts to end loadshedding, equal importance was being given to eliminate terrorism from the country. He paid tributes to late Col Shuja, the home minister of Punjab, who embraced martyrdom in a terrorist attack in Attock.

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Work on TAPI pipeline to begin in December -- Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has announced that heads of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Turkmenistan will inaugurate a multibillion-dollar transnational gas pipeline project in December this year.

The project, called Tapi pipeline, would be inaugurated on December 25 and would be completed in the next three to four years, said Abbasi while speaking at a press conference along with State Minister of Petroleum Mir Jam Kamal Khan here on Thursday.

He said Afghanistan would be the net beneficiary as it would earn $500 to $600 million in royalty on the shipment of gas through its territory.

The pipeline will run along a highway built in Afghanistan and a special security system will be installed to raise alarm before any incident to ensure the security of infrastructure.

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August 21, 2015 Continued Fri Read: Pakistan, Turkmenistan to give big push to TAPI project “It is believed that $25 billion will be spent on the upstream and downstream sections of the pipeline,” the minister said.

Upstream development will cost around $15 billion whereas the downstream section will cost $10 billion. Work on both will start simultaneously.

In the last meeting of the Tapi steering committee in Ashgabat, the stakeholders decided that a state-owned company of Turkmenistan would lead a consortium to oversee coordination in the construction, financing, ownership and operation of the 1,800km-long pipeline.

According to the agreement, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan will have 5% obligatory shares in the project, while the Turkmen company, being the lead financier, will have a 51% stake. The remaining 34% will be available to other partner countries.

“We will receive 1.32 billion cubic feet of gas per day, which accounts for 35% of our total production,” Abbasi said, adding the government had collected Rs85 billion in gas infrastructure development cess, which would be spent on the pipeline.

Emphasising the importance of meeting energy needs, the minister said Pakistan would not only complete the Tapi pipeline, but work on the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline and more liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Karachi and Gwadar was also under consideration.

China is also constructing a gas pipeline in Pakistan while negotiations are under way with Russia for laying another pipeline at a cost of $2.5 billion.

If the Tapi project was completed on time, the stakeholders would seriously consider building another pipeline from Turkmenistan, the minister said.

Replying to a query, he revealed that a Qatari delegation would arrive on August 24 to talk about LNG supply in a government-to-government arrangement.

Read: Consortium leader to be selected in September A tender was floated for spot purchase of LNG, but no response was received and the only solution was LNG import through a long-term contract with Qatar, he stressed.

Speaking about prices, the minister said prices for LNG, IP and Tapi gas were at the same level when seen in the context of current crude oil prices.

IP pipeline Abbasi voiced hope that the stalled IP pipeline project could be implemented now as sanctions against Iran were being lifted. In this regard, an LNG pipeline is being laid in Gwadar.

In reply to a question, he said oil price hedging was possible but local oil rates would go up. “People come to us for oil price hedging, but it may lead to a rise in local oil prices.”

The price of diesel and petrol in Pakistan was cheaper by Rs35 per litre compared to prices in India, the minister said.

Gas prices Abbasi announced that the government had decided to notify 5% to 6% increase in consumer gas prices, which would come into effect from September 1. However, the price increase would not be passed on to domestic consumers.

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August 21, 2015 Continued Fri

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August 24, 2015 Mon All Day

Pak-China trade: Importance of negotiating the FTA -- Express Tribue KARACHI: Pakistan and China enjoy an all-weather friendship that has tested tribulations of geo-political and economic challenges.

Pakistan was one of the three countries that recognised Peoples Republic of China and both established embassies in their capitals in 1951.

On the trade front, Pakistan accorded the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to China in 1963 through a bilateral trade agreement which provided a level playing field to Chinese products imported in Pakistan. Since then, both countries have closely collaborated to deepen economic and trade relations.

Trade agreements Bilateral trade links were further boosted during the visit of Pakistan’s then president to China in November 2002 when both countries agreed to sign a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that provided tariff preference to a limited number of products. The process moved forward when both sides signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the occasion of the Chinese President’s visit to Islamabad in July 2007.

The FTA with China envisaged the gradual liberalisation of tariff on goods in various phases. In the first phase, which was from 2007 to 2011, both sides agreed on the elimination of tariff on 30% of the products. The second phase envisages liberalisation of tariff up to 90% of the goods from both sides.

The tariff concessions committed by Pakistan in the first phase of the FTA predominantly contained raw materials and intermediary goods. In return, China eliminated tariff on finished goods.

Read: Pakistan losing Chinese market after Beijing’s trade deals The government envisaged an economic integration model where Pakistan would import raw materials, components and intermediaries to boost domestic manufacturing and subsequently export these goods to China under the FTA at preferential tariffs.

In 2008, an incentive package for Chinese investors was included in the FTA to facilitate Chinese FDI in China specific investment zones in Pakistan.

To further enhance the width of the FTA, both sides also concluded a trade in services agreement where market access was agreed in a number of sectors by both sides.

The market access provided by China under the services agreement at that time was much more then China’s WTO commitment as well as bilateral commitments with any other country.

Thus, Pakistan and China have laid a framework for trade integration that include elimination of tariff on goods, market access on services and promotion of investments.

The tariff liberalisation in the first phase has already been concluded in 2012 and now both sides have commenced negotiations for the second phase.

Reportedly, the negotiations are not progressing at a pace where both sides could see conclusion of these talks soon.

Concerns of local industry One of the major impediments has been the concerns of the domestic industry in Pakistan that feels threatened from the competition of Chinese products.

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August 24, 2015 Continued Mon The public sector is also apprehensive as elimination of custom duties would lead to substantial revenue losses as Pakistan heavily relies on taxation on international trade for revenue generation. According to the latest figures, 40% of the Pakistan’s total revenue is from taxes on import of goods.

This obviously has created major challenges for the Pakistan’s negotiating team to move forward with the negotiations. There are media reports that Pakistan has requested China to reconsider the tariff liberalisation done in the first phase instead of moving forward in the second phase of the FTA. China is one of the most populous countries in the world and, according to IMF statistics, the world’s largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity. China is also the world’s fastest growing economy with a growth average of 10% in the last 30 years. China is also world fastest growing consumer market as well as second biggest importer in the world.

In 2014 China imported goods worth $2 trillion globally in which the share of Pakistan was just 0.2%. Similarly China’s global imports of service in 2014 were $400 billion against Pakistan global exports of $5.5 billion where the services destined for china were quite negligible.

Read: Pak-China relations: Army chief vows to protect CPEC Importance of FTA Pakistan and China are natural trading partners. The territories comprising the present state of Pakistan were once part of the historic silk route connecting China with the West where merchants traded in various commodities such as spices, silk and porcelain. The China and Pakistan Economic Trade Corridor also relies on these opportunities to revive the ancient silk route to facilitate China’s connectivity with the West.

Economists have empirically proved that there are more welfare gains in preferential trade agreements for countries that are natural trading partners.

FTAs create opportunities especially for countries such as Pakistan that lack competitiveness to enhance their exports in the markets of larger economies through trade diversion created by tariff preferences in the FTAs. Such opportunities also make countries attractive for foreign direct investments where investors take advantage of market access openings for setting up manufacturing units for export to lucrative markets like China under the FTA. The way forward for Pakistan is to bring the FTA framework which commenced in 2004 to its logical conclusion by completing the liberalisation of tariffs. There would always be losses and gains in the process but to capitalise on the opportunity that Chinese market provides, the price would be worth paying.

The writer is a civil servant with 20 years of experience on issues related to Pakistan’s trade and development

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August 26, 2015 Wed All Day

China to set up body to monitor Pak projects -- The Nation

LAHORE: Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli on Tuesday expressed willingness to set up a high-level committee for the supervision of development projects underway in Pakistan with Chinese investment. He was talking to Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.

Gaoli said that he would personally monitor the projects. He said the proposed committee would include senior officials of financial institutions and various Chinese government departments.

He said that development projects were underway in several countries with Chinese cooperation. “However, China’s cooperation with Pakistan is unprecedented. China is extending full cooperation to Pakistan in energy, transport, infrastructure and health sectors. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will link Pakistan to economies of China and 60 other countries,” the Chinese deputy PM said.

Sharif said that the government and people of Pakistan would come up to the expectations of the Chinese leadership with regard to the implementation of the economic package. “The recent visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan has taken Pakistan-China friendship to new heights,” he said.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid, Prime Minister’s Special Representative Zafar Mehmood, Adviser to CM on Health Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Lahore Transport Company Chairman Khawaja Ahmad Hassaan were also present on the occasion.

The chief minister also held a meeting with the Exim Bank of China President Li Ruogu. It was agreed that funds be expeditiously provided to the Chinese companies investing in Pakistan. The chief minister expressed the confidence that there would be no shortage of resources for Chinese investors. “No compromise will be made on the standard, transparency and speedy completion of the projects.

Work is being speedily completed on the coal-based power projects being set up in Sahiwal with the cooperation of China,” he said.

Iqbal said that the special development package for Pakistan reflected Chinese government’s confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier, a delegation of Shandong province of China, led by its Deputy Governor Xia Zing, met Shahbaz Sharif in Beijing and offered to declare Shandong and the Punjab twin provinces.

Talking to the deputy governor, Shahbaz Sharif said that people of the Punjab could learn a lot from Shandong’s development experience.

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August 30, 2015 Sun All Day

Gigantic road projects to benefit masses: PM -- APP

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that unprecedented infrastructure building activity under the National Highway Authority Road Portfolio would greatly benefit people from all the four provinces.

Chairing a high-level meeting wherein he was given detailed briefing on the NHA Road Portfolio projects, the premier said that these projects, including the CPEC will cover all provinces and the whole country would benefit from the fruits of this gigantic structural development activity across the length and breadth of the country linking Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir to Karachi and Gwadar.

The PM was informed that an investment of $1 billion from private sector in the road infrastructure projects would be achieved by the end of September 2015 and the overall communication network construction activity would contribute about 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent in the GDP. He was further briefed that there would be an addition of 1,272km in the existing Motorways network with the completion of under construction and proposed projects.

The PM issued directions to complete all projects by December 2017, other than those projects which were scheduled for earlier completion. He further directed to prepare comprehensive plans for extending Pakistan’s road infrastructure for connectivity with Central Asia in the first phase and later expanding road links to South Asia.

He also directed the NHA to prepare informative packages highlighting the road construction activity and the linkages created for the areas which were previously not connected to the Highway and Motorway networks. The prime minister appreciated the pace and quality of the work of NHA and directed to maintain the international standards in the quality of road construction. The 3,000-km corridor running from Pakistan's southern Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea to China's western Xinjiang region, was launched in April during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Islamabad despite India’s strong objections.

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August 31, 2015 Mon All Day

11 CPEC economic zones to be set up in Baluchistan -- The Nations

Islamabad: Federal Secretary of Board of Investment, Iftikhar Hussain Babar has said; eleven economic zones;out of total thirty-three of China-Pak Economic Corridor,eleven economic zones; (CPEC) will be setup in Baluchistan.

This, he said while talking to traders at Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries in Quetta. He assured Baluchistan's traders that the federal government will extend cooperation to attract foreign investment in the province. Babar said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor would help in resolving unemployment issue as it would open new vistas of development in the region.

The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an ongoing development megaproject which aims to connect Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan to China’s northwestern autonomous region of Xinjiang, via a network of highways, railways and pipelines to transport oil and gas.

The economic corridor is considered central to China–Pakistan relations and will run about 3,000 km from Gwadar to Kashgar. Overall construction costs are estimated at over $46 billion, with the entire project expected to be completed in several years. The Corridor is an extension of China’s proposed 21st century Silk Road initiative.

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September 3, 2015 Thu All Day

Economic corridor: China to extend assistance at 1.6 percent interest rate -- BR

China would extend assistance to Pakistan at 1.6 percent interest rate for infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it is learnt. Member, Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity of Planning Commission Malik Ahmad Khan confirmed that China would extend assistance to Pakistan at 1.6 percent interest for infrastructure projects under CPEC. "We wanted China to reduce this rate from 1.6 percent to 1 percent. And the Finance Division is making efforts in this regard," he added.

Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Projects (CPEC), China has promised to invest around $11.8 billion in infrastructure projects and $33.8 billion in various energy projects which will be completed by 2017 at the latest. According to sources, the corridor is a 2,700-kilometre highway that would stretch from Kashghar to Gwadar through Khunjrab. The CPEC will integrate the economies of the two friendly countries; it envisages several economic zones.

The sources said the first phase involves development of Gwadar Port which received a major boost when control of Gwadar Port was transferred to China's state-owned China Overseas Ports Holding in February 2013. The construction of an international airport is also envisaged under the first phase of the CPEC. Senior official sources revealed that during meetings of the Joint Working Groups (JWG) in Beijing on August 24 and 25, China asked the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government to expedite its work on the Gwadar International Airport.

China has converted Rs 23 billion loans for Gwadar International Airport into a grant and extended an interest-free loan of Rs 13.5 billion for the construction of Gwadar East Bay Expressway. Member, Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity of Planning Commission confirmed that China has agreed to convert loans for the Gwadar International Airport into a grant and to extend an interest-free loan for the Gwadar East Bay Expressway; but added that the decision is not firm yet.

Sources added that it was also decided during the JWG meetings that the two major infrastructure projects would be completed by December 2017 - projects that are regarded as the catalyst that would enhance investment and development in Gwadar. The new Gwadar airport will be a modern airport of international standard and cater to the requirements of a bustling industrial commercial city. It will become a major hub for international flights operating in the region, sources said. The federal government has already completed the tendering process for East Bay Expressway and new Gwadar airport projects but the pace has been slow due to the required legal formalities. Since now China has taken up the responsibility for financing, things are expected to move at a much faster pace, sources revealed.

Pakistan and China have signed agreements for upgrading 1,300-kilometre Karakorum Highway connecting to Islamabad and laying a fibre-optic cable from the Chinese border to Rawalpindi. Sources said the Chinese government is dealing with Pakistan's military on a fibre-optic project and the two have already held a series of meetings. A meeting between the concerned military officers and the Prime Minister on this project is expected soon, sources added.

According to documents, the Eximbank China has agreed to provide the government a concessional loan at an interest rate of 2 % per annum for Cross Boarder Optic Fiber Project. The draft loan agreement has been cleared by the Finance Division. Pakistan will greatly benefit in terms of enhanced security and revenue from the state of the art optic fiber project between Pakistan and China for which a prominent Chinese telecom firm "Huawei" has been assigned the task. The optic fiber will be laid between Rawalpindi and Khunjrab, a distance of 820 Kilometers.

Malik Ahmed Khan said that there is no delay in Cross Boarder Optic Fiber Project and work on the project is continuing. Major infrastructure projects envisaged under the CPEC are Karakorum Highway up to Islamabad, Karachi-Lahore motorway, new Gwadar Airport, Gwadar Port with Kashghar through motorway and Motorway 1622

September 3, 2015 Continued Thu from Lahore to Karachi, etc.

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September 5, 2015 Sat All Day

Land for Gwadar Railway Station acquired: Saad Rafique -- Radio Pakistan

Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique says land for Gwadar Railway Station has been acquired.

He was speaking at a meeting of Senate's Standing Committee on Railways in Islamabad, which was chaired by Sardar Fateh Muhammad Hassani.

Khawaja Saad Rafique said linking Gwadar with Quetta through rail will open new vistas of development in the province.

He told the meeting that Railways' land will be got vacated in the light of Supreme Court's orders.

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September 6, 2015 Sun All Day

Link to Gwadar Port: government to acquire 412 acres of land for railway container yard -- BR

Federal government would acquire 412 acres of land for railway container yard and construct railway line (25 kms) from sea port to Coastal Highway to Gwadar Port.

According to documents available with Business Recorder, the land would be acquired for container yard measuring 1,900 X 600 meters and railway line of 25 kilometres from Gwadar Port to Gwadar railway container yard onward up to 25 kms at a point outside Gwadar limits, on Gwadar-Turbat-Hushab-Besima-Mastung rail link.

The proposed container yard will have capacity to handle about 500 railway bogie type freight wagons including marshalling of freight trains. The scope of work also includes establishment/construction of railway rest house of 3,400 square feet including allied facilities, erection of boundary stones for demarcation of acquired land and provision of logistic facilities for the required site engineer and staff.

Owing to increasing trend in land prices in Gwadar area, there is an immediate requirement for the acquisition of land for railway container yard, station other operational facilities and railway line from sea port up to coastal highway at Gwadar. The land will be kept reserved for developing of future rail link to Gwadar Port. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has proved this project with cost Rs 1.33 billion on August 31, 201. The original PC-1 of the project was revised and its cast increased from Rs 449.94 million to Rs 1.33 billion.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) govt has allocated Rs 882 million in the development budget 2015-16 for this purpose. The project would be completed in two years. The original PC-1 of the project envisaging acquisition of 453 acres of land for railway container yard/station and double track line from container yard to deep sea port was approved by the CDWP in its meeting held on 25-02-2006 at the cost of Rs 450 million.

The cost of land was based on the rates furnished by the consultant at that time.

Afterwards, Joint demarcation was carried out by the Pakistan Railways and Revenue Officials for the container yard and right of way up to 25 Km outside Gwadar Limit, for an area of 373 acres. The Secretary Board of Revenue, Government of Balochistan, Quetta was approached to intimate the cost of 373 acres of land, which was furnished as Rs 465 million. The approved amount of Rs 450 million was accordingly paid to Secretary (Revenue), Board of Revenue, Quetta during the year 2005-06 & 2006-07 against the demand of Rs 465 million. Gazette Notification under Section-4 of Land Acquisition Act was issued during October 2006.

Later on, a corrigendum dated 17-12-2007 was issued by EDO/Gwadar, through which the cost of land was increased to Rs 943.520 million and the area of land reduced from 373 acres to 285 acres, ie, restricting only to container yard. EDO (Revenue), Gwadar vide his letter No 434-38 dated 28-4-2008 informed that initial cost of the land amounting to Rs 450 million, furnished by Secretary Board of Revenue, Government of Balochistan is not valid, as the same was tentative and was estimated without due process. This necessitated revision of the PC-1. Now the revised cost is based on the recent mutations/sale deeds, including the cost of structures and trees etc. Commissioner, Makran Division at Turbat vide his letter No 169397/RB dated 25 June, 2010 has also provided copies of mutation showing the rates of land in the vicinity of container yard.

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September 9, 2015 Wed All Day

China leases 800 ha land at Gwadar port -- IHS Online

China has leased 809 ha of land at Gwadar port in Pakistan for 43 years to build the port's first free economic zone (FEZ).

Chinese media reported that Gwadar Port Authority has acquired 607 ha of land in June, and another 202 ha will be acquired soon. All requisitioned land is from Pakistan Navy and container depots in Baluchistan.

"Another 500 acres [202 ha] of land will be leased out to China very soon to complete their requirement for the construction of the first FEZ at Gwadar, so the total land of 2,500 acres [1,011 ha] will be provided to their companies," Pakistani government's top economic officials told local media.

The construction of infrastructure for the FEZ and economic processing zones will cost USD35 million, according to the port authority.

In April 2015 China won the right to operate Pakistan's Gwadar port for a period of 40 years, which will give China access to other Gulf countries.

Beijing and Islamabad decided to invest USD46.4 billion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative, USD786 million of which would be used for different development projects at Gwadar.

Gwadar, located at the mouth of the Gulf and just outside the Strait of Hormuz, is the gateway for about 20% of the world's oil.

All Day

'Pakistan to get 5,600 megawatts electricity through five projects under CPEC' -- BR

"Pakistan will get around 5,600MW of electricity through five major projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by the year 2017-18. Chinese companies are already working on these energy projects with full enthusiasm. The total cost of these projects has been estimated around US 10 billion dollars, being provided by the Chinese banks. Some of the cost will be supported by the companies themselves, which enjoy the complete support of the Chinese top leadership." This was stated by Pakistan's Special Envoy on CPEC Zafaruddin Mahmood in an interview with INP here on Tuesday.

These projects will be functional as Independent Power Plants (IPPs) under the power purchase agreement and there will be no liabilities on the Government of Pakistan as far as their construction is concerned. The Government of Pakistan will purchase the electricity as per relevant IPPs rules and regulations.

These projects are: Port Qasim 1320MW in Karachi, Hubco 1320MW in Balochistan, two units of coal based power plants at Thar each of 320MW, (two more units will be added in the second phase) 1000MW Quaid-e-Azam solar Park project at Bhawalpur, Sahiwal 1320MW Coal-fired project. Besides this, work is also in progress on Suki Kinari hydel power project of 800MW in KPK that will be completed by 2019-2020.

Zafaruddin Mahmood further said that the two sides are also working closely for construction of infrastructure development projects under CPEC. He hoped that work on KKH-phase-II, Karachi-Lahore Motorway (Multan-Sukkar section), Gwadar international airport and Gwadar East Bay Expressway will be started before the end of the year and completion is expected by the end of 2017. The Chinese government is providing mixed loans facility (including grant assistance, interestfree and concessional loans) to undertake these projects.

Another important area of bilateral co-operation under the CPEC is the development of special industrial zones. To this effect, a pilot project at Gwadar is being started. The project will include a commercial complex (hotel, exhibition hall, apartments, and shopping mall), fish and marble processing factories and a captive power plant. China Overseas Port Holding Company is investing for the project and the construction is expected to be started by the end this year.

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September 9, 2015 Continued Wed Efforts are being made to make the pilot project operational by 2017. The special envoy said that the two sides remain in touch at various levels to ensure the implementation of CPEC in its true spirit. The CPEC, he said is major development in further consolidating Sino-Pak socio-economic partnership meeting the aspirations of their people.

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September 10, 2015 Thu All Day

‘Pakistan poised to rank among top 25 economies by 2025’ -- Dawn

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday that Pakistan possessed the attributes of an advancing nation, and was well-positioned to rank among the world’s top 25 economies by 2025.

“The signs of a failing country cannot be attributed to Pakistan now that there is a clear vision, an independent judiciary, free media, and a growing civil society with a strategic economic roadmap standing on strong, democratic foundations,” he said, while addressing a national conference titled ‘Building Knowledge Based Economy in Pakistan’.

He said that his optimism was supported by the improving law and order situation, sustainable economic growth, and a favourable investment environment.

“At least the direction is right,” Iqbal said.

The conference was organised by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) alongside the Hanns Seidal Foundation.

Iqbal said that the ministry’s ‘Vision 2025’ emphasizes human resource development, regional connectivity, knowledge economy, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity.

He said that human resource development is at the top of the government’s priorities, and that education is being targeted through increased funding for higher education.

Iqbal also proposed a United States (US)-Pakistan knowledge corridor, which would allow Pakistan to benefit from the high quality science and technology education available in US universities.

“It is unfortunate that despite being a strategic partner, Pakistan was not given preferential treatment in terms of its students availing higher education opportunities in US universities,” he said.

Speakers at a subsequent panel at the conference discussed the reasons behind the stable economic growth enjoyed by countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany, despite the countries’ devastation due to war.

The panel highlighted how, in the 1950s when the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of South Korea was less than Pakistan’s, their literacy rate was 62 per cent – something Pakistan has yet to achieve.

Senator Farhatullah Babar said that one major issue in Pakistan was the inconsistent policymaking by successive governments.

Dr. Usman Mustafa, from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), said that the economy revolves around agriculture in its first phase, however, after the industrial revolution wealth became associated with manufacturing and commerce. He said that in the current era, wealth is linked with the ‘ownership of knowledge’ needed to produce goods and services.

“Not only are we talking about producing at low costs with better quality, there is now an increased demand for information,” Mustafa said.

The speakers, most of whom were economists, called for higher investments in research and development (R&D).

However, Dr. Tariq Bashir, from the Pakistan Council of Science and Technology, blamed both the government and stakeholders for not investing in knowledge generation, and said that the private sector should establish R&D centres for specific sectors to improve the competitive standing of exports.

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September 10, 2015 Continued Thu Azhar Majeed, from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said that the textile sector is facing severe challenges, and has remained stagnant for five years.

“But one of the most severe issues we face, apart from the energy crisis, is $1.5 billion stuck with the Federal Board of Revue for refunds,” he said, adding, “Which industry would be willing to invest in R&D in such conditions?”

All Day

China acquires 809 hectares of land in Gwadar -- The Nations

LONDON: China has acquired 809 hectares of land on lease for 43 years in Gwadar.

According to UK defence magazine, IHS, China has acquired 809 hectares (1999 acres) land from Pakistan on lease for 43 years for construction of first Free Economic Processing Zone (EPZ) in Gawadar port.

As per the Port Authority, construction of basic infrastructure and EPZ will cost over Rs 3.65 billion. Citing a Chinese journal, the IHS wrote that Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) acquired 607 hectares of land in June and 202 hectares of land will soon be acquired. All the land has been acquired from Pakistan Navy and container depot Balochistan.

