KARACHI: In a significant move to bolster economic cooperation, Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Investment Board (BIB), Bilal Khan Kakar, held a high-level meeting with the Consul General of China, Mr. Yang Yundong, at the Chinese Consulate in Karachi on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the province of Balochistan and China. Both sides conducted a thorough review of ongoing projects and explored new avenues for a long-term partnership. Key discussions centered on institutionalizing their cooperation through new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and organizing joint conferences and business delegation exchanges to foster closer commercial ties.
Vice Chairman Kakar reaffirmed the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to providing a business-friendly environment for foreign investors. He highlighted Balochistan’s strategic geographic location and vast natural resources, emphasizing the province’s central role in realizing the full potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The officials identified several key sectors for expanded collaboration, including agriculture, minerals, fisheries, livestock, and the continued development of the Gwadar port, recognizing them as vital for sustainable economic growth.
Consul General Yang Yundong expressed China’s firm resolve to enhance its long-standing partnership with Balochistan. He appreciated the province’s focused efforts on promoting sustainable development and investment.
A critical point of consensus was the importance of security and stability for the successful implementation of investment projects. Both sides agreed that a peaceful environment is fundamental to ensuring investor confidence and the safe, sustainable execution of CPEC initiatives and other joint ventures.
Meanwhile in a brazen late-night attack, a large gang of armed bandits robbed hundreds of passengers on the National Highway near Khuzdar, raising serious questions about security in the region.
The incident occurred near the Zawa check-post on the vital Karachi-Quetta route. Eyewitnesses reported that the robbers blocked the highway by parking a truck in the middle of the road, stopping all traffic for several hours.
