The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission have signed a contract with China Great Wall Industry Corporation for collaboration in the development and launch of Pakistan remote sensing satellite system. The collaborative contract will open new vistas of bilateral socio economic and scientific development.[1]
Pakistan and China are working diligently and enthusiastically for the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in the promptest way. In a review meeting of (CPEC), Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized to accelerate pace of work of the projects to ensure timely completion.[2]
Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, declared that the government has initiated a programme to send 500 youth to China for learning Chinese language. Since China is an emerging economy, he asserted that learning Chinese language is essential to promote bilateral relationships.[3]
Pakistan army is seeking a more active and formal role in the administration of the CPEC. It has set up a CPEC Authority for the smooth execution of the CPEC project. Since Pakistan’s uncertain domestic security and the geography of the CPEC route, China would be eager to see the Pakistani military play an expanded role.[4]
Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni has said that the CPEC had enormous potential, but geopolitical and economic rivalries in the region could affect it. Furthermore, he said that a great game was being played in the region. However, Italy doesn’t have any hidden agenda regarding the CPEC.[5]
[1] http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pakistan-china-to-launch-satellite-to-monitor-cpec-projects/
[2] http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/114095-Minister-directs-speedy-completion-of-CPEC-projects
[3] http://dailytimes.com.pk/punjab/21-Apr-16/two-year-course-in-china-cm-encourages-students-to-enhance-value-of-green-passport
[4] http://thediplomat.com/2016/04/pakistans-army-seeks-greater-authority-over-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-administration/
[5] http://dailytimes.com.pk/pakistan/21-Apr-16/regional-rivalries-can-affect-cpec-says-italian-fm