Referring to a statement given by the top economic managers of Pakistan to local media, the journal said more 500 acres of land will be leased out to China for construction of first free EPZ. This way, 2500 acres of land will be given to Chinese companies on lease. China attained the rights for carrying out work on Gwadar port for 40 years in April this year. This port will provide China access to Gulf States.

All Day

Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline, LNG terminal: High-level Chinese delegation arrives -- BR

A high-level Chinese delegation has reached Islamabad to deliberate upon construction of 700 kilometres Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at Gwadar Port. Senior officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources told Business Recorder here on Wednesday that a delegation of China Petroleum Pipelines Bureau (CPP) had come to finalise the construction of Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline.

The officials said the CPP would construct an LNG terminal at Gwadar Port with a capacity to handle 600 Million Cubic Feet per day of the commodity as well as laying the 700 kilometres pipeline which at a later stage, would be added by another 70 kilometres to transport gas from Iran under Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.

"A top level delegation of the Petroleum Ministry from September 2 to 7 visited China to discuss the matters related to Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline and LNG terminal in Gwadar. Both the teams decided to expedite work on the projects," the officials maintained. "CPP will submit proposals by the end of ongoing month to Inter State Gas System (ISGS), after that both the companies will negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract and in March 2016, formal work on the laying of pipeline as well as LNG terminal will start and by the end of 2017, the project will be completed," a senior official who attended the meeting told this correspondent.

"The project will cost estimated two billions dollars of which 85 percent of the expenditures will be invested by CPP and rest by Pakistan," the official added.

Gwadar is also the starting point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project which was formally inaugurated during the presidential visit. The CPEC will conclude in China''s province Xinjiang which is already an energy hub from where imported gas from Central Asia is channelled to China''s industrial heartland.

Sources also said that Economic Co Ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in the next meeting is likely to consider a summary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to approve construction of second LNG terminal at Port Qasim 1629

September 10, 2015 Continued Thu with a capacity to handle 500MMCFD of the commodity. "We are expecting that on October 6 Pakistan and Qatar will sign a long-term LNG Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) of 400MMCFD on government to government basis," the officials added.

When the officials were asked why the government failed in inking final agreement with Qatargas to import the commodity on government to government basis, they said Port Qasim Authority (PQA) had failed in satisfying and clarifying the Qatargas officials on the depth of LNG channel. Officials said besides LNG channel depth the PQA was demanding $1.2 million port fee from each LNG ship which is highest in the world. They said the channel''s depth should be 14 meters but PQA had a 13meter deep channel.

The PQA authorities quoted $1.2 million for each cargo ship of LNG which is too high as compared to international standards as in Nigeria it costs $0.75 million, in Qatar 0.125 million and in India 0.12 million. Sources said besides PQA''s failure in developing the required channel depth for LNG cargos, the deal is also not been finalised, as the Ministry of Water and Power failed to persuade furnace oil-based Independent Power Plants (IPPs) to open letters of credit (LCs) and establish a payment mechanism for the commodity suppliers.

The Petroleum Ministry''s responsibility was to negotiate rates and terms for LNG import and provide gas to Ministry of Water and Power for replacing furnace oil in power production. Sources also said that as per plan of the government, power sector had to use the imported LNG but private power plants did not open any Letter of Credit (LC) accounts as the power sector also linked to purchase of LNG to certain conditions.

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September 12, 2015 Sat All Day

Exports from Gwadar Port start: Kamran Michael -- Pakistan Today

Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael has said that exports from Gwadar Deep Sea Port have started.

Talking to media persons here, he said Gwadar Port has become a sign of development of Pakistan.

He said China would be given 2,281 acres of land in Gwadar on lease for establishing trade and economic zone.

Michael said Chinese companies will invest in trade and industrial sector in Gwadar.

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September 14, 2015 Mon All Day

Pakistan, China sign 43-year lease for Gwadar Special Economic Zone -The Nations Beijing: Pakistan has rented 2,300 acres to China for developing the first special economic zone in the deep sea port of Gwadar, CCTV reported today.

China has provided financial and technical support in the construction of the Gwadar port since March, 2002 at Pakistan's request. The infrastructure construction was completed in February. The SEZ and the port, is part of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor that aims to connect Gwadar to China's Xinjiang via a transportation network. It will improve economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Pakistani government has granted the SEZ priority access to resources and preferential tax policies for investors.

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September 15, 2015 Tue All Day

Pak-China military relations will grow to unprecedented heights: COAS -- Geo News RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif visted Bahadur Ranges (Attock) amnd witnessed the closing ceremony of the Pak-China Special Forces joint exercise ‘Warrior-III’.

According to an ISPR press release, Special Forces of Pakistan Army and Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a seven week long exercise with focus on counter-terrorism operations.

A senior level Chinese military delegation under General Li Fayi represented PLA on the closing ceremony.

Addressing troops, COAS congratulated all participants of exercise for displaying high level professional skills. He underscored that special relationship between Pak-China Armies which has transformed overtime will grow to unprecedented heights. “Both, China and Pak, will continue to work towards total elimination of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”

COAS specially commended troops of SSG for their outstanding performance in Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He vowed to continue operations with the same momentum till the achievement of a Terror Free Pakistan.

All Day

PM opens Pak-China Friendship Tunnel -- The Nations

GILGIT - The federal government says it will focus on Gilgit Baltistan’s prosperity and provide all possible resources for completion of development projects in the remote northern province.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday alleged that funds were not spent transparently in GB in the past otherwise the situation would have been different today.

Addressing Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA), he emphasised that each rupee should be spent with honesty.

“There should be no corruption in public spending. ” He directed the chief minister to ensure transparency in the ongoing projects, adding that completion of these development projects will change destiny of the people of the area.

The PM expressed satisfaction that natural beauty of this land, striking peaks of glacier and exorbitant forest attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists this year.

He said there was lot more tourism potential which needs to be explored.

He said security force will be deployed on the Karakorum highway from Gilgit to Mansehra to ensure peaceful and secure environment that would help promote tourism.

He said Pakistan-China Economic Corridor project envisages construction of road from Khunjrab to Gwadar, while a rail service will also be started.

Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated Attabad Tunnel on Karakorum Highway and realignment of the highway parts of which were submerged due to landsliding in January 2010.

The 24-km Attabad Tunnel, also named Pak-China Friendship Tunnel, in Hunza will benefit thousands of local commuters and help boost China trade.

As part of Karakorum Highway realignment, at least five other tunnels having accumulative length of over seven kilometres, 16 kilometres road section and two bridges – each one kilometre long— have been constructed in collaboration with China at a cost of $275 million.

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September 17, 2015 Thu All Day

Govt urged to take private sector on board on CPEC matters -- The Nations

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Wednesday organized a seminar on “China-Pak Economic Corridor – Private Sector” here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Experts from various sectors of economy spoke on the occasion and threw light on the importance of private sector’s role for the success of this game changing project. They were of the view that government should take private sector on board on China-Pak Economic Corridor related matters as business community is keen to play its greatest role for economic uplift of the country.

LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz, Senior Vice President Mian Nauman Kabir, Chinese Consul General Yu Boren, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan, Convener LCCI Standing Committee on Pak China Business Promotion Siddiq-ur-Rehman Rana, Former Vice Chancellor-UET & Chairman Punjab Curriculum Textbook Board Lt. Gen. ® Muhammad Akram Khan, Project Director – CPEC, Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform Maj Gen. ® Dr. Zahir Shah and former Finance Minister Dr. Salman Shah were the key speakers.

Experts said that China-Pak Economic Corridor would start a new era of progress and prosperity in the country therefore it should be handled through public-private partnership that would enable private sector avail this unique opportunity.

Former Finance Minister Dr. Salman Shah said that Pakistan is bound to become economically strong and independent with never ending chain of investments from China. It will only be possible if the respective private sector representatives play their due role much proactively.

LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that objective of holding this seminar is to apprise the members about the trade & investment opportunities expected to occur right from the beginning and till the completion of this most vital economic corridor.

He said that it will not be wrong to say that the economic benefits of this project are hard to estimate. China has already promised to invest more than 46 billion dollars in this connection. This project has the potential to work as a big push theory of Economics.

He said that although both the governments are closely collaborating in this project but at the same time, the private sectors of Pakistan and China are going to have a bigger role to play in this mega project.

Chinese Consul General Yu Boren said that China-Pak Economic Corridor is an overall cooperation platform with a focus on the long-term development of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

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September 18, 2015 Fri All Day

Govt pursuing IPGPP under alternative strategy: Senate told -- BR

All Day

PAK, CHINA AGREE TO SPEED UP TALKS ON CPFTA-II -Pakistan Observer

ISLMABAD: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday informed the Senate that the government is pursuing the Iran Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project (IPGPP) under the Alternative Strategy approved by ECC of the Cabinet.

In Question Hours, he said that under the strategy, the government would complete around 700 kilometer pipeline to Gwadar deep seaport and Nawabshah.

He said Energy Terminal would be constructed at the site of Gwadar deep seaport.

While the remaining 80 kilometers pipeline from Gwadar would take 4 to 6 months for construction soon after lifting of the international sanctions on Iran.

The Minister expressed the hope that construction of pipeline to Gwadar would be completed by December 2017.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi further informed the house that Pakistan has signed Framework Agreement with China on April, 20 2015 in this regard. Chinese nominated company is expected to submit shortly following which EPC contract negotiations would start. Award of the contract was expected by December, he added.

He said as per the ECC decision, Iranian gas would be supplied to power sector through Sui companies.

To another question he said Pakistan was not liable to pay any penalty on this account as Iran had also not yet completed its segment of the pipeline.

Further elaborating, the minister said, that there were reports that around 250 kilometer pipeline on Iranian side was still pending.

Meanwhile Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal informed the Senate that the first five shipments of LNG were imported by PSO from the State of Qatar for the Gas companies and fertilizer sector customers.

He said the prices of petrol and diesel had decreased about 14% in International (Arab Gulf) market while in the country; the prices of same products were also reduced by 4 percent.

He said it was the responsibility of the OGRA to determine the price petroleum products.

He said exploration blocks were awarded to exploration and production companies for initial period of three years on the basis of firm work commitment.

He said that the companies were also required to fulfill their financial obligations during the period including rental, social welfare, training fund, marine research fee and production bonus.

The companies were also bound to give jobs to the locals, the minister said.

PAK, CHINA AGREE TO SPEED UP TALKS ON CPFTA-II

Islamabad—Pakistan and China, Thursday, agreed to expedite negotiations on China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement-II (CPFTA-II) for early conclusion. Both the countries have also agreed to remove discrepancies in the trade data available with the two sides and decided put electronic data sharing systems in place on both sides before the end of this year which would help to deal with under-invoicing and mis-declaration According to Ministry of Commerce, both sides came to this agreement in maiden meeting between Commerce Ministers of the two countries held in Beijing. This was decided in a meeting between Pakistani Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan and Chinese Minister for Commerce, Gao Hucheng in Beijing. This was the first meeting between the Ministers of Commerce of the two countries since negotiations on CPFTA-II started.

The Ministers decided that the Tariff Reduction Modality (TRM) for the second phase of CPFTA would be finalized soon. Pakistan reiterated stance that the second phase of CPFTA should be based on the principle of ‘less than equal reciprocity in favor of Pakistan’. This principle entails that China would give tariff concessions to Pakistan which it has given to its other FTA trading partners while Pakistan may be allowed an adequate time period for reasonable reduction of tariffs keeping in view the prevalent conditions of Pakistani domestic industry.

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September 18, 2015 Continued Fri

1636

September 19, 2015 Sat All Day

SEZs on pattern of China can usher in industrial revolution: PCJCCI chief -- BR

President of Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Shah Faisal Afridi on Friday said special economic zones on the pattern of China can bring industrial revolution in Pakistan.

While talking to a trade delegation from the Qingdao Commerce Bureau, China, here on Friday, Afridi said, "Pakistan is in a dire need of establishing the maximum number of special economic zones to tackle economic challenges being faced by the country since decades. The proposed SEZs on the pattern of China will strengthen the industrial base besides protecting the national economy from global financial recessions, thus enabling the government to use its resources at the targeted industrial areas."

He also said measures should be taken for creation of the zones on the Chinese style. "For attracting foreign direct investment, Pakistan must improve its internal security situation and promote cultural flexibility for assimilation of foreign investors," he added.

A latest World Bank report on these zones said, "As per estimates, there are approximately 3,000 zones in 135 countries today, accounting for over 68 million direct jobs and over US 500 billion dollars of direct trade-related value added within zones." He acknowledged that the Haier Ruba Special Economic Zone had faced challenging situation related to power, energy, law and order but still it is one and the only zone of its type in the country giving fruitful returns to the economy. He also admitted that the delegation had come with concrete proposals with reference to these zones.

Zhang Li, delegation chief said on the occasion that Haier was the first joint venture project of China and the expansion and development of Haier Ruba SEZ is on top priority list of Chinese government.

Zhang Li mentioned that SEZs play an instrumental role in the integration of China to the global economy and in its economic development. She informed that in China SEZs contribute to 20 percent of the total FDI. The delegates also visited the Haier Ruba Zone where they were informed that currently Haier-Ruba SEZ was covering wide variety of industrial sectors including electric appliances, power and energy, textile, furniture sector, software and technology and food processing. The Chinese delegation was assisted by the PCJCCI in arranging meetings with Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company.

The delegation also visited Quaid-e-Azam Apparel Park that is working under the auspices of the management. The delegation which headed by Zhang Li, Deputy Director General of Qingdao Commerce Bureau, also included Sun Guoliang, vice general manager, Qingdao Huatong state-owned Capital Operation (Group) Co Ltd, Wang Da, President Qingdao Laoshan Mineral Water Co Ltd, Yuan Dezhao, Division Director Qingdao City Construction Investment Group Ltd.

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September 20, 2015 Sun All Day

Shehbaz asks Chinese firm to expedite solar power project -- Pakistan Today

Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday the people of Pakistan and their future generations would never forget the historic economic package of China for them.

The chief minister made these remarks during his meeting with Yu Yong, the president of a prominent Chinese company in energy sector, where progress of the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park project, Bahawalpur, under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) came under discussion.

Sharif said China was playing a commendable role in development of the various sectors of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan highly valued the cooperation and friendship of China.

He asked the Chinese company to further accelerate the work on the solar power project, and said under the CPEC, an investment of Rs 33 billion was being made only in the energy projects.

Sharif said China had proved to be a true friend of Pakistan by helping it overcome the energy crisis. He said the CPEC projects were an invaluable gift by the Chinese president and the government.

He said a solar project of 100-megawatt with Chinese investment under the CPEC would be completed next month while several projects would be producing energy till 2017.

The chief minister said a number of Chinese companies were working in Pakistan and Pak-China friendship had turned into strong economic cooperation. He said the economic package of billions of dollars given by China to Pakistan augured well for a bright economic future of the country.

Sharif said the people of the whole region including Pakistan would benefit from the CPEC projects and millions of new job opportunities would be created. He said no compromise would be made on the standard and transparency of the projects.

Yu Yong, on the occasion, said the chief minister had ensured transparency, speed and a high standard in the implementation of the projects which was highly commendable. He said the people of Punjab were fully benefiting from the practical measures and the development projects executed by the chief minister.

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September 21, 2015 Mon All Day

French think tank head favours Pak-France nuclear cooperation -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Director of the premier French think-tank Institute for International and Strategic Affairs has supported France's civil nuclear cooperation with Pakistan, on the pattern of the US-Indian civil nuclear agreement.

Dr Pascal Boniface, an eminent French intellectual, said that Pakistan as a country of 200 million people with nuclear weapons has a pivotal role to play in the most strategic part of the world'.

Delivering a guest lecture on 'France, Europe & Changing Global Scenario' at the Pakistan-China Institute, Dr Boniface criticised the Iraq War since it was 'destabilising for the Arab World', and he welcomed the Iran Nuclear deal terming it as a rare defeat for the powerful pro-Israeli lobby in the United States.

Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of the Senate Defence Committee, who is recently-elected as Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor, was also present on the occasion, while the lecture was attended by the Ambassador of France, HE Mrs Martine Dorance, and Belgium Ambassador HE Verheyden, as well as a number of heads of think-tanks, university professors and scholars of international relations, former Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar and former head of ISI, Lt Gen (r) Asad Durrani. Ambassador Masood Khan, Chairman, Institute of Strategic Studies chaired the session.

Senator Mushahid praised the French role in world affairs, whose architect was the great French statesman, late President General Charles de Gaulle. He said that countries like France and China, together with Pakistan, would be key players in the emerging multipolar world. Lt Gen (r) Asad Durrani said that in today's world, there are two forces with a truly global outreach – the United States and Al Qaeda', with a capability to strike anywhere in the world.

The participants acknowledged that France, the largest country in the EU, and with nuclear energy providing the bulk of its power needs, is leading the world in civil nuclear energy technology for peaceful purposes.

Nathalie Dupont, Counsellor Political Affairs, Press and Communication, also shared her views with the participants regarding the need for strengthening bilateral relations, especially at the academic, and diplomatic level. The lecture was followed by an interesting and animated discussion among the distinguished audience.

All Day

Pakistan, China in pact to keep JF-17 tech away from US, India -- The News

BEIJING: China and Pakistan have a pact to keep the technology of their jointlydeveloped JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft away from the United States and India because of its superiority to America’s F-16 fighter jet, claims the Beijingbased Sina Military Network.

The Block II variation of the JF-17, known as the FC-1 Xiaolong by China, recently entered into service for the “Minhas” No2 squadron of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

The new and improved configuration of the lightweight fighter jet is said to include improved avionics and better software, as well as a fixed air-to-air refueling probe.

Minhas is the third PAF squadron to be upgraded to the JF-17, which is expected to replace the F-7P, a Chinese-made fighter that can be equipped with C-802A antiship missiles.

The JF-17 features an aerodynamic shape similar to the US Navy’s F/A-18 and is powered by a high fuel efficiency Russian RD-93 afterburning turbofan. The aircraft’s flight performance is said to be far superior to that of second-generation fighters, with its climb rate, maneuvering speed and acceleration making up for a relatively low top speed of Mach 1.6.

While the RD-93 is not regarded as advanced given it was originally developed for the Soviet MiG-29 fighter, the engine is considered stable and reliable, with PAF Air Commodore Khalid Mahmood, head of the JF-17 sales and marketing team, adding that they have never experienced any problems with it after more than 7,000 hours of use.

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September 21, 2015 Continued Mon Chinese engineers are reportedly continuing to look for ways to lighten the weight and streamline the aircraft. One new advancement is pairing an RD-93 with a socalled divergent supersonic air intake, which is said to be lighter, easier to maintain, and minimises the JF-17’s already low radar signals.

Recent photos of the JF-17 show the jet carrying two CM-400AKG high-speed airto-surface missiles. Mahmood notes that the aircraft features flexible weapons stations that enable the JF-17 to be equipped with any weapon purchased on the open market.

Though the JF-17 can carry up to four SD-10 radar-guided air-to-air missiles, Mahmood states that the preference of the PAF is to use the space and weight for additional fuel tanks. The standard configuration of the JF-17 is therefore currently two SD-10s and two to three 1,000-litre external fuel tanks in addition to the 800litre tank in the abdomen of the aircraft, he added.

According to the Sina Military report, expert comparisons between the JF-17 and the US F-16 have the Chinese-Pakistani aircraft dominating, adding that it is akin to a featherweight knocking out a heavyweight. The US has tried to get its hands on the JF-17 to analyse why that is the case but has been turned down by Pakistan because of a deal with China to never share the jet’s technology with the US or India, the report added.

All Day

Shahbaz orders monitoring of rivers -- The Nations

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the federal and provincial departments concerned to remain alert in the wake of possible floods due to expected rain during the next few days.

This direction was made during a video conference with the Cabinet Committee on Flood and the administration of different districts at the Civil Secretariat here on Sunday. The CM also ordered round-the-clock monitoring of rivers. He said precautionary arrangements should be completed in the districts threatened by expected flood. He also directed the district administration to ensure immediate evacuation of the population in case of floods.

He said there should be proper arrangements for food, medicines and fodder for livestock in affected districts and the relevant departments should work with mutual coordination. He said the situation caused by rain should be closely watched and protective spurs and embankments should be strengthened. He directed the police to closely work with the administration and take indiscriminate action against the elements involved in illegal breaches.

The CM asked the Cabinet Committee on Flood to ensure immediate implementation of the decisions to cope with the possible flood situation and warned that no laxity would be tolerated in this regard. He said the arrangements should be effective and comprehensive in all respects and boats, dewatering sets and necessary equipment should be functional. He further directed that advance preparation should be made with regards to the possible flood in floodwater channels of Gujranwala division. He stressed the need for effective coordination between the federal and provincial departments concerned to ensure flood arrangements in this regard.

Assigning responsibilities to the ministers and secretaries in the districts to be affected in case of possible floods, the chief minister directed them to review the arrangements and preparations in the districts allocated to them. He said that timely provision of machinery and equipment should be ensured in case of any emergency and the control room should function round-the-clock.

During the video conference, the secretary irrigation gave a briefing on water situation in rivers while the PDMA director general informed about the arrangements and availability of necessary equipment. The Meteorological Department director general briefed on weather situation during the next few days.

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September 21, 2015 Continued Mon The provincial ministers, the chief secretary and officers concerned from the Civil Secretariat, commissioners and district coordination officers of different districts attended the meeting from their respective areas through video link. energy projects: Yu Yong, the president of a prominent Chinese company in energy sector, met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Sunday.

During the meeting, pace of progress on the solar project at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur under the CPEC was discussed. Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said China was a very reliable and sincere friend of Pakistan. He said China was playing a commendable role in the development of various sectors in the country and the people of Pakistan highly value the cooperation and friendship of China. He said China had proved to be a true friend of Pakistan by helping in energy crisis issue. He said the CPEC projects were an invaluable gift to Pakistan by the Chinese government. Shehbaz Sharif said the people of Pakistan and their future generations would never forget the historic economic package of China. He said under the CPEC, investment of 33 billion dollars was being made only in energy projects. He said a solar project of 100MW with Chinese investment under the CPEC would be completed next month while several other projects of energy production would be completed till 2017. He said a number of Chinese companies were working in Pakistan and the Pak-China friendship had turned into a strong economic cooperation. He said the economic package of billions of dollars given by China to Pakistan augurs well for a bright economic future of the country. He said every effort would be made for early completion of the projects being executed under the CPEC. Shehbaz Sharif said the people of whole region including Pakistan would get benefit from the CPEC projects. He said millions of new job opportunities would be created with the launching of various projects in Pakistan with the investment of China. He said implementation of Chinese economic package would usher in an era of progress and prosperity in the country. He said no compromise would be made on the standard and transparency of the projects. He asked the Chinese company to further accelerate the work on the power plant of solar project.

President of the Chinese energy company Yu Yong said Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ensured transparency, speed and a high standard in the implementation of projects, which was highly commendable. He said the people of Punjab were getting benefits from the practical measures and the development projects executed by the Punjab chief minister.

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September 23, 2015 Wed All Day

China converts $230m loan for Gwadar airport into grant -- The News

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, China has converted the $230 million loan for the construction of the Gwadar airport into grants, which is scheduled to be completed by December 2017, The News has learnt.

Beijing has also converted $140 million loan for the construction of Eastbay Expressway Project for Gwadar city as interest-free and will get back only the principal loan amount from Islamabad.

“Out of the overall cost of $3.8 billion for infrastructure projects including Gwadar airport, construction of the Lahore-Karachi motorway section from Multan to Sukkur and other projects, the interest payment on Chinese loan was slashed down from over 3 percent to just 1.6 percent,” official sources in the Economic Affairs Division confirmed while talking to ‘The News’ after holding a review meeting on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects with Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in the chair here on Tuesday.

After conversion of loan into grants, the authorities concerned have stopped the bidding process for the New Gwadar International Airport as now only the Chinese companies will be awarded construction of this important airport. Beijing will select the company. It is expected that China will designate MOFCOM for undertaking the construction of the New Gwadar International Airport.

In case of possibility of cost escalation, the Chinese side will be requested to increase the size of resource envelop to complete this project within the stipulated time-frame.

When contacted, Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Dostain Khan Jamaldini said that they had leased out 2,281 acres of land to the Chinese company responsible for operating this port.

“We have completed all required legal documents while handing over of land will take place by next month,” he concluded.

On contact, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said that China had brought down its loan cost in a major way in order to accelerate the progress of CPEC. Some loans were converted into grants, some were converted into interestfree so the cost of the overall basket was slashed down to benefit Pakistan, he added.

Official documents available with ‘The News’ reveal that under the CPEC initiative, Beijing and Islamabad had decided to spend $786 million on different important physical projects of Gwadar.

