Youth investment key to boosting Pak-China relations

Strengthening Ties Through Education and Cultural Exchange

President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of investing in youth and education during his recent visit to Kashgar University in Xinjiang, highlighting its role in fostering long-term cooperation between Pakistan and China. The President's visit underscored the significance of academic and cultural linkages as a cornerstone of the Pak-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

During his interaction with students and faculty members, the President praised the university for its contributions across various disciplines, including science, engineering, technology, agriculture, social sciences, arts, culture, music, and dance. He also met with Pakistani students who are studying at the institution, many of whom come from regions like Gilgit, Hunza, Dir, and Chitral. The students shared that their education and living expenses are fully supported by the Chinese government, along with stipends for daily needs. The President encouraged them to work hard and contribute to strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

The President was briefed on the university's history and its current status as a regional hub for learning and cultural exchange. He was particularly interested in the Centre for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which supports research and collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative plays a vital role in enhancing economic ties and infrastructure development between the two countries.

Exploring Trade and Logistics Hubs

In addition to visiting the university, President Zardari toured the Kashgar Free Trade Zone, an essential facility in southern Xinjiang. The zone, established in 2015, spans 3.56 square kilometers and offers a range of services, including bonded warehousing, logistics, processing, customs clearance, and air freight. It has trade connections with 118 countries and handles exports such as electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, high-tech goods, and auto parts.

The President was informed about the zone’s connectivity through road, rail, and air routes, linking it to both Asia and Europe. It is connected to Sost port in Gilgit-Baltistan, just 400 kilometers away, and Gwadar port, located 2,000 kilometers away. The zone facilitates both imports and exports through these routes, making it a critical node in regional trade.

During his visit, the President also explored stalls and kiosks representing various countries, including Central Asian states, European nations, South Korea, and Japan. Officials provided insights into the digital trade centre established in 2024, which hosts over 5,400 companies, and the cross-border e-commerce exhibition centre showcasing duty-free products from across Central Asia and beyond.

Advancing Economic Collaboration

President Zardari was also updated on the 'Two Countries, Twin Parks' initiative, which includes an authorised Uzbekistan industrial park enabling warehouse-to-warehouse delivery within 72 hours. A Kyrgyzstan-backed park is under development for automotive assembly and LED production. These projects reflect the growing economic collaboration between Pakistan and China.

The President was accompanied by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, the Pakistani ambassador to China, and the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan during the visit. Their presence highlighted the significance of the trip and the mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Promoting Cultural Understanding

In addition to his visits to educational and trade institutions, President Zardari paid a visit to the historic Etigar Mosque in Kashgar, one of the region's most renowned religious and cultural landmarks. The visit reflected the growing cooperation between Pakistan and China in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening bilateral ties.

Upon arrival, the President was warmly welcomed by Yao Ning, CPC Party Secretary of Kashgar, and Imam Maimaiti Juben. The Imam guided the President through the mosque, sharing its rich history. During the visit, the President offered Asr prayer and admired the architectural grandeur of the centuries-old mosque.

The visit marked another step in consolidating the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. Both countries remain committed to deepening their historical ties and advancing shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity.