Nawaz Sharif’s landmark visit to China

The decision by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to choose China as the destination for his first foreign visit after coming to power was indeed a prudent step that has successfully expanded the scope of Pakistan’s strategic partnership with one of its most trusted allies. It is often said that Pakistan’s relationship with China is “higher than the Himalayas” and this visit has in many ways manifested these words into a tangible form in the shape of several bilateral agreements that both countries have signed. It is though such agreements and MOUs that we can clearly lay down a comprehensive framework that outlines a roadmap to upgrade and expand the economic, trade, cultural and strategic ties between Pakistan and China and quite literally take it even “higher than the Himalayas”. Some of the projects that would start as a result of these agreements most certainly have the potential to positively revolutionize the bilateral trade activity and also transform the entire economic landscape of this region. Or as the prime minister put it quite aptly, be a “game-changer.”
Relations between Pakistan and China have always been exemplary. Both countries take pride in their excellent political, strategic, Cultural and defense ties, and it is important to build upon and continue our cooperation in these areas which would undoubtedly remain an integral part of Pakistan’s foreign policy. However at the same time, there is growing realization on both sides that more needs to be done to expand the Economic and Trade aspects of our ties especially in view of the huge potential that exists in this area. Although trade between Pakistan and China stands at an impressive $12 billion, observers on both sides are convinced that with some innovative planning and meaningful efforts this figure can quite possibly be doubled.
In today’s world where relations between countries are being increasingly shaped by trade diplomacy, the future of Pakistan China relations will also be defined by trade and this visit by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif presented a real opportunity for Pakistan and China to take their economic ties to a new zenith. Especially because just like in Pakistan a new leadership has taken the reins of power in China too, and this was an important juncture for both countries.
As an experienced leader with vision, Nawaz Sharif he was able to recognize this important opportunity quite quickly and this was evident from the discussions he held with the Chinese premier Li Keqiang when they first met in Islamabad in May.
This meeting was important as it enabled the two leaders to develop a rapport that has been the driving force to put in motion a process, which made it possible for them to meet again within a span of a few weeks. Their next meeting in China was with a clear agenda focused on upgrading their strategic and economic ties. The preparatory visit by Pakistani Minister for planning, Ahsan Iqbal, Ambassador (F) Tariq Fatemi and senior Pakistani officials showed Pakistan’s seriousness and laid down the groundwork for the two premiers to finalize the roadmap that will positively transform Pakistan’s relations with China.
The warm welcome by the Chinese leadership for Pakistan is a clear indicator of the importance China attaches to its relations with Pakistan.
So, during this visit both sides not only identified key areas of cooperation but have signed crucial agreements which include the landmark understanding on the “Pak-China Economic Corridor.” Geo-strategic experts will tell you that Pakistan’s strategic location is one of its many strengths. A Glance at the world map is enough to give you an indication of the Pakistan’s crucial geographic proximity. South and Central South Asian States, the Oil rich Gulf Economies and an Economic giant like China are all in its immediate vicinity making Pakistan the gateway that connects this emerging region. While Karachi already provides access to Arabian Sea, but all eyes are fixed on the port of Gwadar
The state of art Port of Gwadar, being developed by the Chinese experts, has the potential to emerge as the major trade gateway that connects this region to the world. This will make Pakistan a hub of trade, commerce and economic activity. It is therefore important that a road link be established linking China to Gwadar and both premiers have agreed to start work on this project. This project is indeed long term, but in the interim a further motorway project has been agreed to link Pakistan’s federal capital Islamabad to its trade capital Karachi through a new motorway that connects Lahore to Karachi. Motorways that link Lahore to Islamabad and Peshawar are already in place, and were built during PM Nawaz Sharif’s previous tenures. Similarly bullet trains connecting various cities in Pakistan are also being started which would not only provide quality transport links but also strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
Energy is vitally important for the economy and this remained on the top of the prime minister’s agenda. He addressed the Pakistan Energy Forum in China, in which leading energy companies based in China took part, in addition to meeting several energy companies bosses to finalize agreements to start and expand solar, coal and alternative energy projects in Pakistan. China is keen to play a key role in supporting Pakistan in meeting its energy needs and this has been a major success of the visit. The prime minister has always attached a lot of importance to the city of Karachi, which is Pakistan’s port city and the commercial and trade capital.
The prime minister’s plan for economic revival of Pakistan has Karachi at its center, and this was evident from his discussions in almost every meeting. His interest to meet and take briefings on metro and subway bosses in China was with Karachi in mind as he is very keen to provide a good and reliable transport system for the residents of Karachi.
Information technology would be at the heart of Pakistan’s journey towards economic revival and in this area Pakistan and China have agreed to expand their cooperation too and lay down a sophisticated network of fiber optic connectivity which is the need of the modern times. Further agreements in textiles as well as health sectors were also signed and the cooperation between Pakistan and China will continue to grow.
While agreements have been signed the key to the entire process would be in the follow up, and it is heartening to know that a “China Cell” has been established in the prime minister’s Office to monitor the progress. Let me tell the prime minister that just like you, even the people of Pakistan would be keeping a close eye on the progress of these projects with hope and optimism as it is absolutely essential that these projects start soon.

Javed Malik is an Adviser to President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and also served as Pakistan’s Ambassador between 2008-2011. He is the president of The Diplomat Business Club based in UAE and can be reached on Twitter @JavedMalik