The Gwadar Coal Power Project will be constructed at an estimated cost of $360 million in order to produce electricity of 300MW. So, the overall investment on Gwadar will be more than $1 billion under the CPEC, including one coal power project of 300MW. The construction of infrastructure for Free Economic Zone and Economic Processing Zones port related industries will cost $35 million.

The construction of breakwaters will cost $130 million. The dredging of berthing areas and channels will cost $27 million under the CPEC over the next couple of years. The necessary facilities for a fresh water treatment plant at Gwadar will cost $114 million under the CPEC over the next few years.

One state-of-the-art hospital having 300 bed facilities will be constructed at Gwadar at estimated cost of $100 million. Both the sides also decided to establish a technical and vocational institute at Gwadar at an estimated cost of $10 million.

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September 24, 2015 Thu All Day

Gwadar-Nawabshah: Work on portion to end by December 2017 -Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reiterated that construction of Gwadar-Nawabshah gas pipeline, which forms the most significant part of Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, would start within six months and is to be completed by December 2017.

“The 700km pipeline is to be built by a reputable Chinese company,” said Abbasi during an interview with the Iranian News Agency. “Sanctions are still in place and investors are worried about their re-imposition due to legal issues. We are, however, working on it.”

“As soon as the sanctions are lifted, construction of Iran-Gwadar portion of the pipeline would resume. The design is ready and we just need to order the equipment.”

Abbasi further stated that the project is not an ‘alternative strategy’ and rather one of the main government strategies to facilitate natural gas (including LNG) imports to meet the rising demand. Other relevant projects include the TAPI (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India) pipeline project.

“We have requested a meeting with Iranian oil minister to inform him about the latest IP developments. We also look forward to Iran’s cooperation in the postsanction era.”

With regards to the price of Iranian natural gas, he disclosed that the basic price has been agreed upon, under the IP contract, but the final will be mutually decided in light of the market realities, one year before the first gas flow.

“This 42-inch pipeline is dedicated to Pakistan alone and there is no room for other countries to join or rejoin the project. It doesn’t have the capacity to cater to any other country. If India or China seeks Iranian gas, new parallel pipelines will need to be built.”

As for the TAPI pipeline project, he added that the government of Turkmenistan had taken charge of building the pipeline. “Afghanistan is a part of TAPI pipeline route and security issues of this country have always been a concern. The cost of this pipeline is yet another issue,” he remarked.

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September 28, 2015 Mon All Day

Central-Asia-South Asia Energy and Trade Corridor Launches -- Kaleej Times

The new Central-Asia-South Asia energy and trade corridor entails three main components. The first two of these are the Turkmenistan-Pakistan-AfghanistanIndia, or TAPI gas pipeline, the Central Asia-South Asia-1000 (CASA-1000) electrical energy grid. Plans also include boosting trade in the region by opening all countries involved for mutual business, as well as to drastically lower tariffs, and to make transportation more cost-effective, M. Aftab writes for Khaleej Times.

The newly launched corridor is also being set up to expand the utilization of oil and gas pipelines within the area as well as to and from the region. They will link the UAE-Middle East-Saudi Arabia via the shortest route – through the Pakistani Gwadar Port of Gwadar.

The republics of Centra Asia are located to the west and north of Pakistan and China. They possess a huge untapped amount of energy reserves with potential to satisfy demand in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, South Asia as well as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

The Central Asian republics have also agreed to enter the much larger $46 billion CPEC project (China Pakistan Economic Corridor), which will travel from Shanghai to the west as well as south to the Gwadar Port.

All Day

Sahiwal coal power project will be functional by 2017: CM -- APP

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to 1320MW coal power project in Qadirabad, Sahiwal and reviewed the pace of progress of this important and big project of power generation.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that two coal-based energy projects of 660 megawatts each are being set up in Sahiwal and it is an important project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said that the project will start energy generation during 2017.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned for speedy completion of the project to achieve the best results. He said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project will play an important role in removing darkness from the country with the help of China.

Shahbaz said that this project comprising two power plants of 620 megawatts each is another splendid example of Pak-China friendship and will further strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries. He said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project is of vital national importance and work is being carried out expeditiously on this 1,320 megawatts project.

The Punjab government and the Chinese company will complete this project till 2017 through collective efforts, he maintained. He said that most modern super critical power plants are being installed in Sahiwal, which are environment-friendly and meet the environmental standards. He said that every moment is precious and there is no room for delay in the implementation of the project.

The CM said that he is personally monitoring this project regularly and had come to the site of project for this reason. He said that this power plant is the biggest and first ever project of power generation with coal in Pakistan and Chinese companies have made investment in this project.

He said that China’s huge investment in Pakistan is not merely an investment but a splendid gift for Pakistan, which Pakistani people can never forget. The chief minister said that Sahiwal Coal Power Project is the first drop of rain with regard to CPEC and will result in generation of much-needed electricity and elimination of darkness.

The historic economic package of China is a reflection of the confidence of Chinese president in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the deep love for 20 million people of Pakistan, he remarked.

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September 28, 2015 Continued Mon He said that the efforts for overcoming energy crisis with the cooperation of China will result in removing darkness from the country, promotion of industrial activities, generation of job opportunities, besides poverty alleviation. He said that the journey of progress and prosperity of Pakistan started with the cooperation of China will be continued and Pakistan will achieve its goal.

The chief minister was informed during a briefing that the machinery of coal power project has started reaching Karachi Port and steps are being taken for its speedy transportation to the site of the project. He was further told that work is in progress expeditiously on the project and it will be completed within stipulated period.

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September 29, 2015 Tue All Day

Pak-China ties to attain new heights: Enovy -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong said yesterday that bilateral relations between China and Pakistan would attain new heights to their mutual benefits.

Ambassador Weidong made these remarks while addressing a reception he hosted at the Embassy to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China.

President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain graced the reception as chief guest.

More than 900 people from different walks of life including ambassadors of various countries, political leaders and senior civil and military officials attended the reception.

Ambassador Sun Weidong said that during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan earlier this year has given new impetus to the bilateral relations to the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership as the China-Pakistan relations have entered into a new stage of grand and vigorous development.

He said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered into implementation from early planning, adding that the CPEC is a long-term ongoing cooperative process requiring unremitting efforts from both sides, and will bring benefits to the people of our two countries and also help promote the regional development.

“This year is the Year of China-Pakistan Friendly Exchanges,” the ambassador said, adding that Chinese Consulate General in Lahore is to be officially inaugurated while direct flights by Air China between Beijing and Islamabad will soon commence.

He continued that more facilitation will be offered to the visa application of the Pakistanis who participate in the CPEC projects and hoped that these measures will surely promote the interaction between peoples of two countries and further deepen our mutual understanding and friendship.

He emphasized that the two brotherly countries should make joint efforts to further promote the China-Pakistan friendship, realize our common dreams, and achieve the goal of the Community of China-Pakistan Shared Destiny at an early date.

Ambassador Sun Weidong also spoke about the great progress made in the development of China over the past 66 years, stressing that the Chinese economy has entered into the new phase and China continues to deepen reforms and expand opening-up.

He was confident that China is able and confident to maintain steady and relatively rapid development of its economy.

The Chinese Ambassador thanked the President Mamnoon Hussain for attending the reception.

Earlier upon arrival, President Mamnoon Hussain was warmly received by the Chinese ambassador and his wife along with other staff of the Chinese embassy.

A Chinese girl clad in traditional dress presented bouquet to the President.

The ceremony commenced with playing of national anthems of Pakistan and China.

On the occasion, the President cut the cake to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

President Mamnoon Hussain extended his warm felicitations and best wishes to the Government and people of China on their National Day.

Later, the President witnessed an art performance and appreciated the skills of the performing Chinese artists.

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September 30, 2015 Wed All Day

PARC, LZU CHINA SIGN MOU FOR AGRI RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION -- Pakistan Observer

Islamabad—Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr. Nadeem Amjad chaired a high level meeting with Chinese Delegation from Lanzhou University-China and PARC senior scientists at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research and development. On this occasion, Professor Dr. Wang Cheng, President of Lanzhou University (LZU) China said China playing its role in constructing the world economy. He said Pakistan and China are 24 hour friends not only at political level but this friendship is recognized and appreciated among the people of the both countries. Pakistan and China has always been enjoying long history of collaboration that is being strengthened with passage of time that’s why Pakistan is an important pillar of China’s “One Belt-One Road’ initiative. He said PARC and LZU have long history of bilateral collaboration in agricultural research and development.

He said MoU between PARC-LZU and establishment of PARC-LZU Ecological Agriculture Centre at NARC will not only be source to strengthen this collaboration but also help to upscale this ongoing collaboration from organizational level to national and regional level through research and technological development by sharing the knowledge, expertise, scientific material and information. On this occasion Dr. M. Azeem Khan, Director General of NARC briefed about NARC which is the largest agricultural centre in Pakistan. Dr. Abdul Ghafoor gave a overview of on-going Pak-China Projects. Dr. M. Ehsan Akhtar, Senior Registrar, PARC Institute of Advanced Studies in Agriculture (PIASA) gave presentation about PIASA. Prof. Ruijan Long, Director Research of LZU gave a detail overview about Lanzhou University-China. He said the LZU was ranked 74 of best university in Asia and 26 in China and 453 of best global university.

All Day

SCO membership – a potential trump card for Pakistan -- The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The process of granting Pakistan full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) got under way in Ufa during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit in July this year and the country is expected to win the status in January 2016.

This will provide Pakistan an opportunity to play its cards strongly with conventional development partners like the United States and multilateral donors including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank. There is a common perception that the US uses these multilateral forums for political gains globally.

The SCO summit in Ufa, Russia once again outlined its status as an important and effective multilateral forum that discusses actual problems of international policy, economy, regional stability and security. These four elements have been very important in stimulating investment.

Read: Pakistan set to join SCO security bloc The influence of this forum is consistently growing. After Iran enters it and the number of observer countries and dialogue partners increases, the SCO will definitely transform itself from being a regional “hub club” to a powerful cooperation forum that deals with economy and security issues on a wide geographical area from eastern Europe to Southeast Asia.

The permanent SCO membership for Pakistan will ensure greater access to resources and energy import projects within the grouping’s framework. It would not have to wait for long, just the start of the membership process will give Pakistan a trump card in dialogue with traditional donors, particularly the US, who always tries to use its economic support as a pressure tactic.

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September 30, 2015 Continued Wed Look at the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project. In this case, Pakistan has faced mounting pressure to shelve the scheme and move towards liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Qatar. Even the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has engaged a consultant to assist Pakistan in inking a commercial deal for LNG supply with Qatar.

Economic cooperation Pakistan’s membership of the SCO will significantly strengthen the country’s position in the region and the world over and will have a positive impact on several major issues pertaining to military and technical cooperation between Russia and Pakistan and on huge communication projects with China.

With plans under way to connect the Silk Road Economic Belt with the Eurasian Economic Union, the role of Pakistan in regional economy and infrastructure projects will definitely increase because the Kashgar-Gwadar project between Islamabad and Beijing is part of the Silk Road belt.

Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, in a recent meeting of SCO commerce ministers in China, offered them to use Pakistan’s ports once the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor was completed to get access to trade routes through the Arabian Sea. He said Pakistan’s trade strategy focused on developing linkages with neighbours, leveraging the country’s geographical location and capitalising on regional connectivity initiatives. Cross-border land trade is especially important for landlocked countries and Pakistan and SCO members will benefit substantially from greater integration through energy, commerce and transit trade.

Read: Opposition ticks off PM Modi for Ufa rendezvous He added CPEC was a landmark initiative under the umbrella of “One Belt One Road” and it envisaged connectivity and expansion of trade and investment through a network of roads, rail, fibre optic cables and energy pipelines. This was the vision that Pakistan and China were following to enhance trade by connecting the region, he said.

Word of caution However, experts caution that things could get complicated if Pakistan tries to use the SCO forum to resolve its issues without paying attention to the interests of other member states. SCO definitely has the potential of mediating and resolving varying problems, but such attempts could prove counterproductive.

However, western countries, though critical about the SCO, have a growing understanding that the grouping has already consolidated its place as one of the key forums of international cooperation and it is almost impossible to ignore it.

Pakistan could also use it effectively by looking at multiple options in order to deepen economic cooperation because economic development is the best remedy to the threat of terrorism.

The writer is a staff correspondent.

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October 1, 2015 Thu All Day

China to construct $2.5 billion Gwadar -- The News

ISLAMABAD: In a positive bid to cope with the bourgeoning energy crisis, the process to award the contract of $2.5 billion to China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPPB) for erecting LNG terminal at Gwadar and laying down 711 kilometres long and 42 inches diameter pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah will be completed in November this year.

Both the components of the project will come on stream in December 2017. To this effect, the technical bid here on Wednesday opened as per the tender toeing the spirit of PPRA Rules.

“The Chinese state owned company — CPPB — has under the government-togovernment arrangement deposited its technical and commercial bids for the $2.5 billion project, and we have examined and screened all the documents relating to the technical bid. However, the commercial bid will be opened in November once the evaluation of the technical bid gets completed,” Mubeen Saulat, Managing Director of Inter-State Gas System (ISGS), told media persons after the technical bid was opened.

However, the international consultant will also minutely examine the documents of the bids. The said Chinese company will not only construct the LNG terminal with a capacity to handle 500 million cubic feet gas per day with modern floating regasification and storage unit (FRSU), but also lay down 711 kilometres pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah with a capacity to carry 1.5 billion cubic feet gas per day.

“Both the components of the project will cost $2.5 billion,” Saulat said, adding that the said Chinese company will provide 85 percent investment and the government of Pakistan will provide 15 percent. The Chinese company will manage the loan from China Exim Bank and Pakistan will pay off the loan in 20 years’ time from the revenue of the project.

To a question, he said once the international sanctions on Iran are lifted, then this Nawabshah-Gwadar pipeline will be extended backward by 70 kilometres in six to eight months time from Gwadar to MP 250, a point at the Pak-Iran border, for the import of Iranian gas.

And then the whole pipeline of 781 kilometres will be branded as the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline.

From Iran, Pakistan will initially get 750 million cubic feet gas per day which will be increased up to 1 billion cubic feet gas per day. However, through LNG terminal, system will get 500 mmcgd gas per day which means that the gas pipeline will be carrying 1.5 bcfd gas in toto. Saulat claims that the project is a part of ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives and it will be included in the early harvest projects.

According to Saulat, the Chinese company will be bound to get 30 percent component of the total project completed through Pakistani companies which are to be approved by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).

Pakistan’s security agencies will be providing security to both LNG terminal and the pipeline. However, for the inside of Chinese officials and workers camp, Chinese security agencies will be responsible for the security.

All Day

PM lauds China role for promoting peace in region -- APP

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan appreciated China’s “proactive role” for promoting peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region.

Addressing the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister also welcomed China’s vision of ” One Belt, One Road”.

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October 1, 2015 Continued Thu “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, announced during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan earlier this year will spur regional economic integration and bring prosperity to the entire region and beyond,” Nawaz Sharif added.

He termed it an inspiring model of South-South cooperation and said it needed to be emulated.

Pakistan is building an ambitious trade corridor to link China’s Xinjiang province with its Gwadar Port, providing a linkage to China with the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia.

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October 2, 2015 Fri All Day

China to gift 1MW solar power project for Pak parliament -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Acting Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi said that Pakistani and Chinese political leadership are determined to further strengthen the all-weather and time-tested Pak-China friendship and also let it be known to the world.

He said this while chairing a high level meeting with Chinese delegation regarding Green Parliament Project at Parliament House on Thursday.

The Acting Speaker said establishment of 1-MW Solar Power Generation system by the Chinese Government is the first major project under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that reflects the continuation of Chinese resolve in supporting Pakistan in its socio-economic development.

He said that this project would add a new chapter to the existing cordial relations between Pakistan and China. He praised the commitment and untiring efforts of China in this regard and said that Parliament of Pakistan would hold the distinction of being the first Parliament in the world to go green. He stressed the need for replicating the model in other government buildings to address the prevalent energy constraint.

The Acting Speaker felicitated China on its National Day and expressed his wishes of continuous prosperity and development of China.

The Chinese delegates said that China attaches great importance to the maintenance of an extremely close and supportive relationship with Pakistan.

They said that China-Pak Friendship is all weather and the solar power generation system for the Parliament of Pakistan would be a gift from China that will be a stateof-the-art development to be completed within shortest possible period and Chinese Embassy will take every measure to ensure the high quality of this project. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries including First and Second Commercial Secretaries from Chinese Embassy and Additional Secretary Economic Affair Divisions and officers of National Assembly Secretariat from Pakistan.

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October 4, 2015 Sun All Day

Pak-China joint air exercise Shaheen IV Concludes -- The News

ISLAMABAD: A Joint Air exercise Shaheen IV between Pakistan Air force and PLA Air force, concluded on Saturday at Yinchuan Airbase, China. Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Pakistan Air Force and Lt Gen Zheng Qun Liang Deputy Commander PLA Air Force were also present in the closing ceremony of the exercise. According to PAF press release issued here, the exercise was aimed at enhancing bilateral relationship and defence cooperation between both friendly neighbouring countries. It was the fourth exercise of Shaheen series which commenced on 12th September, 2015. It was for the first time that three different types of front line fighter aircraft from various Squadrons of PAF participated in the exercise.

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October 6, 2015 Tue All Day

CPEC will create new job opportunities for youth: President -- Radio Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain says development projects do not belong to any particular party or group but will serve entire country. radio President Mamnoon Hussain has urged all strata of society to reject any obstacle in the way of completion of mega development projects launched by the present government.

He was addressing the members of parliament of Balochistan in Quetta on Tuesday.

He said these projects do not belong to any particular group or party but will serve the entire country.

Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the president said this will generate economic activity in the country and create hundreds of thousands of new job opportunities for the youth.

He said the CPEC project envisages several projects of motorways and energy as well as development of port and international airport at Gwadar.

Referring to Zarb-e-Azb operation, the President said the operation against terrorists is heading towards conclusion while Karachi operation is also showing positive results.

President Mamnoon Hussain also held a meeting with Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai at Governor House in Quetta on Tuesday.

They discussed matters pertaining to development of the province with particular focus on the development of Gwadar port.

Earlier, on his arrival, President on a two day visit to Quetta, the President was received by provincial Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, provincial ministers and other government officials.

During the two day visit, the president will meet various delegations including parliamentarians and journalists in Quetta.

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October 7, 2015 Wed All Day

Linking Pakistan with Central Asia is govt's priority: PM -- The News

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that linking Pakistan with Central Asian Republics (CARs) through a quality road network is the government’s top priority.

“Gwadar is being upgraded as a modern sea port to provide access to the landlocked CARs,” PM Nawaz told Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) president designate Jin Liqun, during a meeting at the PM House in Islamabad.

Read: Winds of change: G-B CM hails prime minister’s speech at UN The prime minister claimed that the government has invested a lot of resources in energy and infrastructure projects with the help of the Chinese government.

Further, PM Nawaz highlighted the government’s economic policies and informed the AIIB president that the country’s economists are committed and focused to providing a conducive economic environment to the private sector. “The economy of Pakistan is turning around and we have good economic growth rate,” he added.

Liqun thanked the prime minister for Pakistan’s support in establishing the AIIB. “The bank is specifically established to assist the Asian countries and they are also among its major shareholders,” the AIIB president designate said.

Read: Workable solution: PM urges India to end proxy war in Pakistan “AIIB will assist Pakistan in infrastructure projects and other economically productive projects in a cost efficient and effective manner,” Liqun added.

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October 9, 2015 Fri All Day

Second phase of FTA with China: MoC urged to cut 'fair' trade deal -Bremen, Germany

Pakistan's industrial stakeholders have reportedly urged the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) to negotiate "Fair Trade Agreement" instead of under-negotiated Free Trade Agreement-II (FTA-II), allowing import of raw materials not finished products, well informed sources told Business Recorder. This was the crux of the recent consultative meetings between the Commerce Ministry's team and industry representatives held in Islamabad. The second phase of China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) will be held on October 14, 2015 in Beijing.

The FTA inked between the two countries on November 24, 2006 is currently undergoing a review to finalise phase-II. In the phase-I Pakistan had offered market access to China namely on machinery, organic and inorganic chemicals, fruits & vegetables, medicines and other raw material for various industries including engineering sector, intermediate goods for engineering etc. In phase-II, both parties are aiming to eliminate tariff on no less than 90% of the products both in terms of tariff lines and trade volumes.

In view of mixed reaction to phase-I of the FTA, Ministry of Commerce is working to address the concerns of Pakistan's industry and trade on this agreement. During the review of phase-I, the discrepancy in reported figures between the two countries has been a major source of concern for the policymakers and the trade and industry representatives. For example, in its report on Pak-China FTA, Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has quoted figures of exports from China to Pakistan at $11.019 billion in 2013. However during the same period, Pakistan recorded imports of only $6.626 billion. This has created an 'unaccounted for' gap of $4.393 billion. Similarly, recorded exports of Pakistan to China are $2.652 billion while during the same period i.e. 2013, China recorded imports of $3.196 billion giving a gap of $544 million. One of the reasons for such discrepancies in trade figures is massive under invoicing and smuggling of goods from China.

Commerce Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir, who is searching for "bright" officials for the Ministry, is seriously concerned about unaccounted for gap of about $5 billion. He recently met with his Chinese counterpart and urged him to resolve this issue. During the 4thmeeting of negotiation of 2nd phase of CPFTA held in Beijing from 31st Mach to 1st April, 2015 Pakistan shared its concerns regarding insufficient utilisation of concessions given by China to Pakistan and competition faced by the local industries due to cheap imports from China. It was agreed that the tariff reduction modalities of 2nd phase would be designed in a way that all the genuine concerns of the two countries are adequately accommodated.

During the review sessions, which the MoC has conducted, common concern shared by the domestic industry has been massive hemorrhage because of unfair advantage that Chinese goods have in Pakistan against the local industry. Support of Chinese government for its own industry through financial and non-financial measures, huge economies of scale that Chinese industry enjoys and lack of implementation of tariffs and import procedures at Pakistani borders are some of the major contributing factors that are disadvantaging Pakistani industry. Pakistan's economy is uncompetitive vis-Ă -vis China due to lack of essential infrastructure, such as gas, electricity and exorbitant cost of other services.

The industry representatives raised serious concerns over allowing further reduction in tariff at a time when Pakistan has been unable to enjoy any increase in exports that can specifically be linked to FTA with China. On the other hand, many industries in Pakistan such as steel, ceramics, paper and paperboard, footwear, electric and electronic goods suffered badly into face of cheap Chinese imports.

Footwear, tiles and ceramics, electric and electronics goods have virtually perished.

Analysts argue that Pakistan steel industry is strong enough to meet the local market demand but due to low cost of value added steel from China along with an increase in tariff of raw-materials used by our local manufacturers has placed them at a disadvantageous position. Similarly, tile industry in Pakistan is meeting the demand of local market but lower declared values of imports along with lower import tariff and under-invoicing is causing massive hemorrhage to the local 1655

October 9, 2015 Continued Fri industry. In case of paper and paperboard industry, imports from China have increased by 563% in last five years (2010-14). This has virtually crippled the local industry. Due to a huge surge in imports, many units in this industry have closed down while those still operational are struggling for survival.

The minister has been giving a patient hearing to all sectors and the negotiations are planned to continue through next week, giving the Pakistani side insight and material to negotiate a better deal this time.

Emerging theme behind reducing sensitive list during discussion on second phase of Pak-China FTA is to allow import of those products of different sectors that are not being manufactured locally. However, potential of such products to be produced locally in future is also being discussed. It has been realised that by allowing these products to be imported at a lower or no tariff, the future opportunity for producing locally will be lost. Emerging theme seems to be to allow import of raw-materials in FTA while placing finished/ semi finished product in 'no concession list'.

Industry is eagerly looking forward to a favourable outcome of these negotiations, as the future of manufacturing in Pakistan will depend on the success of Pakistan's negotiating team. In essence, the negotiating team from Pakistan and the industry are looking for "Fair Trade Agreement" instead of 'Free Trade Agreement' so that county's interest may be protected in term of gains of trade.

Pakistan's major exports to China are cotton yarn/fabric, rice, raw hides & skins, crude vegetable material, chemical material, fish and fish preparations and crude mineral etc. While major imports from China are machinery (all sorts) and parts, fertiliser manufactured, chemical element, yarn and thread of synthetic fiber, iron and steels, chemical material and product, vegetable and synthetic textile fiber, road vehicles and their parts, non-ferrous metals, tyres and tubes of rubber etc.

Pakistan secured market access on products of immediate export interest like cotton fabrics, blended fabrics, synthetic yarn and fabrics, knit fabrics, home textiles, minerals, sports goods, cutlery, surgical goods, kinnow, mangoes, industrial alcohol, etc.

