Lahore: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan stressed on establishing a tourism corridor between the member countries of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), a news source reported. He made the suggestion during his four-day visit to China, attending a leaders’ round table conference. He stated that this measure will help encourage regional connectivity.
In addition to the BRI Tourism Corridor, PM Khan also suggested the setting up of programmes for skill improvement of labour from labour-surplus countries. He added that this development will help support labour-deficient countries. He also stated that creating multilingual digital platforms will help connect consumers, producers, and skilled job seekers.
The PM stressed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not a transaction, but a transformation of society. He added that Gwadar Port’s connectivity to Xinjiang region in China offers a shorter route for Chinese imports as compared to the South China Sea. He said that this way, they have reduced the cost incurred by Chinese companies, and it is going to help develop Western China.
Shedding light over Pakistan and China’s economic relations, PM Khan explained that digital connectivity is significant between BRI member countries. He said that such measures will improve connectivity and benefits under BRI’s agenda. He also stressed the mobility of labour, connectivity through knowledge and innovation, and establishment of cultural links to strengthen the ties created through BRI.
The PM proposed a five-point action plan. This involves tackling climate change, setting up a BRI Tourism Corridor, establishing an office for anti-corruption cooperation, liberalising trade and investment flows to encourage the private sector, and creating a fund for poverty alleviation.
