ISLAMABAD: China has shared several proposals, including an anti-terrorism cooperation agreement and a joint security company, amid a renewed interest in deepening economic relations under the second phase of the CPEC.
The multibillion dollar corridor project is poised to get a boost after Beijing again conveyed its willingness to kick-start it, government sources told.
As part of the plan, China has also proposed to include nearly two dozen leftover projects of Phase-I in the Phase-II of CPEC. The projects are related to railways, road infrastructure, LNG terminals, copper mines, hydropower and special economic zones. Both sides may sign an agreement on anti-terrorism cooperation to address Chinese security concerns, said the sources. During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing, both sides had reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with “zero tolerance” attitude, and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and security through a comprehensive approach, according to the joint statement issues after the visit.
The sources said that China has also proposed to establish a joint company to ensure the security of its citizens already working in Pakistan or will be engaged during CPEC Phase-II.
Under Phase-I, both sides have completed 38 projects worth $25.2 billion. Of these, 17 projects valued at $18 billion were completed in the energy sector. About 26 projects worth $26.8 billion are in the pipeline and many of those have been included in CPEC Phase II. –Agencies