During the first three years of implementation of phase-I, both sides reduced tariffs on almost 36% tariff lines to zero duty. The phase II was supposed to start from the sixth year of the entry into force of the agreement and by the end of 2nd phase both sides would have to reduce tariffs on 90% tariff lines to zero percent duty. The FTA covers more than 7000 tariff lines at HS Code 8 digit level.

According to sources, review of the first Phase of CPFTA has revealed that Pakistan could not utilise the concessions granted by China. Pakistan could only export in 253 tariff lines, where avg. export value was $500 or more, which is around 3.3% of the total tariff lines (7550) on which China granted concessions to Pakistan. Pakistan mainly exported raw materials and Intermediate products such as cotton yarn, woven fabric, Grey fabric etc. Value-added products were missing.

Some of the value-added products like garments are included in the concessionary regime.

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October 11, 2015 Sun All Day

Pakistan, China Finalize 8-Sub Construction Plan -- Defense News

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has finalized its long-negotiated submarine deal with China, with four to be built in China and four in Pakistan. Analysts believe the submarines will go a long way toward maintaining a credible conventional deterrent against India, and also largely secure the sea-based arm of Pakistan's nuclear triad.

Minister for Defence Production Tanveer Hussain announced the news last week while opening a new exhibition center at the Defence Export Promotion Organization.

Construction is to be undertaken simultaneously in both countries, but Hussain did not say when construction would commence or what type had been selected.

Most analysts believe the subs will be the air independent propulsion (AIP) equipped variant of the S-20, which is an export development of China's Type-039A/Type-041 class diesel-electric submarines.

Though Chinese submarine technology is reported to have improved considerably, Tom Waldwyn, research analyst in the Defence and Military Analysis Programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said, "the capabilities of Chinese submarines are not something which can be easily determined as it benefits countries on both sides to keep this a secret.

"The export version of the Type 039A, the S20, is believed to be AIP optional and should the Pakistanis opt for this capability it would give them greater operational flexibility through increased endurance. Other than being AIP optional, it is currently unclear what other differences there would be between a Chinese Navy Type 039A and an export version," he said.

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October 12, 2015 Mon All Day

Pak embassy stalls in China pull big crowd -- BR

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan embassy in Beijing set up stands at the seventh international charity sale held in the city’s National Stadium yesterday to support and pay tributes to teachers in rural areas of Yunnan province of China.

The charity sales attracted 97 embassies and representative offices of international organizations, as well as domestic and foreign enterprises, and individuals to participate, said a statement issued here.

The fair was hosted by Qian Wei, wife of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This year’s theme was to pay a “Tribute to Rural Teachers in Yunnan Province” of China.

Qian Wei in her inaugural speech said that the funds raised this year would go to school teachers in Jinping and Malipo counties of Yunnan province, “so as to encourage the teachers to make more contribution to the cause of education.”

She also hoped that the funds raised would also brighten the future of the children of these counties.

At the Pakistani stands, handicrafts, jewellery, ornaments, home decoration, clothes, as well as, on-the-spot henna hand printing and traditional Pakistani cuisine was available to the delight of visitors.

The shoppers visited stalls to purchase from the variety of displayed items—crafts and food. The Pakistan stalls also attracted the crowd at the fair. The booths were artistically decorated and depicted traditional Pakistani culture.

These were also visited by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his wife Qian Wei, Ambassador Masood Khalid and his wife Sonia Masood Khalid. Ambassador Khalid also showed the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi the Pakistani booths.

Sharing his views on the day, Ambassador Khalid commended the idea saying that the charity over the years had rendered public welfare in poverty stricken areas and was indeed a noble cause to support teachers in far flung rural areas and thereby help improve the provision of education.

Launched by Le Aimei, Chinese honorary ambassador for poverty alleviation and wife of State Councilor Yang Jiechi, it was first held in 2009 to raise funds for needy people through charity sales.

PAK DELEGATION TO CHINA GETS BRIEFING An eight-member women delegation led by eminent PML-N leader Fouzia Memon visited the Sichuan Provincial Federation of Trade Union. The delegation, which is visiting various parts of China as part of the Pak-China people-to-people exchange programme, was in Chengdu on special invitation from the Chinese government.

The delegation was also feted by Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SIFA). Women from all walks of life are part of the delegation including politicians, entrepreneurs, working women.

On the occasion, Fozia Memon addressed the audience. Ji Xiaoling from Sichuan Provincial Federation of Trade Union introduced the work of Sichuan, saying that the trade union has done a lot to improve women and children’s status. She said that Sichuan is building an all-round system to guarantee the gender equality. In terms of legislative means, the government carries out laws regulating women’s welfare and provides legal aid from grass-root villages to the provincial level.

In terms of public facilities, she requested for all public places to be equipped with separate room for breast-feed and encourage the whole society to help the pregnant women. In terms of aids, they provide the women with free re-education, financial aid as well as psychological help.

In the party, Luo Yubin, President of SIFA, said that China and Pakistan are time-on partners. They sincerely welcomed the delegation and hopes our communication and cooperation will flourish in the future.

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October 14, 2015 Wed All Day

PAK-CHINA STRATEGIC PARTNER TO BENEFIT PEOPLE Salim Ahmed Wednesday, October 14, 2015 - Lahore—The University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid met with the Chinese Consulate General at Embassy of the Peop -- Pak Observer

The University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid met with the Chinese Consulate General at Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Lahore. He said, China would strengthen goodneighborly friendship with neighboring countries, and would strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation so that China’s development could benefit more neighboring countries.

Pakistan as China’s strategic partner, would benefit most from China’s development. Language was an important bridge to promote friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between China and Pakistan. The establishment of Chinese Education Association would help mobilize Chinese language teaching resources. He said that we would establish Chinese Language Centre and provide teaching staff at UET, Lahore.

Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid said that establishment of Chinese Education Association was one of remarkable achievements over the past year in cultural exchanges, and he expected it would help promote bilateral relations to higher levels in the New Year.

Thermal Power Project China and Pakistan enjoy an all-weather friendship and all round cooperation. The growth momentum of the China-Pakistan Strategic Cooperative Partnership has become more and more powerful.

Our two Governments have reached important consensus on planning and development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Chinese government encourages credible and competent companies to invest in Pakistan, and requests them to complete their projects on schedule, with high quality, quantity and safety.

China is introducing advanced technique and management experience to Pakistan.

Thermal Power Project is based on a world leading technology called supercritical coal-fired power generation technology. The Chinese equipment has advantages of high efficiency, high quality and low power heat consumption.

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October 16, 2015 Fri All Day

‘Pakistan connected China to the rest of the world’ -- Express Tribune

KARACHI: Pakistan helped connect China to the rest of the world by operating the first international flight from Karachi to Beijing, said former federal minister Dr Javed Jabbar.

Before that, China did not have international flights, said Jabbar during a lecture on ‘Pak-India Relation: Issues and Prospects’ on Thursday at Karachi University. In the year 1971, Pakistan facilitated America’s secret link to China, claimed Jabbar. This allowed the then communist state to get United Nations’(UN) membership, he said.

Hostile relations

Pakistan is termed as a security state, but in Jabbar’s opinion, it is the most insecure state. “At the time of its creation, Pakistan was the most insecure state of the region,” said Jabbar. Its two neighbouring countries, India and Afghanistan, were not willing to accept its existence, he said.

“The Indian leadership in 1947 claimed that Pakistan will not survive more than six months,” he recalled. On the other hand, Afghanistan opposed the membership of Pakistan in UN, he said. “When one of your neighbours is making statements against your survival and the other is not ready to accept your existence, naturally you will seek some form of security.” This is why Pakistan felt the need to seek military aid from United States of America, he added.

Understanding 1971 “People use the example of 1971 to point out that it signifies the failure of the TwoNation Theory,” said Jabbar. However, they need to realise that Bangladesh did not join India, he claimed. “Now it’s two nations and three states.”

When asked who should be held responsible for the 1971 events leading to the break-up of the country, Jabbar said that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was adamant to rule and his ‘aggressive’ behaviour escalated the violence. But his stance was legitimate, he claimed.

Soviet invasion Speaking on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Jabbar said that till today, Pakistan continues to suffer from its effects. Due to the invasion, 15 million refugees came to Pakistan, claimed Jabbar. “More than two million continue to reside here.”

He said that no such example could be seen in rest of the world.

“Afghans have complete freedom to buy land, use transport, health and education facilities in Pakistan,” he said. A few years later Afghans will become our brothers in blood, he said.

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October 19, 2015 Mon All Day

Pakistan leveraging US and China’s interest in the region -- The Express Tribune Another important strategic objective was to support the landlocked Central-Asian republics and Afghanistan connect with the sea ports of South Asia. PHOTO: FILE Another important strategic objective was to support the landlocked Central-Asian republics and Afghanistan connect with the sea ports of South Asia. PHOTO: FILE ISLAMABAD: The consensus of the US and China on the economic and trade integration in this region has created optimism among policy circles in Pakistan to upgrade its dwindling infrastructure in order to leverage the strategic location for trade and transit.

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would bring much-needed investment and would connect mainland China with the Gwadar port via a 3,000-km road and railway link in Pakistan. China has two important strategic reasons to commit to this initiative.

China’s interest China is looking to develop an alternative maritime link with Asia and Europe to reduce its reliance on its present maritime link through straits of Malacca in the South-China Sea. ‘Pak-China have survived the test of time’ This route would also considerably reduce time for goods to reach the European markets and the east coast of the US. China is also looking to develop its western region which is economically less developed. The connectivity through Pakistan would make export-related manufacturing goods, which is the mainstay of the Chinese economy, financially viable for the Chinese industry.

US working on similar lines The US is also embarking on an ambitious initiative through multilateral donor agencies for funding infrastructure projects and facilitating the creation of regional trade blocs with the policy objectives of creating economic opportunities to bring stability in the region.

An uncertain future The US policy surfaced in 2011 through the policy vision called the ‘New Silk Road’ where US was envisaging political and economic stability in Afghanistan, after its troops withdraw from the region.

Another important strategic objective was to support the landlocked Central-Asian republics and Afghanistan connect with the sea ports of South Asia so as to provide them options other than relying on Russia for trade.

US companies show interest in Pakistan The Chinese policy is advocated through the policy vision of ‘One Belt One Road’ where connectivity to Gwadar port is an important component. The vision envisages China’s road connectivity through Central Asia, West Asia, Middle East and Europe.

China will also develop maritime linkages of Chinese sea ports with Africa through Suez Canal.

Competing for influence The analysts believe that other than trade and energy security needs, an important motivating factor for China has been its exclusion from the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement (TPP) which is seen as a US-led initiative to deepen its economic integration in the Asia Pacific region. According to recent media reports, the TPP 1661

October 19, 2015 Continued Mon negotiators have reached a consensus in implement the free trade agreement which would create one of the biggest free trade areas in the world and would constitute 40% of the world’s GDP and one third of global trade.

Progress: CPEC hailed as key to the future Whether ‘One Belt One Road’ was in response to America’s push for TPP or vice versa, some experts see it as a new great game.

However, the recent public statement made by US policymakers saying that the New Silk Road should not be seen as a competition to China’s ‘One Belt One Road’, but rather as a partnership initiative, should comfort policymakers in Pakistan, since the country enjoys close relationships with US and China.

It is important for Pakistan to facilitate these upcoming initiatives and for which the most important factor is ensuring security.

US keen to invest in economic corridor projects Pakistan government’s commitment to ensure security for the development of CPEC clearly reflects the clarity of vision to leverage these opportunities.

On the regulatory framework, it is important for Pakistan to improve its trade facilitation measures in order to compete with regional ports.

Recently, the transit business from Pakistan has shifted to the ports of Iran due to increase in transit costs for Afghan traders. The Chabahar port in Iran, located 70km north of Gwadar, is the main competitor.

CPEC- a window of opportunity for Pakistan Iran and China have also contributed to the development of Chabahar port that now caters to substantial volumes of Afghan transit trade that were previously coming from Pakistan. A recent study by the Asian Development Bank on trade facilitation on Border Customs Posts (BCPs) at Chaman and Torkham which are included in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) trade corridors does not portray an encouraging picture as Chaman and Torkham land border stations were below the regional border stations on goods clearance time. Pakistan has recently acceded to the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Pakistan has also acceded to the United Nations transit convention (TIR convention). These two international instruments provide benchmarks for trade and transit facilitation.

The timely implementation of these conventions would improve Pakistan’s trade and transit facilitation and improve its competitiveness, which would help realise the policy vision of Pakistan as ‘hub for trade and transit in the region.’

The writer is a development professional with over 20 years of experience with public and development sector

All Day

'Pakistan, China committed to safeguarding common regional interests' -- BR Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong has said that China and Pakistan were committed to safeguard their common interest in the region.

Talking to APP after a seminar titled "Strategic Stability in South Asia and East Asia: constructive role played by China", the Chinese Ambassador said that regional peace was key to economic and social development on the South Asia.

"We have decided to uplift our strategic and economic co-operation and our bilateral relations will reach new heights".

"This year is Pak-China friendship year and mutual exchange of delegations of students, think-tanks, cultural troupe will further strengthen between the two countries," he added.

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October 19, 2015 Continued Mon He said that China was ready to cooperate with SAARC to safeguard common interests. He said that China and Pakistan were committed to bring peace process back to Afghanistan.

He said promoting peace and stability in neighbouring countries including South Asia was core of China's foreign policy, adding peaceful South Asia was in the interest of China".

He said that China treated every country equally on basis of mutual trust and confidence irrespective of its size. He said that co-operation between China and South Asia was also important to cope with various challenges and alleviating poverty from the region having 3 billion populations.

Ambassador Sun Weidong said that China was the biggest investor in Pakistan and it wanted to further deepen its relations with South Asian countries.

For financial assistance and local development in the regional countries, he said China had set up Asian Investment Bank. "We have to work together for common security challenges and disputes should be resolved through dialogue to overcome wider challenges", he added.

He said China advocated joint efforts to help promote regional development goals.

Ambassador Sha Zukang, President, China Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA) in his address said that China was a main force and pillar for peace and stability in South Asia. He said that China was working for peace and stability of the world.

In his address, he gave historical background of China relations with neighbouring countries like Russia, North and South Korea and Japan. He said that Pakistan was all weather friend of China not an ally.

Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) Masood Khan said China was a great and steadfast friend of Pakistan. Both the countries had passed through difficult times and seen many transitions, but our friendship remained constant, he added. "Strong ties with China are the keystone of Pakistan's foreign policy", he said. He said China was working with its neighbours to promote peaceful development by investing in infrastructure, energy and industrial development. Its momentous decisions were shaping the strategic and economic landscape of the Asia Pacific region, he added. "Its overriding doctrine is peace, not war; defence not offence; co-operation not confrontation. China upholds the principle of security for all".

He said Pakistan had propounded a Strategic Restraint Regime in South Asia comprising nuclear restraint, conventional balance, and conflict resolution. As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan supports the objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, he said.

Masood Khan said China had always played a constructive role in South Asia.

Pakistan and China had a great partnership in the United Nations and other multilateral forums. Pakistan and China also work together to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention regimes, he added.

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October 20, 2015 Tue All Day

AIR CHINA TO LAUNCH FLIGHT OPERATION IN ISLAMABAD FROM OCT 26 -- Pak Observer Luxury planes with luxurious services

National flag carrier of China, Air China which has been operating in Karachi (from Karachi to Beijing) for last 22 years is now all set to stop over in Islamabad and take passengers from here too. On October 26, the Air China’s new “Air Bus” will be arriving in the airs of Islamabad to take passengers on way to Karachi and then Beijing. This will be the second time the Air China plane will be landing in Islamabad this year as earlier in April, China’s President Mr Xi Jinping also visited Pakistan by Air China flight.

For Islamabad, initially, three flights are schedules: Monday, Wednesday and Friday and later with the growth of business activities and exchange of workers contractors and businessmen owing to momentum of work on the China Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) more flights may be scheduled. This was announced by the General Manager of Air Chin Islamabad station, Mr Hu Hi Tao at the formal launch of the Air China operations from Islamabad. General Manger Air China Karachi Station Hao Yu Dong was also there to extend full moral support to his Islamabad’s counterpart.

Defence Minister Khawaja M Asif, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Marvi Memon and a friend of Pakistan Ambassador of China Sun Weidong were also there to witness a new chapter of enhanced business activities between the two countries. Khawaja Asif referring to the CPEC termed the Air China’s decision to start flights from Islamabad a good pragmatic step. I can foresee a large number of passengers travelling between the two countries in the days to come as the work on economic corridor picks up momentum, he said.

China is Pakistan’s trusted friend and both the countries have stood the test of time in all odds and unpredictable conditions.

Air China, the national flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China keeping the strong friendly ties between the two countries in mind has initiated the major step and I on behalf of the government assured the company full support. We shall facilitate you in all possible ways in making your endeavours successful, said Defence Minister. “We are embarking on a journey of economic development with the start of Pakistan China corridor, he concluded. Ambassador Weidong also appreciated Air China for including Islamabad in its flight route. Air China is a worldclass service and meets all the standards of top international flights. I sincerely wish them best of luck and hope Air China’s operations will result in increased bilateral investment and enhance trade and travel, said Chinese envoy.

Speaking on the occasion, Air China, GM Islamabad Hu Hi Tao said new airplanes Air Bus 330-200 is being introduced instead of old narrow Air Bus 320. The new airplanes have 30 business seats and 207 Economy with total 360 seats. About Air China, he told it operates all over the world and is a competitor among the topranking airlines of the world. Later talking to Pakistan Observer, a representative of the Air China said in the past we had agreement with PIA to take our passengers from Islamabad to Karachi but now we shall cater to them ourselves. He however did not rule out any future agreement with the Pakistan’s national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines.

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October 21, 2015 Wed All Day

Ground-breaking of LNG pipeline project: Putin likely to visit in February -- BR

Pakistan and Russia have not yet decided many important financial components of the $2 billion government-to-government deal signed on 16 October to lay an LNG pipeline from Karachi to Lahore including tolling fee and capacity charge, informed sources told Business Recorder. According to a senior official of the Petroleum Ministry associated with handling of the project, the two countries will finalise all the remaining issues within the next few months.

He added the pipeline would be laid on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.

The Russian company would transfer it to Pakistan after 25 years. As per agreement, Pakistan will provide 15 percent equity, whereas 85 percent funding will be provided by the Russian firm.

The official said that Pakistan has formally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Pakistan for the groundbreaking ceremony and the Russian energy minister has confirmed Putin's visit. "Putin is likely to visit Pakistan in February 2016 to perform the groundbreaking of the pipeline project, for which Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had handed over the framework to the Russian President in Ufa earlier this year," the official added.

The financing for the LNG pipeline comes as a prelude to Russia's offer to sell LNG to Pakistan. Russia is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the world, and is seeking to diversify its export markets after its "annexation" of Crimea last year and the ongoing insurgency in Ukraine.

According to a senior official of the Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS), the government is seeking to sign the commercial agreement in the next three to four months, adding that a bid document was being prepared by ISGS which would be handed over to the Russian firm. Russian firm RT Global Resources will lay the 1,100-km-long pipeline with a capacity of 12.4 Billion Cubic Metres (bcm) per annum to supply the commodity from LNG termini in Karachi to Sui-Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's (SNGPL) network in Lahore.

Pakistan is also working on a similar model with China, under which a Chinese firm would lay Gwadar to Nawabshah 700kilometers long LNG pipeline and build LNG termini with a capacity to handle 12.4 Bcm of imported gas at a cost of $2.5 billion.

The Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline would also be utilised to transport gas under the Iran-Pakistan Pipeline project, after adding 70km pipeline to connect it with the Iranian side of already laid pipeline.

The pipeline will be built in two phases; the first phase of the project will be completed by December 2017 and the second phase in 2018, with a total investment of $2 billion. The North-South gas pipeline project would be built by Russian company RT Global Resources - a part of Russian state corporation Rostec.

The government of Pakistan constructed the first LNG terminal at Port Qasim Karachi with a capacity to handle up to 600 Million Cubic Feet per Day (MMCFD) of LNG, while another terminal will be completed by 2017 with a capacity to handle 500 MMCFD of LNG. The objective of these termini is to deal with the severe gas shortage in the country. Total gas demand in Pakistan stands at 8 BCFD against total demand of 4 BCFD. The government is managing the gas supply to different sectors through a gas load-management plan, according to which in winter gas supply to industrial, fertiliser and CNG outlets remains suspended in Punjab, while in Sindh 3 days-a-week gas is being supplied to industrial and CNG outlets.

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October 22, 2015 Thu All Day

Pakistan To Get $178 Mn ADB Assistance On Easy Installments - See more at: http://www.geo.tv/latest/99872-pakistan-to-get-178-mn-adb-assistance-on-easy -- Geo Tv ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will extend financial assistance of 178 million dollars to Pakistan on easy installments for 20 years.

The agreement in this regard was signed between Secretary Finance and Country Director ADB here on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Secretary Salim Sethi said the amount will be spent on the construction of Gojra-Shorkot motorway.

He said the motorway’s 62 kilometer section is part of the Pak-China Economic Corridor.

Salim Sethi said the construction of Gojra-Shorkot motorway will cut by half the travel duration of Islamabad-Toba Tek Singh and Lahore-Toba Tek Singh. - See more at: http://www.geo.tv/latest/99872-pakistan-to-get-178-mn-adb-assistance-oneasy-installments#sthash.autFaVJr.dpuf

All Day

Pakistan, Russia sign Karachi-Lahore pipeline deal -- Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has awarded Russia with a $2 billion contract to build a 1,100-kilometer pipeline from Lahore to Karachi, aptly named the North-South pipeline.

The contract with Russia is another step forward for Pakistan's energy needs, economy and real estate.

Earlier in the year, the nation hosted the Chinese president and signed more than a dozen agreements securing an additional $1.6 billion for the $46 billion, 3,000km China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Such deals have already benefited the local real estate immensely. Properties in the port city of Gwadar, one of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor terminal cities, have doubled since the project's inception in 2013.

Lamudi.pk Country Director Saad Arshed said, "Property prices in certain areas of Gwadar such as Singhar, Ganz and Mouza Shabi have already gone up. In addition, the searches for Gwadar, ever since the launch of this project, have increased massively by around 200 times on Lamudi's portal, pointing the rising interest of Pakistanis in this future investment goldmine."

While it is not clear through which cities the Russian pipeline would extend, experts at Lamudi Pakistan predict that the project would have similar positive effects on the cities between Lahore and Karachi as the Chinese pipeline has had on Gwadar.

All Day

Rs 228.93 billion budgeted: only Rs 22.14 billion released for 90 energy projects so far -- BR

The federal government has so far released only Rs 22.14 billion for 90 energy projects against a budgeted allocation of Rs 228.93 billion for financial year 2015-16. According to latest data released by the ministry of planning, development and reforms, the government has so far released only Rs 20 billion for two projects out of 63 projects of power sector.

As many as Rs 10 billion for each 1,200 MW LNG-based power plant Balloki and 1,200 MW LNG-based power plant Haveli Bahadurshah, has been released out of the budgeted allocation of Rs 22.5 for each project. The government has so far not released funds for mega projects including Neelum Jhelum hydro power project (969 MW) (China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, IDB and Opec), for construction of DiamerBhasha Dam project (4,500 MW), Dasu hydro power project stage-I (2,160 MW) (District Kohistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa), Tarbela fourth extension hydro power project (1,410 MW), refurbishment and upgradation of generation units of Mangla 1666

October 22, 2015 Continued Thu power station (310 MW), pre-feasibility - installation of 300 MW coal-fired power plant at Gwadar and for many other projects of power distribution enhancement.

The government has released Rs 2.14 billion for nine energy projects out of total 30 projects relating to water sector out of budgeted allocation of Rs 16.64 billion for financial year 2015-16. According to data, a total of Rs 260 million has been released for construction of small storage dams in different districts of KP, Rs 200 million for Darwat dam, Jamshoro Sindh, Rs 40 million for Gomal Zam dam (17 MW) (South Waziristan), Rs 400 million for Nai Gaj Dam, Dadu Sindh, Rs 200 for raising of Mangla dam project and Rs 10 million for Chiniot Dam project, etc.

The government has not yet released funds for construction of 100 delay action dams in Balochistan (Package-II, 26 small dams) (multiple districts), construction of Mujahid Dam Rawalpindi, construction of Mangi Dam, Quetta, Ghabir Dam, Chakwal Punjab, Kurram Tangi Dam, North Waziristan, Mohmand Dam project Charsadda, construction of Basool Dam, Tehsil Ormara, district Gwadar, construction of a small dam in district Mansehra, Papin Dam, Rawalpindi and for construction of small dams in Tehsil Khaliqabad, etc.

All Day

WB report : CPEC helps increase investment in Pakistan -- Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The investment in Pakistan is expected to increase to 15.4% of GDP by 2017 as a result of operationalisation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects related to energy and infrastructure development, says a World Bank (WB) report.

