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KABUL – In a highly anticipated event, leaders from across the globe are converging at the third Belt and Road Summit in China this week, where Pakistan is expected to secure new deals under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a crucial aspect of the Belt and Road initiative. Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host delegates from 130 countries and 30 global organizations at this forum, commemorating a decade of the initiative.
Taliban’s acting commerce minister’s confirmed participation underscores the strengthening ties between China and Afghanistan. The South China Morning Post reported ongoing discussions between China and the Taliban regarding plans initiated under the previous Western-backed Afghan government to develop a substantial copper mine in eastern Afghanistan. Back in 2010, Afghanistan estimated its untapped mineral resources to be valued between US$1 trillion and US$3 trillion.
The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, often referred to as the modern Silk Road, is scheduled from October 17 to 18. Notably, the leaders last convened at this forum in 2019, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. The 2019 forum witnessed the presence of 5,000 delegates, including 37 state heads and representatives from seven high-level international organizations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed his attendance at this year’s summit, expressing Russia’s affinity for the Belt and Road initiative. In a statement to Chinese media prior to his journey, Putin emphasized the initiative’s inclusive approach, saying, “Beijing endeavors to find projects and ways of achieving common goals that are acceptable for everybody. This is a specific feature of current China, headed by President Xi Jinping, in building relations with others. Nobody imposes anything on anyone else; nobody enforces. Only an opportunity is offered.” Reports suggest that Putin’s discussions at the summit will encompass energy and transactions in national currencies.
Pakistan’s Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar is also confirmed to attend the summit. It is expected that Pakistan will enter into new agreements, particularly in the realm of highway construction, further advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office tweeted, “At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will visit China to participate in the ‘Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation,’ being held in Beijing. He will hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping, senior Chinese officials, business leaders and investors, as well as a number of leaders attending the Forum.”
As the summit unfolds, the world watches closely as major players converge to discuss projects and cooperation that are set to shape the future of trade and infrastructure on a global scale. Top of Form
