The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning have finalized preparations for the upcoming visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, marking his first visit to Pakistan in 11 years. Several important agreements are expected during the visit, including the soft launch of the New Gwadar International Airport and a $2 billion loan agreement for the reconstruction of the Karakoram Highway.
Sources have revealed that the soft launch of the New Gwadar International Airport is highly anticipated. The project, which has cost approximately PKR 54.98 billion, will be capable of accommodating large aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
Additionally, progress is expected on the Kohala Hydropower Project and the Azad Pattan Hydropower Project. The Pakistani government is also eager to finalize the financial closure agreement for the Gwadar Coal Power Plant. Discussions may also include China’s interest in projects related to offshore oil and gas reserves.
However, no significant progress is expected on the critical ML-1 railway project.
A protocol for the export of donkey meat from Pakistan to China is also likely to be signed. Furthermore, an agreement for a $2 billion loan for the reconstruction of the Karakoram Highway is expected, along with a potential currency swap agreement between the State Bank of Pakistan and China’s central bank. This agreement would allow trade payments to be made in yuan and Pakistani rupees, facilitating smoother transactions between the two countries.