While the government, under the leadership the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has doubled its efforts to attract maximum foreign direct investment (FDI) following the signing of CPEC projects, the reports says that many countries, including European Union, Canada, the United States and Australia, have shown interest in investing in Pakistan’s economy.

CPEC is a landmark project, which would connect Pakistan’s deep sea Gwadar port with China’s Xinjiang region, emerging as new business and trade hub following the launch Silk Road by China.

The economic corridor, with a total investment of $46 billion, is a glaring example of the close friendship between the Pakistan and China. The 2,100-kilometre corridor would include special economic zones, a railways system and a model city, airport as well as a free port at Gwadar.

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October 23, 2015 Fri All Day

AIOU establishes Chinese Language Center -- Pakistan Today

The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will soon set up a Chinese Language and Culture Centre with the academic support of Open University of Beijing.

A three-member Beijing University’s delegation will visit Islamabad within next few weeks to undertake feasibility study for formally launching the Chinese language classes at the University’s main campus, said Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Siddiqui while addressing a lecture-series seminar on rising China.

Project Director AIOU Eng. Dr. Attaullah Shah was the key-speaker at the seminar who briefed the participants about his recent visit to China’s Fujian province. During his 20-day stay there he had the opportunity to represent Pakistan at international conference on Planning and Development of Cities and Towns in China. Engr. Hafiz Ehsan, newly elected Chairman Institution of Engineers of Pakistan (IEP) Rawalpindi-Islamabad Center was the chief guest on the occasion.

Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said the AIOU being the Mega University in public sector wished to positively respond to China Economic Corridor project (CPEC) by further bringing the people of two countries closer each other through language and culture support. “We need to take benefit of towering Sino-Pak ties through maximum academic exchange programs.”

The CEPC, he said has provided them an opportunity to further consolidate their people-to-people contacts. The Educational Institutions, he said need to play their role in this connection and to create awareness about its fate-changing impact on country’s socio-economic development.

Currently, the AIOU has bilateral cooperation with three major Chinese Universities.

The two sides have identified many areas of bilateral interest for promoting educational pursuits in academic, technical and scientific fields.

Dr. Shahid Sididqui further said Pakistani people and the intelligentsia are proud of their friendship with China that is now emerging as Number one economic power.

“We can learn a lot from Chinese development model to realize the dream of prosperous Pakistan.

Dr. Attaullah Shah gave detailed presentation on China’s fast and impressive development in various sectors.

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October 27, 2015 Tue All Day

MPs body recommends CPEC western route as dual carriage way -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD - The Parliamentary Committee on CPEC Monday unanimously recommended to the government that the western route should be built as a dual carriage way at the outset and, eventually, there should be a motor way linking Gwadar with the rest of the country along the western route.

The decision came in a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which met here under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.

Members of the committee were given a comprehensive briefing by the Chairman NHA Shahid Tarar and DG FWO, Major General Mohammad Afzal.

The focus of the briefing was on infrastructure projects under the CPEC with particular priority to the western route as already decided by the All Parties Conference held in Islamabad on May 28, 2015.

The Chairman NHA and DG FWO told the committee that the western route which starts from Gwadar and goes to Kashgar in China via Balochistan, KPK and Punjab was being built on priority basis and most of its sectors would be completed by December 2016.

After detailed discussion, the committee unanimously recommended to the federal government that the western route should be built as a dual carriage way at the outset and, eventually, there should be a motor way linking Gwadar with the rest of the country along the western route as after operationalisation of Gwadar Port, traffic on the western route will increase substantially.

It may be added here that the CPEC is a 15-year project between Pakistan and China spanning 2015-2030, while the western route is among the Early Harvest Projects which have to be completed by 2018. Senator Mushahid Hussain said that the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC would preserve, promote and protect the rights and interests of the smaller provinces, particularly less-developed and remote areas of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Senator Mushahid said that CPEC is a long-term national project, which is above politics, province, party or any government, as it has a 15-year life span from 2015-2030.

The Parliamentary Committee was also briefed by the Secretary, Ministry of Water & Power, Younas Dhaga, on the Suki Kinari power project as well as coal deposits in the provinces of Balochistan and KPK, while the Additional Secretary, Planning & Development briefed the committee on the development of agricultural sector under the CPEC. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC informed the Committee that in November, the Committee would be given a briefing by the Minister for Water & Power on the energy projects under the CPEC and the Committee would pay a site visit to Gwadar as well as the western route to monitor progress of the construction and related development there.

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October 30, 2015 Fri All Day

Govt-to-introduce-ferry-service-to-iran -- The News

KARACHI: The Federal Minister for Ports & Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael, while chairing a meeting here on Thursday, said that two passenger ferries have been shortlisted for operations between Karachi and Chahbahar (Iran) and Karachi and Ormara/Gwadar.

He further said that the ferry service will reduce the cost of journey for the Zaireen and would be a safe and secure alternative to travel by road.

The minister said that the ferry, with a capacity for around 250 to 400 passengers and with a speed of 28-30 knots per hour, would reach Chahbahar (Iran) in 14 hours. The minister announced that this ferry service will operate under the name of Makran Ferry Service Company Limited.

The meeting, which was held at the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation head office in Karachi, was attended by government stakeholders, including the Secretary of Ports & Shipping, the Commander Karachi (Pak Navy), the DG of Ports & Shipping, the Chairman of PNSC, the Chairman of KPT, the Chairman of PQA as well as officials from Immigration, FIA, Customs, Anti-Narcotics and entrepreneurs from the private sector.

The minister stated that this subject ferry service additionally will provide cargo service between Karachi and Gwadar. This will improve the overall shipping industry of Pakistan. Suggestions and recommendations were put across and the meeting concluded with an announcement of formation of the Makran Ferry Service Company Limited subject to policy approval.

- See more at: http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/70466-govt-to-introduce-ferryservice-to-iran#sthash.px0DoZ4G.dpuf

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October 31, 2015 Sat All Day

Gwadar, Chabahar seaports to operate as ’sister ports’: PM -HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said the Chabahar and Gwadar seaports would work as ‘sister ports’ and their operational activity would complement each other. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary Supreme National Security Council of Iran here at the PM House.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Iran are brotherly countries and share deep historic and cultural ties. He mentioned that Pakistan had rendered invaluable sacrifices in war against terrorism and Operation Zarb-e-Azb was yielding very positive and fruitful results.

Iranian National Security Secretary Ali said terrorism has no boundaries and it is a common enemy of both the countries. He said a stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of both Iran and Pakistan. The two sides expressed grief and sorrow with each other over the tragic incidence of Mina, Saudi Arabia where the citizens of both countries lost their lives.

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

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November 1, 2015 Sun All Day

Gwadar to be made weapon-free city -- Pak News Service

Gwadar will be made a weapon-free city and special measures will be taken for the security of CQUETTA / GWADAR: Gwadar will be made a weapon-free city and special measures will be taken for the security of Chinese investors, engineers and experts working on different projects in the port city.

This was decided at a meeting attended by security officials from both Pakistan and China in Gwadar on Friday.

The meeting was attended by Major General Azhar Naveed, provincial Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani, Brigadier Shahzad Iftikhar Bhatti, Brigadier Saqib, Director General of the Gwadar Development Authority Dr Sajjad Hussain, Deputy Director General of China’s Ministry of Public Security Q.U. Jainging and senior officials of China’s foreign ministry Ms Lili and Zhang Maoming.

Security of Gwadar and its surrounding areas has already been handed over to the Pakistan Army. Army troops have established checkposts at all entry points of Gwadar town.

Senior officials briefed Chinese officials about measures taken for ensuring security of the port city and its surrounding areas. They said that under the plan Gwadar would be made a weapon-free city where special arrangements would be made for the maintenance of peace.

The meeting was informed that special measures were being taken for the protection of Chinese nationals working on different projects in the city.

Development of the social sectors also came under discussion during the meeting and the participants gave various suggestions in this regard. It was decided that maximum facilities would be provided to local people and measures would be taken for improving their standard of living.

The meeting was informed that residence cards would be issued to local people of Gwadar and people coming to the city from other areas would have to register at entry points. Record of outsiders would be maintained.

Commissioner of Makran Division Bashir Ahmed Bangulzai, Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar Abdul Hameed Abro, Gwadar SSP Tariq Khilji and officials of the Gwadar Port Overseas Holding Company also attended the meeting. hinese investors, engineers and experts working on different projects in the port city.

This was decided at a meeting attended by security officials from both Pakistan and China in Gwadar on Friday.

The meeting was attended by Major General Azhar Naveed, provincial Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani, Brigadier Shahzad Iftikhar Bhatti, Brigadier Saqib, Director General of the Gwadar Development Authority Dr Sajjad Hussain, Deputy Director General of China’s Ministry of Public Security Q.U. Jainging and senior officials of China’s foreign ministry Ms Lili and Zhang Maoming.

Security of Gwadar and its surrounding areas has already been handed over to the Pakistan Army. Army troops have established checkposts at all entry points of Gwadar town.

Senior officials briefed Chinese officials about measures taken for ensuring security of the port city and its surrounding areas. They said that under the plan Gwadar would be made a weapon-free city where special arrangements would be made for the maintenance of peace.

The meeting was informed that special measures were being taken for the protection of Chinese nationals working on different projects in the city.

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November 1, 2015 Continued Sun Development of the social sectors also came under discussion during the meeting and the participants gave various suggestions in this regard. It was decided that maximum facilities would be provided to local people and measures would be taken for improving their standard of living.

The meeting was informed that residence cards would be issued to local people of Gwadar and people coming to the city from other areas would have to register at entry points. Record of outsiders would be maintained.

Commissioner of Makran Division Bashir Ahmed Bangulzai, Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar Abdul Hameed Abro, Gwadar SSP Tariq Khilji and officials of the Gwadar Port Overseas Holding Company also attended the meeting.

1673

November 2, 2015 Mon All Day

Pakistan To Deploy 10,000 Army Personnel For Safety Of CPEC Workers - See m http://www.geo.tv/latest/7187-pakistan-to-deploy-10000-army-personnel-for-saf -- Geo News ISLAMABAD: In order to ensure security of projects under $46 billion ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Islamabad is going to apprise Beijing authorities that special security force of 10,000 personnel will be in place and become operational till December this year, The News has learnt.

The 5th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under CPEC between Pakistan and China is scheduled to meet in Karachi from November 9 to 13, 2015 to review implementation on early harvest programme (EHP), scheduled to be completed in first phase till December 2017.

There are 5 major agenda items and one of them is ensuring security of CPEC projects for which Pakistan Army has taken responsibility by placing one Major General as head of the special force to ensure foolproof security. Partially, the security force is in place but for whole Pakistan starting from Gwadar to Karakoram Highway (KKH), it will become operational within next couple of months.

"Pakistan is going to request in the upcoming JCC with Chinese authorities to include establishing of transmission lines along with energy projects and it is yet to see how the Beijing is going to give its response," the agenda of upcoming JCC available with The News disclosed on Sunday.

Islamabad will also request Beijing for inclusion of Dera Ismail Khan to Sohrab road as dual carriageway under CPEC during the upcoming meeting which will help government resolve controversy over construction of western route in accordance with the desires of certain political forces belonging to KP. In the upcoming JCC meeting, Pakistan and Chinese delegates will also visit Gwadar during which handing over of over 2,000 acres of land will be given to Free Zone and China’s public sector company COPHCL. Both sides will also sign Master Plan for Gwadar port and ground breaking ceremony for construction of state-ofthe-art School in the area. Both sides will also sign framework agreement on water supply project at Gwadar and inclusion of solid waste disposal and sanitation project at Gwadar.

Pakistan and China will also evolve consensus on inclusion of LNG terminal/transmission line project in Gwadar priority category, Gwadar coal power project, social sector projects (vocational and hospital grant status update), making Gwadar port operational and its update plan and Master Plan for Free Zone.

On energy side, the coming JCC will deliberate on Sahiwal power project, Port Qasim power project, Engro Thar Coal project, Hubco power project, SK Hydro project, transmission lines (if possible), adjustment of projects in the priority category and new projects if both sides evolve consensus on any initiative.

For transport sector, the coming JCC will deliberate upon Thakt-Havelian road, Multan-Sukkur motorway section, Gwadar Eastbay Expressway, New Gwadar International Airport, finalisation of Monographic Study on Transport Planning, consensus on CPEC long term plan, minutes of Transport Infrastructure JWG meeting - 13 Aug 2015 and new projects including Basima-Gwadar and dualisation of road DI Khan to Surab. Both sides will discuss long term plan under CPEC in details during the upcoming JCC meeting.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told on Sunday, that special security force in consultation with Ministry of Interior would be in place till coming December/January in order to ensure security of CPEC projects.

He said that Chinese had agreed to increase power generation from Thar Coal and other projects. "We will ensure checklist to ensure completion of Early Harvest Projects under energy and infrastructure projects till December 2017," he added.

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November 2, 2015 Continued Mon He said the dualisation of DI Khan to Surab road was part of next agenda of JCC between the two countries that demonstrated sincerity of the incumbent regime to complete western route on priority basis - See more at: http://www.geo.tv/latest/7187-pakistan-to-deploy-10000-army-personnel-for-safetyof-cpec-workers#sthash.CQyz5lIN.dpuf

1675

November 4, 2015 Wed All Day

Transnational gas pipeline project to be launched next month -- Daily Times Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday said that the groundbreaking ceremony of the long-awaited transnational gas pipeline, dubbed as Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project would be held next month.

Highlighting the TAPI project as one of attractive opportunities for investment in the country's oil and gas sector here at the Pakistan Investment Conference organised by the Board of Investment, he said that the pipeline, which would carry around 3.2 billion cubic feet (BCF) gas, would be laid in four years.

He said that the government was working on all fronts to meet the country's growing energy needs, and it had adopted policies in this regard with attractive incentives, including high return, for investors. He said that Pakistan’s upstream sector also had many opportunities for service provider companies and investors could consider participating in ventures in select high growth areas such as drilling and seismic acquisition.

He said that numerous projects were being pursued in the oil and gas sector with special focus on exploration and production fronts and all these offered handsome investment opportunities like investing in infrastructure development or service provision. He said Pakistan had natural gas shortage of over 2 BCF per day and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources was working on a multi-pronged strategy to overcome this shortfall.

He said that Pakistan would encourage investors to help maximize its local production by exploring indigenous hydrocarbon resources. Over two dozen exploration and production companies were engaged in the upstream sector, including several international ones, which were receiving good returns on their investment. The upstream sector included two majority government-owned companies - Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDCL) and the Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL).

There were many joint venture opportunities for international and domestic E&P companies in existing blocks with these companies. He said that special incentives were offered for tight gas, offshore discoveries and for exceeding certain production target thresholds. He said that there were vast opportunities for investment in shale gas sector as the country, according to a survey, was rich in shale gas resources.

The companies could to investment in exploring shale gas resources. Among other opportunities for investment, the minister said three LNG-based power plants were being constructed to add around 3600mw to national grid as part of efforts to overcome power shortfall. He said the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) regasification terminal became operational this March in record time while a second LNG terminal was planned at Gwadar with support from China.

He said that the project would include a pipeline linking the terminal at Gwadar to Nawabshah. Investment opportunities existed for the setting up of additional LNG terminals. There were also opportunities for companies and investors to participate in the supply of LNG to Pakistan. He said that more LNG terminals would be constructed to import more natural gas to Pakistan.

Replying to a question, the minister said that Pakistan had almost completed its work to import gas through Pak-Iran gas pipelines and once sanctions were lifted on latter, work would start again on the ambitious project.

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November 5, 2015 Thu All Day

chinese-company-to-set-up-petrochemical-refining-complexes-at-gaddani -- The News ISLAMABAD: In an enormously positive development, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has made up its mind to establish state-of-the-art oil refining and petrochemical complexes including petroleum related equipment manufacturing facilities at the cost of $1.47 billion in Balochistan and to this effect, Pakistan authorities have proposed Gaddani as one of the potential sites for the said projects. The Chinese companies under the umbrella of CNPC will execute the projects.

The said initiatives will be in addition to the huge oil city that is being founded at Gwadar port. The high powered CNPC delegation headed by Wang Shihong, that is on a visit to Pakistan (November 2-4), unveiled the plan to set up oil refining and petrochemical complexes including petroleum related equipment manufacturing facilities other than the Gwadar port in a meeting held on November 3 with top officials’ team headed by Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Pakistan has proposed Gaddani in Balochistan province as one of the potential sites for the said projects, a senior official told The News.

The said meeting was factually the follow up event of the recent visit of Yan Lijin from National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the Peoples of Republic of China who had met Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif and other dignitaries with regard to setting up industrial parks including petrochemical complexes.

The petrochemical integrated complex along with urea project is likely to cost $770 million. In addition CPNC will also install land based LNG receiving terminal at a cost of $700 million. Moreover, CNPC will also revamp and upgrade Pak-Arab Refinery Plant.

The said industrial parks, the official said, will be very important projects under CPEC framework and could become the part of the regional production and supply hub of quality products, the upbeat official said adding, “This will go a long way in developing Pakistan and improve the living standard of its people and help assist participation of Pakistan people and the government in the development of ‘One Belt, One Road’ project.” And on top of that it would result in great benefits not only for Pakistan but the entire region at large.

In the meeting, Pakistan also offered CNPC mutually beneficial opportunities available in the exploration and production sector and invited CNPC to take part in exploration and production activities of the oil and gas in Pakistan either independently or through joint venture with state owned exploration and production companies such as OGDCL and Pakistan Petroleum Limited.

- See more at: http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/71532-chinese-company-to-set-uppetrochemical-refining-complexes-at-gaddani#sthash.IRWmwfiB.dpuf

All Day

Gwadar to connect with Middle East, Central Asia -- Daily Times

QUETTA - Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong has said that Gwadar is going to become an economic belt which would be connected with Middle East and Central Asia bringing a great boost in economy of the region.

He was addressing a gathering of businessmen, tribal elders, politicians and media persons here on Thursday evening which was organised by Balochistan Economic Forum. “This year handling of capacity of Gwadar Port has been increased due to joint efforts of Pakistan and China. It is going to become economic hub of the region which would be connected with Middle East and Central Asia,” he said.

He said that Chinese companies have been working in different sectors in Pakistan including energy, fuel, establishing power generation plants, science, technology, agriculture and defense. “Chinese companies have been shifting Chinese technology to Pakistan which would provide great benefit to Pakistan’s national economy,” the ambassador said.

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November 5, 2015 Continued Thu He said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would connect Pakistan with China and other parts of the world via road link. “The CPEC will also link Gwadar and Balochistan with other parts of the country,” he added.

He said that opportunities would be provided for professional training in different fields in Pakistan in collaboration with China. He said that Pakistan is a close neighbor and trust worthy friend of China. “Pakistan-China friendship has historical importance which would be stronger by mutual economic relations,” he said.

The Chinese ambassador said that China has second largest economy of the world which would also benefit Pakistan. “We want to see a peaceful, progress and economically thriving Pakistan,” he said.

Chinese Consul General based in Karachi Ma Yaou and Balochistan Economic Forum President Sardar Shaukat Popalzai were also present.

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November 7, 2015 Sat All Day

Sun-led 7-member Chinese delegation visits Balochistan -- Daily Times A seven-member Chinese delegation, led by Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, visited the CM Secretariat and held a meeting with Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik and his team to discuss matters in connection with the development projects in Balochistan.

The chief minister informed the Chinese delegation that law and order situation has improved at satisfactory level in Balochistan and invited Chinese companies to invest in different sectors in the province including mines and minerals, agriculture, livestock and fisheries.

He said that execution of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project would bring progress and prosperity for the entire region, especially for Balochistan. This mega development project will put positive economic and financial support on the region and the Balochistan would be major beneficiary of it. – Briefing on CPEC, Gwadar – Balochistan Chief Secretary Saifullah Chatha gave briefing to the Chinese delegation on different ongoing and proposed projects pertaining to CPEC and Gwadar deep sea port. The Chinese envoy said that his meetings with the government authorities, leaders of political parties and business community were part of efforts being put to further strengthen friendship and to get consensus on joint economic projects.

He said that Chinese engineers and technical teams have been working on the project to expanding Gwadar port. The others who attended the meeting among them were Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, provincial ministers, Nawab Mohammad Khan Shahwani, Mir Mujib-ur-Rehman Mohammad Hasni, Adviser Mohammad Khan Lehri and senior officials.

1679

November 8, 2015 Sun All Day

Financial bid for Gwadar LNG Terminal to be opened this week -Pakistan Today

After completing evaluation of the technical bid, the public sector Inter State Gas Systems Limited (ISGS) is likely to open the financial bid of the China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPPB) for the construction the Gwadar LNG terminal along with pipeline network upto Nawab Shah this week.

An official source said after the approval of the financial bid the contract for the construction of the LNG terminal at Gwadar and laying down of 42 inches diameter, 711 kilometres long from Gwadar to Nawab Shah will be awarded to the Chinese state owned company. The company was nominated by China for the project.

The estimated cost of the project is $2.5 billion, out of which 85 percent investment will be provided by China while the remaining 15 percent will be shared by Pakistan.

The Chinese company will manage a loan from China Exim Bank for the project while Pakistan will pay off the loan in 20 years’ time from the revenue of the project, the source added.

Pakistan is aggressively working on improving its gas infrastructure and imports from abroad as 50 percent of its fuels supplies are met through natural gas. The growth in demand for natural gas has outpaced the growth in supply therefore resulting in a shortfall, this leads to curtailment of gas supplies to both power and industrial sectors, especially during the peak winter months.

As per Pakistan gas supply-demand study conducted by ILF Beratende Ingenieure GmbH over the next 17 years gas demand is projected to stand at 11.73 bcfd while domestic supplies are expected to reach the level of 4.94 bcfd resulting in a huge shortfall of about 6.79 bcfd by FY 2030. The estimate is done considering the existing and planned capacity.

The Chinese company will construct the LNG terminal having a capacity to handle 500 million cubic feet gas per day with floating re-gasification and storage unit (FRSU). The gas pipeline from Gwadar to Nawab Shah will have a capacity to carry 1.5 billion cubic feet gas per day.

The pipeline will be used for importing natural gas from Iran once the international sanctions are lifted on Iran. Only 70 km pipeline will be needed to extend it to the Iranian border from Gwadar, to brand the 781 km pipeline as the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline.

Pakistan will initially get 750 million cubic feet gas per day from Iran which will be increased up to 1 billion cubic feet gas per day. While the pipeline will get another 500 mmcgd gas per day through the LNG terminal thus enabling it to carry upto 1.5 bcfd.

The pipeline project is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative and is included in the early harvest projects. It is estimated to be completed by December 2017. Pakistani law enforcement agencies will be providing fool proof security during the construction of LNG terminal and pipeline.

All Day

Pakistan Navy ready to protect Gwadar port, CPEC route: Admiral Zakaullah -- Daily Pakistan

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah has expressed the commitment to ensure protection of Gwadar Port “against all asymmetric threats under the prevalent precarious internal and external security environment.”

According to Pakistan Navy, the admiral Saturday visited naval units and forward bases along the Makran coast, including Jinnah Naval Base in Ormara and other units in Pasni, Gwadar and Jiwani, to witness operational readiness of these units during the ongoing major maritime exercise SEASPARK 15.

During his visit to the Gwadar Port, the naval chief was given detailed briefing on the ongoing operational activities at coastal stations, a statement issued by Pakistan Navy said.

MAKRAN: Nov07 - Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah during his visit to Naval Units and forward bases along the Makran Coast-4. ONLINE PHOTO The naval chief said Gwadar was cardinal to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and sea routes connecting Gwadar with international markets were extension of the 1680

November 8, 2015 Continued Sun CPEC. He added that providing a safe and secure environment both on land and at sea was essential for smooth functioning of the Gwadar Port and accruing desired socio-economic benefits of the CPEC. Pakistan Navy is fully ready and capable of defending these important sea lanes and one of the objectives of SEASPARK 15 is to assess operational preparedness to undertake this key task, the statement quoted the naval chief as saying.

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November 9, 2015 Mon All Day

PROVINCIAL GOVT TO PROVIDE LAND FOR GWADAR AIRPORT: CM -- BR

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch Monday said that provincial government had been providing land for international airport in Gwadar and establish export processing zone in collaboration with the Chinese government.

He said this while speaking to journalists in Balochistan Assembly here.

"We have made arrangements for providing land in the port town where international airport and export procession zone will be constructed in collaboration with China," he added.

The CM, however, rejected the impression that any agreement was signed between the Balochistan government and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan during last week.

"No agreement was inked between my government and the Chinese ambassador during last week," he added.

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November 10, 2015 Tue All Day

Pakistan to hand over 2,281 acres of Gwadar’s free trade zone to Chinese -- Express Tribune

In a landmark ceremony, Pakistani authorities will formally hand over 2,281 acres of Gwadar Port’s free trade zone to the Chinese Oversees Ports Holding Company Ltd (COPHCL) on November 11 on a 43-year lease.

The ceremony will be held in Gwadar on Wednesday and will be attended by the Chinese delegation headed by Vice Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission Wang Xiaodao, who has already arrived in Pakistan.

Ripe for investment: Vast opportunities in AJK The Chinese delegation comprises of all top level officials of the Chinese government and leaders of private companies. The Pakistani delegation will be led

by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal.

The event will also be attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik and Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michal, said a senior official of the ministry.The government has already declared Gwadar port a free trade zone for the next 23 years.

The officer said that in this regard, a high level meeting of both authorities will be held in Karachi on November 12 to complete the formalities.

COPHCL will execute the port’s affairs through its three main companies including Gwadar International Terminal (GIT), Gwadar Marine Services Ltd and Gwadar Freezone Company Ltd. Grand scheme: Govt to spend Rs26b on Gwadar airport upgrade GIT will also be responsible for the port’s operations by handling business related matters.

Gwadar Marine Service Ltd, will look at the port’s operation by providing allied services and Gwadar Freezone Company will look after affairs of the free zone area by developing and providing allied facilities to the investment companies in the free zone area.

After the formal handover of the free trade zone, all business affairs of the port will be carried out by Chinese authorities.

Grand scheme: Govt to spend Rs26b on Gwadar airport upgrade The officer said that Pakistan has delivered its end of the bargain and now it is upto the Chinese authorities to show their commitment.

Additionally, during the ceremony, inauguration of some projects will also be held including inauguration of school and health centres established by the Chinese in Gwadar.

The scheme is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an ambitious $46 billion investment plan linking western China to the Arabian Sea with infrastructure, energy and transport projects.

Three days in Gwadar Pakistan is also raising a special security force of between 10,000 and 25,000 men to protect the port.

Earlier, Abdul Razzaq Durrani, the director general of Gwadar Port Authority, had said that land acquisition to build the economic zone had cost the Balochistan government around $62 million.

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November 10, 2015 Continued Tue Gwadar port was built in 2007 with technical help from Beijing as well as Chinese financial assistance of some $248 million.

1684

November 11, 2015 Wed All Day

PAK-CHINA INK AGREEMENT ON GWADAR FREE TRADE ZONE -- APP

The representatives of Pakistan and China governments inked agreement to hand over 637 acres of land to China in port town of Gwadar, on Wednesday, where Chinese government and firms would establish a free trade zone.

The ceremony to sign documents was held which was attended by Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr Abudl Malik Blaoch, the Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission of China, Mr. Wang Xiaotao, Federal Minister for planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Shipping and Ports Kamran Michael, Chief Secretary Balochistan Saifullah Chattah, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Mir Dostain Khan Jamaldani and others.

Speaking on the occasion, the Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) project was being implemented in letter and spirit which include different projects including communication, rail, energy industrial development the development of other sectors.

"We have been putting serious efforts to execute CPEC in order to make Gwadar, one of best port of the world," he said, adding that the other projects pertaining to CPEC were also being implemented in letter and spirit. He said that the protection of rights of people of Gwadar including provision of jobs and all available basic civic amenities would be ensured.

The Vice Chairman of National Development and Reforms Commission of China Wang Xiaotao said that China has been giving special importance to the friendship with Pakistan.

"Chinese investor and business community would invest in different sectors in Balochistan which would help in boosting local economy," he said.

The Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Kamran Michael said that with the execution of CPEC Pak-China relations would be further strengthened and our economy would get boost.

"We will get great progress in connection with economic growth due to CPEC," he said.

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November 12, 2015 Thu All Day

CPEC to turn Pakistan into most important country of region: president -- Pakistan Today

President Mamnoon Hussain has expressed confidence that completion of projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would turn Pakistan into the most important country of the region.

He was speaking at the 50th National Speech Contest held in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The President said Gwadar Sea port, Gwadar International Airport, a number of motorways, energy projects, other infrastructure and industrial ventures are components of the Corridor. Their completion would open up new avenues of economic development and employment opportunities for far flung areas of the country.

He emphasized that the CPEC is not meant for any group, part or a particular segment of the society; rather it would benefit the entire country.

Mamnoon said Pakistan is destined to progress and prosper because of the policies of the present government and hardworking people. He said there was no instance of mega corruption in the country during the past two and a half years of the present government.

Referring to the speech contest that was dedicated to martyrs and Ghazis of September 1965 war; the president said no nation can progress without appropriately remembering its heroes. He said the best tribute for those who sacrificed their lives in the defence of Pakistan would be to equip ourselves with knowledge and take Pakistan to new heights of development.

He urged participating students to focus on their education so that they are able to shoulder their future responsibilities effectively. He particularly exhorted girls not to care about any hurdles in the way of their education. Hussain said we must not follow the West blindly and make efforts to preserve and promote our national identity.

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November 13, 2015 Fri All Day

Chinese firm begins managing Gwadar Port -- The Nations

Gwadar: A Chinese firm has officially taken control of Pakistan's Gwadar Port freetrade zone. Under the agreement, China Overseas Holdings Limited will manage the free-trade zone on a 43-year lease.

The formal handover signals the Chinese side's control of all the port's business affairs. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei says enterprises in China and Pakistan will continue to promote development of the Port in southwestern Pakistan on a principle of equal consultation and mutual benefit.

"Chinese enterprise's taking over of the management of the Gwadar Port is a commercial program under economic and trade cooperation of China and Pakistan, and a part of the two countries' friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation", the spokesman said.

Gwadar port is a deep sea port that sits next to the Strait of Hormuz, the key oil route in and out of the Persian Gulf.

As part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor scheme, China plans to make Gwadar a transportation hub by building a 3,000km railway linking Xinjiang, in western China, with Gwadar.

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Pak-China banking service protocol becomes effective -- Daily Times

Improvements in collaboration between banking industries of Pakistan and China became effective forthwith following ratification, issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, according to a report on Friday.

The banking service protocol of the service trade agreement for the free trade area (FTA) between the two countries was signed in April when President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan. It will improve the liberalisation of the service trade of Pakistan and China, with easier financing for enterprises and ensuring the smooth running of major governmental projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The economic corridor is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking southwest Pakistan's deep water Gwadar Port with northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

On the other hand, a Chinese firm has officially taken control of the Gwadar port free-trade zone. Under the agreement, China Overseas Holdings Limited will manage the free-trade zone on a 43-year lease.The formal handover signals the Chinese side's control of all the port's business affairs.

China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that the enterprises in China and Pakistan would continue to promote development of the port in southwestern Pakistan on a principle of equal consultation and mutual benefit. “Chinese enterprise's taking over of the management of the Gwadar port is a commercial programme under economic and trade cooperation of Pakistan and China, and a part of the two countries' friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation,� he said.

Gwadar port is a deep sea port that sits next to the Strait of Hormuz, the key oil route in and out of the Persian Gulf.As part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor scheme, China plans to make Gwadar a transportation hub by building a 3,000km railway linking Xinjiang, in western China, with Gwadar.

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November 15, 2015 Sun All Day

Chinese company leases Gwadar port for development Financial Spots http://financialspots.com/2015/11/15/chinese-company-leases-gwadar-port-for -- Financials Pots Wednesday's deal was widely reported in India where perceptions persist that Gwadar could be converted into a dual-use port facility by China, potentially abetting the Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy's power projection in the western Indian Ocean. Visits such as that by General Fan offer the opportunity for course correction where necessary as well as providing a reminder to Pakistan (and its less than malleable politicians) as to who is bankrolling the exercise. Fan also met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad Thursday, with Sharif lauding Islamabad's friendship with Beijing as a "cornerstone" of its foreign policy. A high level military delegation headed by the Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, General Fan Changlong has called upon Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at GHQ. According to an official statement, the Prime Minister emphasized the time-tested friendship between the two countries. AFP Map showing China’s land access to the Arabian Sea via the Pakistani port of Gwadar. For an AFP Feature. 135 x 95 He also said that the mutually supportive cooperation in the field of defense is a critical factor in maintaining peace and stability in the region. In his meeting with Gen Sharif at General Headquarters on Thursday, Fan said, "China deeply appreciates the determination of Pakistan Army in counter terrorism and the successful operation in various fields". The nature of the relationship between China and Pakistan is swiftly evolving, all the quicker since the announcement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both countries are committed to its continuous process and future success. Gen Fan said, "Efforts of Pakistan Army in safeguarding CPEC security are highly appreciated". He said China would also relocate a few of its industries from China to Pakistan that would create thousands of jobs and contribute in GDP of the country. Ahsan Iqbal pointed out that it is need of the hour that Pakistan completes the projects on its side to take advantage of the economic collaboration and match the pace with China that is completing its projects on fast-track basis. Wang Shida, an expert on Afghanistan at the Beijing-based China Institute of Contemporary worldwide Relations, said China has already invested more than $40 billion for the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Gwadar Port will play an important role in the economic prosperity of both nations. He said he was looking forward to exchanging in-depth views with leaders of Pakistan and Pakistani armed forces on the relations between the two countries and two armed forces and other issues of common interest. Financial Spots http://financialspots.com/2015/11/15/chinese-company-leases-gwadar-port-fordevelopment/

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November 17, 2015 Tue All Day

CPEC Western route to be built as dual carriageway -- The Nations

The government has finally decided to construct the Western route as dual carriageway and finance it from the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure development fund, it is learnt reliably here yesterday.

In the meeting of the 5th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of CPEC, held in Karachi last week, Federal Minister Planning, Development & Reforms Ahsan Iqbal pursued the Chinese delegation to include the Western route in the infrastructure/road development project of the CPEC, official sources told The Nation here on Monday.

The source informed that now the project has been included in the infrastructure development projects of CPEC. “It has been decided that the roads on Western route will be constructed as a dual carriageway and the funds will be provided from the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure development fund,” the source added.

CPEC is multi-sectoral project that includes energy, infrastructure/roads, Gwadar port, social projects, and industrial zones.

Although the government earlier had claimed that the Western route was part of the CPEC but actually it was a single road and was being constructed with the Asian Development Bank funds.

Ahsan Iqbal has time and again reiterated that building of the Western alignment of CPEC is the first and foremost priority of the government and the work on missing Gwadar-Quetta link of Western route would be completed by December 2016.

But the Opposition parties are contesting his claim by asserting that not a single penny has been allocated for the Western route, under CPEC, in the PSDP. The Opposition parties were also upset with the government by not following the commitment made by the Prime Minister at the APC for construction of the Western route.

The provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa have alleged that the Federal government is giving priority to the Eastern route and ignoring the Western route.

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah also criticised the government for ignoring the Western route and said that “the Eastern route under the CPEC is being given priority while the Western route which is shorter is being ignored”.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Khurshid asked the government to revisit its policy regarding the developmental work on CPEC. It is pertinent to mention here that the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC last month unanimously recommended the Federal government that the Western route should be built as a dual carriage way at the outset and, eventually, there should be a motorway linking Gwadar with the rest of the country along the Western route as after operationalisation of Gwadar Port, traffic on the Western route will increase substantially.

It may be added that the CPEC is a 15-year project between Pakistan and China spanning 2015-2030, while the Western route is among the Early Harvest Projects which have to be completed by 2018.

Gwadar will be connected to Khunjrab through multiple routes.

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November 17, 2015 Continued Tue All Day

Groundwork laid for China-Pakistan FTZ -- Ecns News Move will boost CPEC, 'Belt and Road' plans: experts

Chinese and Pakistani officials have laid the groundwork for a China-Pakistan free trade zone (FTZ) at the strategically important port of Gwadar in Pakistan and preliminary plans are now being finalized, according to media reports on Monday.

Specific plans for the new China-Pakistan FTZ, which will be a part of Pakistan's Gwadar Port FTZ, are still under discussion, but it will be a free port that is similar to Hong Kong, the Shanghai Securities News reported on Monday.

The report, citing unnamed sources, said that China's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), is heading the Chinese delegation in the discussions. The NDRC did not respond to requests for comment by the Global Times as of press time.

A number of companies based in Zhuhai in South China's Guangdong Province have signed deals with the city of Gwadar worth a total of 6.5 billion yuan ($1.02 billion) to develop the port, news portal ifeng.com reported Thursday.

Specific plans might include establishing industry parks, which are effective in facilitating investment and trade, said Chen Fengying, an expert with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

"I believe that more plans will follow, and the establishment of an FTZ at the strategically import port of Gwadar is an important step," Chen told the Global Times on Monday.

Chinese firm leases FTZ land China Overseas Ports Holding Co (COPHC) has leased over 650 acres of land in Gwadar to build and operate the FTZ, Pakistan-based newspaper The Express Tribune reported on Thursday.

That was the first part of a deal signed between the two countries, under which Pakistan will provide a total of 2,281 acres of the Gwadar FTZ to COPHC as part of a 43-year lease, according to a separate report from The Express Tribune on Wednesday.

COPHC will operate at the FTZ through three main companies - Gwadar International Terminal, Gwadar Marine Services and Gwadar Freezone Company according to the report.

Key move for CPEC Experts said the new developments with the Gwadar FTZ marked a milestone in the implementation phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"The new developments are by far the most important step in the implementation of the CPEC," Sun Lizhou, deputy director of the Academy of the World and China Agendas, told the Global Times on Monday.

The CPEC is a major bilateral initiative to build infrastructure facilities in Pakistan that will connect the country's Arabian Sea coast with the Himalayan border with China. The initiative was unveiled during Chinese President Xi Jinping's State visit to Pakistan in April.

With low tariffs and better coordination, the Gwadar FTZ will serve as an "entry point" for Chinese companies and products to enter the country, Sun said.

Step forward for "Belt and Road" Because of the strategic importance of the Gwadar port, the establishment of an 1690

November 17, 2015 Continued Tue FTZ there is also expected to have profound significance in the implementation of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, which will connect with Europe via Central Asia, Sun noted.

COPHC also noted the importance of the deal.

"On the shores of the Arabian Sea in the western province of Balochistan, Gwadar is strategically a well-located port to ensure increasing trade in the region," the company said in a post on its website.

Located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, just outside the Straits of Hormuz, Gwadar is close to key shipping routes accommodating a flow of more than 17 million barrels of oil per day and a large quantity of cargo, according to COPHC. Sun said that although shipments still go through the Strait of Hormuz, Gwadar could serve as a "back-up sea line" for China.

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Weighing in on benefits: Implementing transit fee on CPEC routes -Express Tribune

in a statement published on the PPI website, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Federal Minister Chaudhary Muhammad Barjees Tahir claimed that the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will bring about $70 billion annual revenue in the form of transit fee.

Reportedly, he also said that, Pakistan will be turned into a transit economy soon after the completion of this trade route based on a re-routing of Chinese exports of more than $2 trillion.

This figure of $70 billion may be highly speculative for the scope of Pakistan’s economy, where the size of federal budget in 2015-16 was a little over $40 billion, the level of foreign exchange reserves were less than $20 billion and exports barely exceeded $25 billion.

Regardless, this reported statement indicates that the Pakistani government may have considered levying a transit fee on Chinese cargo to be transported through the CPEC on Kashgar-Khunjrab-Gwadar route.

Benefits to China The CPEC is well-aligned with its strategic vision of China to enhance its access to the global market through the Indian Ocean by building a new 3,000 km road, railway, pipeline optic fiber and a new deep see port network through Pakistan. At present, China’s link with Europe, Africa and the United States, which contributes largely towards global trade, is through the Strait of Malacca in the South China Sea. Therefore, the development of the trade corridor through Pakistan would provide an alternative route for Chinese trade to reach the global markets of Middle East, Africa, Europe and the US. Additionally, this will also enable it to secure vital oil imports which mainly originate from the Middle East. According to an estimate, the new route is likely to reduce the distance from Western China to Eastern Europe by at least 10,000 miles.

Pakistan’s advantage?

On the other hand, Pakistan eyes the increased expected flow of foreign direct investment, technology, cultural linkages, loans, and know-how from China and pegged its expectation with its offer to facilitate China by providing an alternate trade route. However, these returns are subject to presence of several other supportive factors.

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November 17, 2015 Continued Tue The transport and communication infrastructure of CPEC will be largely financed by Chinese loan – to the tune of $11 billion – except the newly declared grant of $230 million dollars for Gwadar International Airport. Thus, Pakistan will be ultimately paying back this loan at varying interest rates over a course of the next few years.

In the 2015-16 Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) at least four PC-1 for CPEC transport and infrastructure sector have been included. These are, Karakorum Highway (Havelian to Thakot), Karachi-Lahore Motorway (Multan to Sukkur), Gwadar port East Bay Expressway Project, and Gwadar international airport (now converted into Chinese grant and therefore tenders have been called off). These projects will be financed by the Chinese loan with a 10% Pakistani counterpart funding.

Transit fee mechanism Given the relative certainty about construction of transport and infrastructure network, Pakistan’s government may want to consider the idea of levying transit fee more seriously. The general rationale of a transit fee is very simple. Transport corridor’s purpose is to provide for efficient means of carriage of goods and services in transit with minimal damage to the goods and their quality. Where there is damage, it provides facilities for insurance surveys as well as for lodging claims.

Having done so, the transit economy collects transit fees for services rendered.

More specifically, the transit fee on Chinese goods makes sense because it is a cost China will be saving each year in addition to significant reduction in time and cost of shipment. Additionally, the transport and infrastructure network is being ultimately financed by the public exchequer; therefore some return should be seen.

Pakistan has promised to provide security to the Chinese workforce for which it is deploying 10,000 strong specially raised security force.

International law states countries are not allowed to charge fee in the case of landlocked states, China is not a land-locked country.

It leads to the conclusion that levying a rational and business friendly transit fee may be the only tangible benefit that Pakistan will realize through CPEC. It is imperative that the government should conduct detailed deliberations on signing a bilateral transit trade agreement.

The writer is founder and executive director of PRIME Institute, an independent think tank based in Islamabad

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November 18, 2015 Wed All Day

Pakistan asked China to include Diamer-Bhasha dam project in CEPC -Pak Tribune ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has asked China to include Diamer-Bhasha dam in energy projects to be undertaken under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“We have proposed to the Chinese government to include Diamer-Bhasha Dam in the next phase of CPEC,” federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said on Tuesday.

He was speaking at the concluding session of the First CPEC Media Forum which was attended by journalists from both countries.

Energy projects of about $34 billion are being undertaken as part of CPEC in the first phase. If China agrees to the proposal, the project would be included in the next phase of the energy projects under the CPEC. The construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam is expected to cost about $12 billion.

Faced with the difficulty of finding funds for the 4,500MW project, the government had decided to divide it into separate dam and power generation projects. However, it is unclear which component of the project the government is interested in getting included in the CPEC. The planning minister said the government was determined to perform the groundbreaking of the hydel project next year and had already completed land acquisition for the purpose. The project was first proposed in 2001, but delays have resulted in cost escalation.

He cautioned that Pakistan could face acute water shortage if work on the dam is not started next year.

Answering a question about the progress on the energy projects being executed in the CPEC’s first phase, Mr Iqbal said the country would “achieve self-sufficiency in power generation by 2018”.

Some 14 power generation and a transmission line projects are included in the first phase.

The minister said that wind and solar energy projects would be commissioned in about a year, and the coal power projects by 2018. The hydel projects would be ready by 2020.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said there was no fixed limit for investment under the CPEC and that more could be made depending on the project for which it was required.

“As CPEC progresses more investment is likely,” he said, adding that the CPEC was a process rather than a project and might take more than a decade to complete.

The $46 billion figure commonly associated with the CPEC, he clarified, was only for the first phase.

He expressed satisfaction that the first phase projects were “making smooth progress” and of the 14 power generation projects nine had already reached financial close.

Ambassador Sun said the CPEC was a “major and pilot” project of President Xi’s ‘road and belt’ initiative and described it as a mutually beneficial effort.

Chairman of Parliamentary CPEC Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain who helped set up the Pak-China Media Forum stressed greater cooperation between the media in the two countries.

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November 18, 2015 Continued Wed He called on the media to extend full support to the CPEC initiative.

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November 23, 2015 Mon All Day

CPEC made part of China’s 13th 5-year development plan: Weidong -Pakistan Today

China has made the historic China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative as part of its 13th five-year economic and social development plan for the year 2016-2020.

The leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) have approved proposals for the plan at the fifth plenary session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee held in Beijing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Weidong informed the Chinese and Pakistan journalists in a recent interaction with them.

Giving details of the CPEC initiative, he said it was a process rather than just one project. Building the CPEC needed to be based on scientific research and designed by short-, mid- and long-term planning, he added.

“As the old Chinese proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. We need to make persistent efforts based on determination and diligence to achieve a sustainable development of CPEC.” He said Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiatives of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, or the Belt and Road initiative.

“The initiative embraces the trend towards a multi-polar world, economic globalisation, cultural diversity and regional integration. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a major and pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative. The CPEC has become the buzz word today and the focus of the media.”

He said: “The CPEC is a vision. It is an important consensus reached between our leaders and the governments, and enjoys the full support of our two peoples. It will strengthen the time-tested China-Pakistan friendship, bring our two brotherly countries more closer, and lay a solid foundation for building a China-Pakistan community of shared destiny. Second, the CPEC is a platform. It is a comprehensive cooperation framework and identified the four major areas of energy, transport infrastructure, industrial parks and Gwadar Port. We also expect the fields of CPEC to be expanded to finance, science and technology, education, poverty alleviation and social development in the near future. Third, the CPEC is an opportunity. It is based on the spirit of openness and win-win cooperation.”

“It faces whole Pakistan and brings benefits to the people of China and Pakistan. It is also a fusion of multiple developments, aiming to peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the peoples of the region and the world at large.”

He said the construction of CPEC had made smooth progress. “Recently, we successfully concluded the 5th meeting of Joint Cooperation Committee on CPEC.” “The meeting has reached a number of agreements. In the energy sector, out of the 14 priority projects, Port Qasim Power Plant, Sahiwal Power Plants, Zonergy Solar Project and many others are under construction.”

He said nine projects had achieved or reached the advanced stage of financial close. “We have held comprehensive and productive consultations on various infrastructure projects,” he added.

“The Chinese company would speed-up the development of Gwadar Port. All these projects will definitely play a leading role in the construction of the CPEC in the future.”

He said the construction of CPEC was a huge and systematic project. It required long-term efforts of governments, enterprises and people from all walks of life, he added.

Terming China and Pakistan all weather strategic cooperative partners, he said, all 1695

November 23, 2015 Continued Mon weather means, no matter there was sunshine or cloud, weather it was windy or stormy, their two iron brothers were always standing together.

Ambassador Sun said China will continuously encourage Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan, adding: “We highly appreciate the Pakistan side for attaching great importance to the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan.”

He expressed the confidence that Pakistani side would continue to take all the necessary measures in this regard.

He said that he recently visited several cities in Pakistan and was happy to see that the CPEC had won support from all the parties and the peoples from Pakistan. In Faisalabad, Chinese technicians train Pakistani workers with textile technology hand by hand.

“In Quetta, I witnessed the aspiration of local government, army, media and civilians to the CPEC.” In Lahore, the newly built Pak-China Friendship Pavilion had become a new symbol of CPEC and their friendship, he said, adding these were the real sources of their strength.

“We are in the era of history-making. The CPEC forum is a favourable platform for our two media communities to make extensive and in-depth exchanges and achieve fruitful outcomes.” He hoped that the media could continue to support and make comprehensive coverage on CPEC in the future.

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November 24, 2015 Tue All Day

BOOK ON PAK-CHINA FRIENDSHIP TO BE LAUNCHED ON WEDNESDAY -- APP

ISLAMABAD: Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) will host launching ceremony of a book on Pakistan-China friendship on November 25.

The book titled "You and Us: Stories of China and Pakistan" is a compilation of the stories of Pak-China friendship penned by former Chinese officials in Pakistan.

A 12-member delegation comprising former Chinese ambassadors and counselors in Pakistan will attend this special ceremony marking China-Pakistan friendship.

Copies of the book will be available at the launch. Notable Chinese and Pakistani speakers will offer their remarks on the book.

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November 30, 2015 Mon All Day

PAK, CHINA TO INK AGREEMENT TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY -- APP

China and Pakistan would soon sign an agreement aimed at ensuring transparency in the implementation of energy and infrastructure projects under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is an important part of China’s One Belt One Road Initiative. The most important projects to be completed under the CEPC initiative included Gwadar port, the second phase of the upgrading project of Karakoram Highway, motorway project between Karachi and Lahore, Thakot Havelian motorway, Gwadar port expressway, Gwadar international airport and Karachi-Sukkur motorway.

China and Pakistan will work together to make the CPEC and other bilateral development projects transparent and free of any corruption, Chinese Assistant Minister, National Bureau of Corruption Prevention, Liu Jianchao said in a recent interaction with media persons here. The Chinese minister who visited Pakistan to attend Ombudsman Conference said that he also held meetings with Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and other Pakistani officials and shared Chinese experience against corruption. Terming the CPEC most important project in Sino-Pak bilateral relations, he said, there was a need to make all possible efforts for its success.

Liu Jianchao, who earlier had served his country as Assistant Foreign Minister and took the new assignment two months back, gave details of the ongoing efforts making the Chinese society free of corruption. For this, he gave credit to leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, especially Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said the CPEC would be a symbol of good governance, as it would be clean and transparent and added under the law, it was forbidden for any Chinese business company to get itself involved in corruption, while carrying out development projects.

However, both sides would work closely to prevent, detect and control corruption in all the projects, undertaken at their bilateral level, he added. Liu Jianchao who was serving as Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister before assuming his new assignment, said the leadership of both countries attached great importance to CPEC and wanted to make it successful at all costs. This project would contribute a lot to promote peace and development not only in the two countries, but also in the region. It was a pilot project of One Road, One Belt initiative of the Chinese Government.

The Chinese minister, while praising high the Sino-Pak friendship said that they were looking forward to haveclose cooperation in fighting corruption. Liu Jianchao termed corruption a great threat to security, peace and socio-economic development. His country, he said, had adopted a policy of zero tolerance against corruption. Thousands of Chinese people, found committing corruption had been punished. There were over 150 top government officials who had faced serious punishment for corrupt practices. He said there were about 600 corrupt Chinese officials who had fled abroad and the government succeeded in bringing them back and punished them under the law. The Chinese minister said that more than 230,000 corrupt people were investigated and out of them 90 percent were punished during the last three years.—APP

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December 2, 2015 Wed All Day

Pakistan to collaborate with USA and China for Afghan reconciliation process -- Pak Tribune Pakistan announced on Tuesday that it was making a renewed effort, in collaboration with the United States and China, to revive the stalled Afghan reconciliation process.

“Pakistan... would like to make renewed efforts to resurrect the peace and reconciliation process. Since it has to be an Afghan-led process, we are confident that the Afghan government and the Taliban would step forward with concrete ideas and proposals and engage in meaningful reconciliation talks."

“Pakistan is prepared to extend its full support and assistance in promoting any such initiative,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office and attributed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Although the statement called for “a quadrilateral initiative to restart the reconciliation process”, it emphasised the role of the US and China as “vital partners”.

It has long been known that Pakistan has been working with the international community for the resumption of the dialogue for peace in Afghanistan, but this is the first formal statement that Pakistan is about to launch a fresh effort for salvaging the dialogue that was stalled after the disclosure about Mullah Omar’s death in July.

The US and Pakistan had agreed last month to expedite the resumption of the reconciliation process during Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif’s visit to Washington.

The government is expecting that “a common roadmap” for the resumption of the dialogue would be agreed during President Ashraf Ghani’s trip to Islamabad on December 9 for attending the Heart of Asia ministerial meeting being jointly hosted

by Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to sources, confirmation of President Ghani’s visit came following meetings between Prime Minister Sharif and Mr Ghani on Monday on the sidelines of the Paris Climate Change Summit. The trip was earlier in doubt because of the strains in bilateral ties caused by events following the disruption in the reconciliation process.

Mr Ghani was encouraged by Britain and the US to accept the invitation for the Heart of Asia Conference.

The government also used the good offices of Pakhtun leaders to ease some of the bilateral tensions. A delegation of Pakhtun leaders led by ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan had visited Kabul before Mr Sharif left for Paris.

The Pak-Afghan rapprochement following a brief breakdown is predicated on the understanding that both countries would deny sanctuaries on their soil to terrorists, improve border coordination and coordinate closely at the political, diplomatic, military and intelligence levels.

A source described President Ghani’s coming visit as very important, which would help improve ties after the recent strains. “The improvement is essential for all other things to happen including reconciliation,” he said.

The source said that some confidence-building measures were expected to be announced during President Ghani’s visit. He, however, would not elaborate on what measures were expected.

About the reconciliation process, the source said a breakthrough would take place only after the Afghans actually owned and led the process instead of wavering on it with every change in political situation in their country.

Meanwhile, Gen Sharif is expected to visit Kabul in the next few weeks to discuss 1699

December 2, 2015 Continued Wed the reconciliation initiative.

The dates for his visit were being finalised, a source said adding that it was unlikely to happen before the Dec 9 trip by President Ghani.

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December 8, 2015 Tue All Day

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Pak-China joint military drills begin: ISPR -- The Nations

Rawalpindi: An impressive opening ceremony of two- week long joint training exercise between Special Forces of China and Pakistan was held in the Chinese city of Qingtongxia tuesday military media wing ISPR reported.

According to press release issued by ISPR, the joint exercise as part of Year of Friendship 2015 will focus on anti-terrorist operations, hostage rescue, cordon and search operations. The joint exercise will enhance and further strengthen already deep military ties between Pakistan and China.

The exercised called YOUYI 5 is being carried out in extreme weather conditions of northern China to impart and share Pakistan Army's experiences in war against terrorism.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior military officers of Special Forces of Pakistan and People Liberation Army. National anthems of both the countries were played on the occasion.

Pak-China joint military training exercise YOUYI 5 begins at Qingtongxia, China -- APP

RAWALPINDI, Dec 8 (APP): A two-week long joint training exercise 'YOUYI 5' between special forces of China and Pakistan started at Qingtongxia, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China on Tuesday. According to ISPR here, the impressive opening ceremony was attended by senior military officers of special forces of Pakistan and People Liberation Army (PLA). National anthem of both the countries were played on the occasion.

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December 9, 2015 Wed All Day

Digital age: Pakistan, China agree to develop e-corridor -- Express Tribune

Pakistan and China have agreed to develop an e-corridor to establish greater connectivity, keeping in view the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The agreement was reached during a meeting of a high-level Chinese delegation, led by China Investment Promotion Centre Chairman Yan Lijin, with Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications Anusha Rehman.

Going strong: Pakistan, China celebrate another year of friendship

The minister apprised the delegation of the potential of Pakistan’s IT and telecom sector and how the ministry was working to reap this potential in an optimal way.

“We believe in a ‘Digital Pakistan’ and Chinese cooperation and collaboration will help us to materialise this vision of accelerated digitisation,” she said.

“We are awarding the ‘Tech-city’ project on January 7 next year. It is an incubation project meant for the training of young entrepreneurs. Likewise, we intend also to establish a research and innovation centre of international standard.”

She said the ministry was already collaborating for the development of an ‘ecommerce gateway framework’ so that online commercial ventures could flourish further and consumers and companies could get more confidence in online payment systems. “We would like to invite international companies to establish their setups here in Pakistan as well,” she added.

China is now the top foreign investor in Pakistan: minister The delegates appreciated the vision of the government and hailed initiatives being taken by the Ministry of IT for uplifting the sector and agreed to work with the government in establishing IT parks on the ministry’s land in Karachi.

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Pak-China have a shared future: Chinese FM -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met Chinese delegation led

by H.E Mr Wang Yi, Foreign Minister at PM House today. The Chinese Foreign Minister said that China and Pakistan have a shared future and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the largest comprehensive project with any foreign country.

‘Pakistan and China are partners in comprehensive cooperation. Implementation of CPEC projects is in full swing. Success of CPEC will make a big difference in the region. Pakistan has played an important role in the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference. We appreciate the leader ship of the Prime Minister in leading the war against extremism and terrorism’, said Mr Wang Yi. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan appreciates the support of Chinese leadership.

‘Chinese leadership played a key role in laying the foundations of CPEC. Pakistani nation is grateful to the Chinese leadership for taking the bilateral relationship to the highest level. We thank Chinese leadership for especially supporting Pakistan in energy and infrastructure sector’, said the Prime Minister.

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December 10, 2015 Thu All Day

Pak-Netherlands agreement for institutional building of TDAP -- The Nations

Pakistan and Netherlands Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for the institutional building of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and capacity building of other business support organizations (BSOs) in Pakistan and to provide export coaching programme to SMEs to meet the requirements of GSPPlus.

The agreement was signed between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Center for Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) in The Hague, Netherlands for the institutional building of TDAP and capacity building of other BSOs Business support organizations in Pakistan and to provide export coaching programme to SMEs to meet the requirements of GSP-Plus, says a message received here from Hague.

Federal Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan also witnessed the signing ceremony. Khurram Dastgir also held a meeting with the Dutch Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation Ms. Ploumen in Amsterdam and urged Dutch companies to invest in dairy, horticulture and agriculture and livestock research.

The Minister said that Pakistan is the largest producer of milk in the world and wants to benefit from the expertise of Dutch dairy sector.

In horticulture sector the Netherlands has developed saline resistant potato seeds and test results of these seeds have shown positive results in saline lands of Pakistan. The Minister proposed a broader feasible project be designed with joint collaboration of Dutch Government, Government of Pakistan, agriculture universities and also with the involvement of private sector.

Dastgir invited the Dutch Minister to visit Pakistan and attend the Asian Living Wage Conference(ALWC). The Conference will be an international event about realizing living wages through social dialogue in the textile sector of eight Asian producing countries.

Its main aim is to highlight the need for living wages through social dialogue in a tripartite `plus' setting, i.e. linking governments and social partners in Asian countries to international buyers in a joint effort to realize living wages in textile supply chains. The ALWC will be a 2-day conference with around 150 participants, most notably high level government officials from the host country Pakistan, Asian countries and OECD governments as well as international brands, manufacturers, trade unions and other stakeholders.

The Minister congratulated the Government of Netherlands for holding the EU Presidency for the upcoming six months and hoped that the Netherlands will play very positive role for strengthening of Socio-Political and Economic relations with comity of nations of the world in general and Pakistan in particular.

He also thanked the Netherlands support for Pakistan with regards to award of GSP-plus status to Pakistan in 2014 and hoped that it will continue to support Pakistan's case in the EU in the future as well.

The Minister also attended the ceremony to launch the Netherlands Pakistan Business Facilitation Forum (NPBFF) in The Hague. The purpose of the Forum is the facilitate and create awareness among the Dutch Trade and Investment sectors with regards to opportunities created in the wake of GSP Plus and Pak-China Economic Corridor Investments in Pakistan.

The Minister also attended a seminar on Global Value Chains and presented Pakistan's case especially in the textile sector.

He apprised the gathering regarding efforts of the Government to improve the working conditions in Pakistan. He said that with the grant of GSP+ to Pakistan, there is a growing urgency amongst the businessmen to know and implement good manufacturing practices to make workplaces more safe and accountable.

Government of Pakistan and ILO have been partnering for many years to bring meaningful measures into the place.

Recently Pakistan has developed Gender Sensitive Inspection System (GSIS) in the form of a web portal which provides database for compliance to about 70 laws.

The system is aimed at assisting the Labour Inspectors in their routine inspections by providing measurable indicators for gauging progress against gender-inclusive target.

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December 10, 2015 Continued Thu All Day

PM announces Rs20 mln grant for Mastung Cadet College -- The Nations

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced Rs 20 million grant for Mastung Cadet College.

The announcement was made during a meeting of students of Mastung Cadet College with prime minister today. Speaking on the occasion, Nawaz Sharif vowed to further speed up development activities in Balochistan.

He said peace has gradually been restored to the province and law and order situation has improved. Nawaz Sharif said today's Balochistan is far better as compared to previous years. He said that a coalition government is working in the province and federation is giving all necessary resources to the province to carry out the development activities.

Emphasizing the need for promoting the environment of brotherhood, the Prime Minister said several road infrastructure projects are under construction from Gwadar to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said, Balochistan is as dear to him as any other area of the country and quality education institutions, including medical colleges and university will be constructed in the province.

Prime Minister said he himself is overlooking the ongoing development work.

Highways are being constructed from Gwadar to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that will enhance contacts among these areas and people as well, Nawaz added.

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Two week Pak China exercise started -- Pak Tribune

RAWALPINDI: A two-week long joint training exercise ‘YOUYI 5’ between special forces of China and Pakistan started in Qingtongxia city of China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Tuesday.

According to ISPR, the impressive opening ceremony was attended by senior military officers of special forces of Pakistan and People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

National anthems of both countries were played on the occasion.

The joint exercise as part of Year of Friendship 2015 will focus on anti-terrorist operations, hostage and rescue, cordon and search operations. The joint exercise will enhance and further strengthen already deep military ties between Pakistan and China.

The YOUYI 5 is being carried out in extreme weather conditions of northern China to impart and share Pakistan Army’s experiences in war against terrorism.

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December 15, 2015 Tue All Day

After TAPI: Pakistan and Turkmenistan negotiating another project -Express Tribune

After the groundbreaking of TAPI gas pipeline, Pakistan and Turkmenistan are now negotiating for a second project, which would pass through the Afghanistan-Iran border to connect with the Gwadar port.

Balochistan, long marred by insurgency and political unrest, could now potentially see a massive increase in employment.

PM inaugurates TAPI gas pipeline project in Turkmenistan An official familiar with the development said the Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS) had submitted a concept paper to Turkmenistan around two months ago, discussing the laying of an additional gas pipeline.

The official said that work on this proposal was under way to implement the project.

He said the TAPI pipeline would be able to provide 3.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, while any additional gas supply from Turkmenistan would be transported through another pipeline.

“The Pakistan government would set up an LNG re-gasification plant at Gwadar Port to convert this gas into LNG,” the official added.

Turkmenistan begins work on TAPI pipeline “The proposal of a second pipeline was also discussed during the sidelines of the meeting at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited for the groundbreaking of TAPI project.”

Turkmenistan had already committed to 85% investment to implement the TAPI gas pipeline project. The remaining equity would be equally shared by Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

China will also provide a concessional loan for the Gwadar LNG pipeline project.

Meanwhile, Russia, which is already importing gas from Turkmenistan, has also offered to lay a gas pipeline. Pakistan and Russia have recently signed a government-to-government deal to lay a $2-billion LNG pipeline from Karachi to Lahore.

Pakistan, Turkmenistan to give big push to TAPI project “Pakistan has two new proposed gas pipeline projects – one from Turkmenistan and the other from Russia,” official said, adding that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed to pursue these two gas pipeline projects to meet domestic energy needs.

The cost of the Gwadar LNG pipeline project, including its terminal, and TAPI amounts to $12 billion. Pakistan would have to finance only $500 million from its own pocket to implement these two projects.

For the record Pakistan would import 1.3 bcfd of gas through TAPI gas pipeline, whereas 600 mmcfd of LNG would be imported through the terminal at Gwadar.

Pakistan, starved for energy, would be able to bridge a huge amount of its shortfall through these two projects. It will import 1 bcfd through the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.

The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has also placed a request for 100 mmcfd gas to meet requirement of the city.

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December 15, 2015 Continued Tue All Day

CPEC body wants agri sector to be part of Corridor -- The Nation

All Day

Pakistan, China PMs agree to further strengthen ties in diverse fields -APP

Parliamentary Committee on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Monday proposed to add agricultural sector as part of CPEC and also asked the government to define the role of railways in CPEC. Chairman Parliamentary Committee on CPEC Mushahid Hussain Syed, presiding over the 7th meeting of the committee, said the western route of the Corridor will be completed by December 2016.

The committee was briefed by the secretary Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms regarding the 5th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on CPEC. It was informed that the JCC, which is the apex decision-making body on CPEC between China and Pakistan, has adopted the updated list of prioritised and actively promoted energy projects. The committee was briefed in detail about decision taken on 15 different items which include energy, road projects and Gwadar.

The committee members discussed various aspects of the projects, their progress with reference to Gwadar which is the starting point of CPEC. Chairman parliamentary committee assured the members that “all the reservations of the local inhabitants of Gwadar would be addressed and resolved and the rights of the people of Gwadar as well as the people of Balochistan would be fully promoted and projected”.

Senator Mushahid said that the “CPEC is a strategic national project, the most important in the country’s history since the nuclear programme and vital for Pakistan’s future prosperity by knitting the federation together through progress in the smaller provinces particularly the less developed areas”. He welcomed the representatives of Gilgit-Baltistan, who attended the meeting as special invitees.

The committee was briefed that in Phase-I, there was a security and development plan being developed in Gwadar at the cost of Rs 3.4 billion and the committee directed the Ministry of Planning and Development to furnish details of the plan and the breakup of the cost in various sectors.

Chairman committee also briefed the parliamentary committee about the CPEC Media Forum which was held in Islamabad on November 16, an effort to develop the CPEC specific website as well as his meeting with Sardar Akhtar Mengal, former chief minister of Balochistan. Sardar Mengal has invited the chairman of the parliamentary committee on CPEC to attend the all-parties conference on Gwadar to be held on January 10 next year.

Senator Mushahid further told that the first quarterly report of the committee was ready for presentation in parliament and he requested Minister for SAFRON, Lt-Gen (r) Abdul Qadir Baloch to present the report in the National Assembly on behalf of the committee.

The committee also directed the Ministry of Water and Power to respond to the queries raised by PTI leader Asad Umar by December 21.

Mushahid Hussain said the committee members visited Gwader on November 28-29 to witness the progress undergoing on western route. He said every province would be visited eventually. Earlier, the committee members visited Talar, Ghoshab and Turbat in Balochistan. He said the committee had also decided to visit Sindh next month to inspect the power projects in Thar and The Port Qasim.

As per plans the committee will also visit Peshawar to meet the KP Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak to brief him about the CPEC projects on December 31. He said the committee was briefed by Chinese ambassador on December 2 and next year they were going to visit China on their invitation.

ZHENGZHOU, China: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in diverse fields, particularly in economy and energy sectors.

Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional situation as they met on sidelines of the 14th SCO Heads of Government meeting here.

Implementation on Economic Corridor Project and energy and infrastructure development projects in Pakistan also featured during the meeting.

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December 15, 2015 Continued Tue Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project and said Pakistan wanted that all the projects under the CPEC, be implemented in a timely and efficient manner.

He said the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor Project would prove a gamechanger in the region.

He said Pakistan considers friendship with China as central pillar of its foreign policy.

He said that cooperation between Pakistan and China was reflection of close friendship between the two countries and the new projects would change to destiny of people of the region. It will create new opportunities for employment and end poverty, he added.

Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan would like Chinese side to allow Pakistan to open a trade cum visa office in Urumqi to facilitate the CPEC projects implementation and people to people exchanges.

He said the progress achieved by handing-taking over of Gwadar Port Free Zone is a good beginning for initiating the process for building the economic zone.

The Prime Minister informed his Chinese counterpart that the operation Zarb-e-Azb in FATA and National Action Plan in the country are being successfully implemented.

He assured his counterpart of the security for Chinese workers and for this purpose a Special Security Division had been set up while Gwadar security force has already been mobilized under the command of a Brigadier.

Both leaders also discussed the Afghan reconciliation process and the recently held Heart of Asia Conference in Islamabad in which a Steering Committee comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and US was set up which will supervise the process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and coordinated efforts in this regard.

The Prime Minister also apprised the Chinese Premier of his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi in Paris and Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Islamabad and said it has yielded encouraging results.

He said both the countries have agreed to resume the comprehensive bilateral dialogue process, which is a welcome sign and development.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan and China are celebrating ‘the year of friendly exchanges’ and next year will be the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.

He said both the countries wanted to further promote people-to-people contacts.

The Prime Minister thanked China’s support for Pakistan being accepted as full member of the SCO. The Chinese Prime Minister on the occasion said that the relationship between Pakistan and China is deep-rooted between the two peoples.

He said that China supports a strong and stable Pakistan and desires for a much more strong relationship in the future.

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December 15, 2015 Continued Tue All Day

Parliamentary body meets: western route to be completed by December 2016 -- BR

Chairman Parliamentary Committee on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Mushahid Hussain Syed has said the western route of the Corridor will be completed by December next year. The 7th meeting of the Committee, since its formation on September 15, 2015, comprising 15 members, was held here on Monday. The committee members discussed various aspects of the projects, their progress with reference to Gwadar which is the starting point of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Senator Mushahid Hussain in his remarks assured the members that "all the reservations of the local inhabitants of Gwadar would be addressed and resolved and the rights of the people of Gwadar as well as the people of Balochistan would be fully promoted and projected".

Joint corporation committee (JCC) which is the apex decision making body on CPEC between China and Pakistan has adopted an updated list of prioritised and actively promoted energy projects. The committee was briefed in detail about the decisions taken on 15 different items including energy, road projects and Gwadar.

Senator Mushahid said the "CPEC is a strategic national project, the most important in the country's history since the nuclear programme and the CPEC is vital for Pakistan's future prosperity by knitting the federation together through progress in the smaller provinces particularly the less-developed areas". He also welcomed the representatives of Gilgit Baltistan, who attended the meeting as special invitees.

The committee was briefed that in Phase-I, there was a security and development plan being developed in Gwadar at the cost of Rs 3.4 billion and the committee directed the Ministry of Planning and Development to furnish details of the plan and the break-up of the cost in various sectors.

He also briefed the parliamentary committee regarding the CPEC Media Forum which was held in Islamabad on November 16, 2015, an effort to develop the CPEC-specific website as well as his meeting with Sardar Akhtar Mengal, former Chief Minister of Balochistan who has invited the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC to attend an All-Party Conference on Gwadar which Sardar Mengal has convened in January 10, 2016 and which the chairman accepted.

The Senator further said the first quarterly report of the committee was ready for presentation in parliament and requested Minister for SAFRON, Lieutenant General Abdul Qadir Baloch (Retd) to present the report in the National Assembly on behalf of the Parliamentary committee on CPEC. The committee also directed the Ministry of Water and Power to respond to the questions raised by PTI leader Asad Umar, MNA, by December 21, so that the interest of the Parliamentary committee on CPEC is fully promoted. Mushahid said the committee members visited Gwadar to observe the progress undergoing at the western route. Earlier, the committee members visited Talar, Ghoshab and Turbat in Balochistan. He said the committee has also decided to visit Sindh next month to inspect the power projects in Thar and Port Qasim.

As per plans, the committee will also visit Peshawar to meet Chief Minister KP Pervaiz Khattak to brief the projects' summary on CPEC on December 31. He said the members of committee proposed to make agricultural sector as part of CPEC. Railways, too, will require a new definition under the CPEC. As per documents, out of 14 projects under a prioritised list, 2 projects have already achieved financial close and 5 projects have started construction from sponsor equity and 2 hydro power projects are also at advanced stages.

Following projects to be taken up in 2016 for transport infrastructure and Gwadar segments includes Khuzdar-basima (110 KM), KKH-Phase-II (280 KM) RaikotThakot section, D.I. Khan-Quetta (533 KM), Expansion of Multipurpose terminal including breakwater and dredging, eastbay Expressway II and Fresh water supply, Wastewater treatment plans for Gwadar city.

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December 15, 2015 Continued Tue The next meeting of Gwadar joint working group is expected soon to speed up Gwadar projects like water and energy, technical and vocation training institute and development of Gwadar port city smart plan as well as finalisation of the second phase of CPEC projects.

Talking to Business Recorder, Asad Umar said that the committee has so far not been able to bring the financial statement of CPEC budget in black and white. He raised the questions regarding the equity, debt and financial close with respect to the CPEC, adding that committee should allocate Rs 34 billion categorically which are meant for the energy projects. He also inquired about the foreign and other modes of the investment along with the government guarantees returns and terms on which the borrowing has been made.

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December 17, 2015 Thu All Day

OVER 80 PERCENT INVESTMENT UNDER CPEC TO COME THROUGH PRIVATE SECTOR: AHSAN -- BR

Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal Thursday said that 80 percent investment under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would come through private sector investment with no debt implication on national economy.

Addressing a conversation on the 'Promise of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)' organized by Institute of Policy Reforms (IPR), he said that the projects would help in rapid socio-economic uplift of the region.

He said US$ 46 billion CPEC project was not a grant or any part of budgetary support programme of the government but it was a project based initiative of both the countries.

The minister said out of the total investment of US$ 46 billion, US$ 38 billion would be spent on energy related projects which was on independent power producer (IPP) mode and would not increase burden of national debt.

He said energy generating projects were designed by focusing coal and hydro electricity generation potential of the country where as clean energy production was also given due attention.

The coal based energy projects was based on supper critical technology to protect the environmental hazards in the country adding that Thar coal reserves would be mined and used for cheap electricity, he added.

He said Gwadar Port was the second main component of the project which would make the Balochistan a hub of commercial activities adding that health, education, water and technical institutes would also be constructed in that areas.

Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan and China were following three principles included scientific planning, step by step method and taking the easiest path for swift completion of the projects.

In first stage of infrastructure development, it was decided to connect the port with existing road links, adding that work on Gwadar-Soharab was under progress and would be completed by December 2016.

He said that CPEC would help to enhance the local GDP by 7-8 percent besides significant increase in tax to GDP ratio and change the fate of over 3 billion people of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman IPR, Humayun Akhtar Khan urged for elaborating upon project completion timeliness, their financing plan and strategy for effective implementation.

He said that connection between markets, both within the country and with the region would change the fundamentals of doing business in Pakistan and in the region.

In an overview of CPEC, Ashraf Hayat, Executive Director IPR, welcomed the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project. CPEC, he said has the potential for fundamental changes to the Pakistan economy.

Looking at the broader "One Belt One Road initiative", he said that it would connect about 60 countries through a complex network of roads, rails, ports, and oil pipelines.

General (R) Sikander Afzal, briefed participants on the security arrangements for CPEC and said between 17,000 and 32,000 additional security personnel would guard over 14,000 Chinese workers in Pakistan.

The army has a four-layer programme to provide security for CPEC projects and the 1710

December 17, 2015 Continued Thu workers. The army is setting up a special security division with 12,000 additional personnel.

Number of security personnel will increase while six additional wings of the Frontier Corps with 5,700 personnel will be added in Balochistan, he added.

In Punjab, 3,500 police officers, 900 Rangers, 4,100 private security guards and 740 Askari Guards would protect various projects of the economic corridor, he added.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad reiterated the commitment of the Chinese government for completing the project with in time and with cost effective measures.

He said this bilateral relationship will further deepen and strengthen Pakistan and the region.

Dr. Hafiz Pasha, Managing Director IPR, elaborated on the macro-economic and operational implications of CPEC implementation.

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Turkmenistan to Gwadar: government's decision to lay another gas pipeline welcomed -- BR

Former President FPCCI Senator Haji Ghulam Ali has said that business community fully supports the government's decision to lay another gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Gwadar to convert it into LNG. He asked the government to prefer Russia for $12 billion project as it is already working on Karachi-Lahore LNG pipeline and inclined to invest heavily in Pakistan.

He welcomed groundbreaking of TAPI gas pipeline which will reduce the current gas shortfall by 25 percent, said President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain. They further said that US has imposed sanction on sale of Iranian gas but it has not imposed any restriction on Pakistan to complete its part of the pipeline which must be expedited. Mian Zahid Hussain said that gas pipeline would not only bridge energy shortages but also ensure peace and prosperity in the country.

He lauded the Nawaz government for initiating work on $10 billion pipeline which will also help Pakistan earn up to $250 million as transit fee. He said that financing TAPI is a challenge for which all four countries should try to lure foreign investors immediately.

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Work on CEPC route from Khunjrab-Gwadar continues: NA told -- APP

State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed Thursday apprised the National Assembly that the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route from Khunjrab to Gwadar is underway adding that its the Northern Alignment (Khunjerab – Raikot Highway (335 KM) had already been constructed with Chinese assistance.

Replying to various questions during Question Hour, he said that the CPEC route consisted of a network of highways and Motorways and the government has allocated amounts for its various alignments including northern, eastern and western in the Public Sector Development Programmes (PSDP) 2015-16.

Giving a break-up, he said that an amount of Rs.20,500 million was earmarked for Thakot-Havelian 120 km (Phase-1), Rs.2300 million for construction of BurhanHavelian Expressway (59.1 km), Rs 50,250 million for Multan-Sukkur Section (387 Km), Rs.20,000 for Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Mortorway, Rs.10,000 million for Islamabad-Mianwali-D I Khan section, Rs.2000 million for rehabilitation of D I Khan Mughalkot (50 Km), Rs.3000 Zhob Mughal Kot (81 km), Rs.2500 widening and improvement of N-85 Hoshab-Nag-Basima-Surab Road (459 Km) and Rs.2800 1711

December 17, 2015 Continued Thu Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab section, Gwadar-Ratodero Road, Khuzdar ShahdakotRatodero.

To a supplementary question, Aftab Ahmed said that Karachi-Lahore Motorway would be competed in 30 months and Prime Minister Prime Minister would inaugurate the project on December 19.

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December 22, 2015 Tue All Day

Chinese govt to give grant of Rs 94 million for KP -- Pak Tribune

The Chinese government will grant Rs 94 million funds to build additional facilities in Baffa Tehsil Headquarters hospital and Government Higher Secondary School, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In this regard, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was singed between Earthquake Reconstruction Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and Anhui Construction Company. ERRA acting deputy chairman and Chinese Embassy Economic and Commercial counsellor witnessed the ceremony. ERRA Acting Deputy Chairman Brigadier Abu Bakr Bajwa thanked China for Rs 94 million funds to build additional facilities in Baffa hospital and school. He also recalled the Chinese government and its people strong support after October 8 earthquake.

He said that China has always been on forefront for helping people of Pakistan at the time of calamity. China was the first country after 2005 earthquake, which provided huge support to Pakistan in rescue and relief operation.

At the singing ceremony, Chinese Embassy Economic Counsellor Li Shaoton reiterated his government commitment to continue support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of quake affected areas in Khyber Phaktunkhuwa and Azad Kashmir. He said that China government soon after devastated earthquake played its due role for building two grand facilities in Baffa, Mansehra, which included fully equipped 40-bed Tehsil Headquarters Hospital with a cost of Rs 412.5 million. He said the Chinese government also built Higher Secondary School at Baffa, which cost Rs 487.5 million to impart education to 720 students.

ERRA acting deputy chairman appreciated the Chinese government for Rs 94 million aid to carry out additional work, which included waste water treatment unit, medical waste burning facility at hospital, drainage for the hospital, provision for voltage stabiliser in hospital and provision for voltage stabilizer in school as well.

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Gwadar real estate gets boost through TAPI pipeline -- Pakistan Today

The groundbreaking of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline, also known as the Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline, will bring property values in Gwadar to unprecedented heights, claims a real estate website.

The Gwadar real estate has already received a huge boost this year with the initiation of work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC is a 46-billion-dollar mega-project intended to provide much-needed highways, railways and pipelines between Pakistan’s Gwadar and China’s autonomous Xinjiang region.

The TAPI pipeline will have a compounding effect on the value of Balochistan port city’s real estate. It will be the third such international infrastructure deal for Pakistan after the CPEC and the Russia-backed “North-South” pipeline which will connect Lahore to Karachi.

Pakistan’s real estate experts are already seeing big increases to Gwadar’s property values. Faysal Al Zarooni, Chairman of the Faysal Al Zarooni Group, has remarked that the city was an “investment goldmine” and that investors who realised this now were likely to profit greatly.

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December 23, 2015 Wed All Day

MoU to promote Pak-China bilateral trade signed -- APP

Pakistan: China Xinjiang Kashgar Chamber of Commerce (KCC) and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work jointly for promoting bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and China.

The signing ceremony was held at ICCI. Abdujilil Halil President, Kashgar Chamber of Commerce and Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed the MoU.

Both Chambers agreed to enhance mutual cooperation for exploring business and investment opportunities for their respective members in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that extends from Kashgar to Gwadar, said a press statement issued here.

KCC will facilitate ICCI members in grant of visas to frequently visit Kashgar for exploring business opportunities in Guangzhou New City’s Special Economic Zone and ICCI will reciprocate same cooperation to KCC members for exploring investment possibilities in Pakistan.

Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group comprising 5-6 members from each side to work on mutually agreed agenda for promoting economic interests of both countries.

They shall exchange information about trade opportunities and facilitate participation of each other’s members in trade fairs and exhibitions in their respective countries for promoting bilateral trade, investment and joint ventures.

Both Chamber shall cooperate for exchange of business delegations to promote business linkages and explore new avenues of mutual cooperation.

Speaking at the occasion, Abdujilil Halil, President, Kashgar Chamber of Commerce said that Chinese investors were taking great interest in Pakistan for investment and joint ventures and hoped that MoU between KCC and ICCI would help in exploring business partnerships between the private sectors of both countries.

Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that CPEC would start a new era of business and investment opportunities between Pakistan and China and it was high time that more and more Chinese investors should come to Pakistan to explore investment and joint ventures in energy and infrastructure development projects envisaged in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for early materialization of this historic project.

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December 24, 2015 Thu All Day

Transport project with China could boost economy -- Asia Nikkei

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative, a planned $46 billion network of transport links, appears to be gaining momentum, which is good news for Pakistan's sluggish economy. Still, security and funding issues remain an obstacle.

The CPEC project, agreed to by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, in May 2013, would connect the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar in southwestern Pakistan with the Xinjiang region of northwestern China upon its scheduled completion in three years.

The corridor is part of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative to establish a network of transcontinental land and sea routes. China views Gwadar as a potential hub for trade with the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The project is also aimed at promoting development in Xinjiang and Tibet.

Gwadar, a deep-sea port that is widely expected to become Pakistan's biggest, started container ship operations in May. Claude Rakisits, senior fellow at the South Asia Center of U.S. think tank the Atlantic Council, said the project could be good for Afghanistan, too. "If peace eventually does come to Afghanistan, CPEC will help that country integrate more closely economically with Pakistan and Iran," he said. "And, of course, it will provide direct access to western China and its hinterland ... a vast and fast-growing region in need of development."

Added Rakisits, "Needless to say, with better roads and railroads, the huge Pakistan market will be easier to access for foreign investors."

Aiming too high?

However, some question the Pakistani government's ability to complete the project given its persistent financial difficulties.

"CPEC is a very ambitious and expensive project, and both [Pakistan and China] appear very keen on making it work," said Michael Kugelman, senior associate for South and Southeast Asia at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a U.S. think tank.

But is it too ambitious? "Many of the projects [planned under the CPEC] are in a holding pattern," Kugelman said. "China is supposed to fund Pakistan's side of a new Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, but until the U.S. releases sanctions on Iran, I doubt this funding will materialize. Also, many of the energy projects associated with CPEC are focused on coal, but Pakistan appears to be scaling back its earlier plans to develop its indigenous coal resources."

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December 25, 2015 Fri All Day

Liquefied natural gas: Govt seeks to negotiate Gwadar pipeline cost -Express Tribune

The government has constituted a price negotiation committee in an attempt to seek a further reduction in the cost estimated by a Chinese company for laying the Gwadar liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline and setting up a terminal, an official says.

This project will work as an alternative to the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project and will be executed by the government in cooperation with the Chinese firm on a government-to-government basis.

Gwadar-Nawabshah: Work on portion to end by December 2017 Under the plan, the LNG pipeline will be laid from Gwadar to Nawabshah and the terminal will be set up at Gwadar port.

The price of steel, which stood at $1,300 per ton when the engineering consultant ILF gave the cost estimate, has come down to $900-$1,000 per ton. The consultant put the total cost of the pipeline and terminal at around $2.5 billion because of the fall in steel and compressor prices.

“However, the Chinese company has offered to develop the project at a cost standing below $2 billion in the financial bid opened by Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS),” a senior government official said, adding a price negotiation committee had been set up to negotiate a further reduction in the cost.

“The bid was much lower than expected,” the official said. Earlier, ISGS had expected the cost of 700 km of LNG pipeline from Gwadar to Nawabshah at $2.5 billion.

Gwadar’s ‘string of perils’ He said the pipeline would be connected to the Iranian border at a cost of $200 million after sanctions against Tehran were lifted.

State-owned distribution companies – Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) – will also get a share in pipeline construction as the Chinese company, China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau, is bound to award 30% of work to them.

“This is a significant development that shows Pakistan is serious about kicking off work on the IP pipeline, but its implementation hinges on lifting of global sanctions against Iran,” ISGS Managing Director Mobin Saulat told The Express Tribune.

ISGS is working to develop gas import projects.

Initiating the bidding process for the Gwadar pipeline indicated that Pakistan was truly interested in pushing ahead with the IP project.

Iran deal fuels tussle for gas pipelines in Pakistan China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau, selected by the Chinese government to lay the LNG pipeline and set up the terminal, had submitted the technical and financial bid for evaluation.

The company is already working on pipeline projects stretching over 8,000 km in different countries including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Russia and other nations. It has also laid pipelines from Turkmenistan to China.

“This is the first project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for which the technical and financial bids have been opened,” another official said.

The Chinese government would provide a cheap loan covering 85% of the project cost and the Pakistani government would contribute 15% of funds.

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December 25, 2015 Continued Fri The Chinese firm will build the new terminal – a floating storage and re-gasification unit (FSRU) – which will be owned by ISGS. The terminal will have the capacity to handle imports of 600 million cubic feet of LNG per day (mmcfd).

The LNG pipeline, which will be of 42-inch diameter, will be laid on the IP pipeline corridor from Gwadar to Nawabshah.

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December 29, 2015 Tue All Day

Govt planning to supply water from Sawad Dam to Gwadar -- The Nations

To overcome the acute water shortage problem, the government is planning to supply 6.5 MGD water from Sawad Dam to Gwadar and its adjacent areas. “The dam is three to four times bigger than the Ankara Dam being used currently for water supply to the city,” an official of the GDA claimed. “Sawad Dam is about 57km from Gawadar area and work on the dam is near completion,” the official said, adding: “We just need to float tenders for the pipelines and pumps and hopefully it will be operational in next two years.”

Talking to The Nation, a senior official of Gwadar Development Authority said the project will cost Rs3 billion which will help mitigate water crisis in the city. The current daily water requirement of the city is about 4.5 MGD and the supply of 6.5 MGD will help resolve the crisis, the official added.

A severe shortage of drinking water has hit Gwadar area during recent month. The shortage occurred because water supply from Ankara Dam was suspended as the dam has dried up due to no rain in its catchment area over the past three years.

The Ankara Kaur Dam built in 1993 and stretching over an area of 17,000 acres and was the sole source of water supply to the city and adjacent areas. Gwadar city has a population of around 1,00,000 while Gwadar town and Jawani, constituting 50 per cent of the total population of Gwadar district, was relying on the Ankara Kaur Dam for all their water needs.

Ankara Dam used to supply 3 MGD of water to Gwadar and adjoining areas, including Jewani, Peshkan, Sur Bandar, Ganz and Bal Nagor. On temporary basis the Gwadar Public Health Department was supplying water from Suntsar but the supply is not adequate to cater to the needs of people, the official said.

“We have dug ten water wells in the Suntsar area, for the supply of water to Gwadar but seven of them are functional while three are not operational,” the official said.

These well can provide 5 MGD water to Gwadar, the official added. Besides, the provincial government had provided Rs15 million for water supplying through water tankers.

The development of Gwadar will be useless if no proper long term arrangements were made for the reliable water supply to the area, the official maintained.

The government installed a desalination plant at a cost of Rs1 billion in the Karwat area of Gwadar but it does not have the capacity to purify sea water in large quantity to meet the city’s requirements. The desalination plant at Gwadar is providing only 0.6 MGD instead of its original installed capacity of two million gallons per day, the official informed.

When asked how the government will ensure the smooth and uninterrupted supply of water to a prospective bigger population of the city, the official replied: “There are about 130 private housing societies to be developed in Gwadar area, and we have an agreement with them that they will install their own desalination plants.” The official further said that besides Sawad Dam to ensure the supply of water to city, they are also working on Shadi Kaur Dam. In 2011-12 the Gwadar area was facing water shortage when one gallon of water was sold for Rs1,000.

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December 30, 2015 Wed All Day

PM announces Karachi-Gwadar motorway -- APP

ZHOB: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said a hefty amount of Rs.150 billion to Rs.200 billion would be spent in the next three to four years in Balochistan for alleviating its backwardness.

The PM also announced his plan to build Karachi-Gwadar motorway while addressing a ceremony after performing groundbreaking of upgradation of ZhobMughal Kot (N-50) and Qila Saifullah-Wagum (N-70) roads.

Also read: PM performs groundbreaking of CPEC western route The 81-kilometer N-50 project, a part of CPEC, to be completed at the cost of Rs 8.80 billion by 2018. The 126-kilometer N-70 project will cost Rs 7.50 billion and it would also be completed by 2018.

He said there was no precedent in the history of Balochistan that construction work on massive roads network continued on such fast track basis.

He said as part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, 194 kms road from Gwadar to Khushab would be inaugurated next month whereas Khushab- Panjgur -Basima 454kms road be completed by December 2016 by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO).

Khuzdar-Wanguhil-Shahdad Kot, 243kms road would also be completed by the next year, he announced, adding all these projects were being funded by the government of Pakistan out of its Public Sector Development Programmes (PSDP).

He praised the Director General FWO Maj. Gen. Muhammad Afzal and NHA chairman Shahid Ashraf Tarrar for their hard work and commitment.

The Prime Minister also referred to Kalat-Quetta-Chaman and Kharan phase-1 roads which would be completed in the next year while feasibility work on ZhobJandola road was being done.

He said uplift of the province was the top priority of his government as it would benefit the entire country.

"The project would open up opportunities of trade and business for the whole region and help in removing backwardness of the province. Soon, there will be dawn of prosperity of which Balochistan would be the major source of fast track progress, "he added.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the national leaders who were at hand today for jointly laying foundation of the two road projects.

He expressed the hope that all the political parties would collectively work for the national prosperity and against terrorism and play their due part for the durable peace and prosperity.

He said that individually, he could not perform such tasks and thanked the political leaders accompanying him for their support. - Samaa/APP

All Day

Will Pakistan Land a Deal With US for New F-16s? -- Defense News

Pakistan continues to talk to the US about purchasing a new tranche of F-16 fighters, but analysts here warn that it is unclear if or when such a deal could close.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, head of the Pakistani Air Force, was quoted in local media here Monday saying Pakistan was "in talks with US defense officials to get some [of the] latest F-16s but the deal may take some time." He spoke at an event to mark Pakistan Aeronautical Complex having manufactured its target of 16 JF-17 Block II for 2015.

That follows reports from mid-October that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would use 1719

December 30, 2015 Continued Wed a visit to Washington to push for the sale of eight F-16s for his military.

Pakistan currently operates a number of F-16 variants, so the addition of eight more jets is unlikely to have much impact on the local power balance between Pakistan and India.

However, the US Congress has historically been skeptical of arms sales to Pakistan, in no small part due to Indian lobbying, and any discussion of defense deals naturally must take this into account.

But circumstances could now be in Pakistan's favor. In addition to the Washington's speculated desire to maintain influence in Pakistan, there is a need to keep the F-16 production line open, which in the absence of domestic US orders can only be achieved through exports.

Despite the usual obstacles in the path of a deal, Brian Cloughley, an author, analyst and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad, says there is now a stronger chance that a deal could be struck.

"The India lobby in Congress is quite powerful and might help to block such sales to Pakistan, but the defense production lobby is much more influential,” Cloughley said. "On that basis, it's likely such a sale would get through."

Author and analyst Kaiser Tufail, who flew F-16s among other aircraft during his Air Force career, said that if negotiations really are serious he does not "see any reason why the US would be secretive about it."

He also questioned whether the US would use the possibility of more F-16s to maintain political ties with Pakistan at a time when China is strengthening its ties with the Asian nation.

"Under the ongoing Pak-China strategic cooperation, there must be great urgency in US quarters to retain influence in Pakistan. Any rumored offer of military hardware should be seen in that light," he said.

Lockheed Martin is represented in Pakistan by Kestrel, which also represents a number of other US firms such as Sikorsky, Gulf Stream, Hawker Beechcraft and L3 Communications. However, no comment was forthcoming from the firm about details such as the potential timeframe for a deal.

"There is no doubt that the F-16C-52 is the world's best single-engine fighter. Since we already operate a squadron of this type, its additional induction would be smooth," Tufail said.

David McKeeby, a spokesman for the State Department’s Bureau of PoliticalMilitary Affairs, declined to comment on a proposed sale until it has been formally notified to Congress.

However, McKeeby noted that, “When provided in the past, Pakistan has used USfunded equipment and US-provided technology to significant effect in their counterterrorism efforts. Pakistan's F-16 is one key example of how US support has improved Pakistan's precision strike capability and capacity to combat terrorist elements in North Waziristan.”

Those operations, he noted, are “in the national interests of both Pakistan and the United States.”

Modernization Efforts More F-16s would certainly speed up Pakistan's modernization efforts and Aman also stated the intention to replace the older generation of jets, such as the Mirage III/5 aircraft, by 2020.

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December 30, 2015 Continued Wed DEFENSE NEWS JF-17 Still an Option in Egypt-Pakistan Defense Cooperation Drive First in line for replacement has been the Chengdu F-7P, of which small numbers are still operational. According to PAF officials the more advanced double-delta winged F-7PG is likely to remain as a point defense interceptor for the time being.

Even if the F-16 sale does not materialize, however, the JF-17 program is on course, and a spokesman for the Air Force said production would be increased to meet export orders. Though no official confirmation has yet been forthcoming, Myanmar is considered by analysts to have been the first export customer.

Four Pakistani Air Force squadrons are now equipped with the JF-17 and the number will grow as China and Pakistan signed a deal in April for the delivery of 50 aircraft in the coming three years.

Some parts of the JF-17, such as the rear fuselage, are still manufactured in China

by Chengdu.

Even without further F-16s, Tufail believes the JF-17 can easily replace the remaining F-7P and Mirage III/5 fleets in the desired timeframe.

"We should have no problem as it is a well-planned and a phased program. The JF-17 production capacity of one squadron (16 aircraft) per year fits in well with the plans to complete the replacement by 2020."

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December 31, 2015 Thu All Day

Economic corridor to raise investment-to-GDP ratio by 2.8 percent -- BR The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will attract $40 billion worth of investment which is projected to raise investment-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio by 2.8 percentage points as well as increase indirect investment.

According to documents available with Business Recorder, financial resources flow of around $40 billion till 2020 would imply around Rs 800 billion per annum or 2.8% of current GDP every year thereby augmenting domestic investable resources.

Industrial Park will enhance exports by $1-1.5 billion per annum in the short-run and boost export prospects in the long-run as well. The documents further reveal that the interface of Chinese investors with Pakistani businessmen will improve business sophistication and support technological transfer in the country. This investment will spur economic activity and given employment elasticity will create around 2 million new jobs.

The investment in hard currency will also support exchange rate stability in the country and stabilise the balance of payments situation. Potential GDP growth will be adjusted upward from existing 5% to 8% and thus will help reduce poverty by boosting per capita income in the country. The investment-to-GDP ratio will be jacked up from existing dismal 14% of GDP to 20% plus.

Additional benefits for Pakistan economy under CPEC include vast amounts of foreign exchange in transit fees, alleviation of the country's energy crisis, boost to Pakistan's trade, investment entailed in network of roads, rails, mass transit systems and energy routes that would modernise Pakistan's economic infrastructure and lead to transfer of technology and new business processes. The regional integration will bring peace and tranquility in the region and peace dividend would be the greatest benefit for the people of the region.

China and Pakistan have signed many bilateral agreements, like Free Trade Agreement, Bilateral Investment Treaty, Double Taxation Agreements, Customs related agreements/ procedures, Pak-China Joint Investment Company, bilateral contracts, currency swap arrangements and MOUs in various fields and other agreements. The existing arrangements along with new CPEC would work as catalyst in boosting economic activity in crucial areas.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will link remote areas of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Bilgit-Baltistan and Punjab. The economic potential of these areas is under-exploited and projects like Optical Fiber line, digitalisation and infrastructure will open window of opportunity in these areas. This digitalization will add half a percent to GDP growth and enable the country to fully reap the benefits of 3G and 4G. The infrastructure projects will enhance connectivity and enhanced mobility will create economic value. The underemployment and unemployment in these areas will be cured as a result of these projects in poorest areas.

Special Economic Zones and Investment would allow economic corridors along major transport and communication networks to fully harness the physical and human resources of the country, contribute to the value chain of finished products in the region, enable relocation of industry to utilise the abundant labor at lower costs and utilise the abundant savings in the region for higher return investment in a saving deficient developing country. Trade Facilitation will clear the impediments in the free movement of transport, goods and people for reducing the costs of logistics. Establishment of Havelian Dry port as a multi modal transportation of goods to facilitate the trade and investment in the country will feed in to prospective economic zones in the corridor.

Operationalizing Gwadar port will make it a regional hub and gateway of South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia. The port offers a strategic toehold in the energy rich Central Asian region and provides an alternative trade link to China's western provinces. Modern infrastructure development in the Gwadar city will make it a modern town, thereby creating thousands of employment for Baloch youth. Karachi airport will also get benefit from interlinkages between the two ports. Investments 1722

December 31, 2015 Continued Thu under the framework in regional infrastructure including transport, communications and energy are expected to benefit both Pakistan and China. Pakistan's regional infrastructure investment needs till year 2020 are estimated to be $179 billion.

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CROWN OF THE BEST COMMERCIAL SCHEMES

The title “Gwadar's largest commercial scheme� Al-Noor cargo city holds this distinct.

Al-Noor cargo city is also known as Gwadar's first strategic commercial scheme.

Al-Noor cargo city is situated in the mid of Gwadar airport and Gwadar sea port. It has one-kilometer wide front on the 205ft wide main Baluchistan Broadway and 150ft wide Existing coastal highway.

Al-Noor Cargo City gives an eye-catching stance to both local and international investors due to its strategic location. In addition, just 1500 yards distance to Deep Sea East Bay gives another edge to Al-Noor Cargo City.