Prime Minister Imran Khan has stressed the need for further boosting connectivity under the umbrella of Belt and Road Initiative.

Addressing Leaders' Roundtable Session of 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing today, he said we should also consider digital connectivity, mobility of labor and transfer of skills, cultural links and knowledge and innovation connectivity to further expand the scope of the BRI.

To implement these additional areas of connectivity, the Prime Minister, said that the BRI countries should establish a Tourism Corridor for cultural tourism exchanges. They should develop programmes for improving the skills of labor from labor surplus countries to assist the labor deficient countries. He said we should also create multi lingual digital platforms for connecting producers, consumers and skilled job seekers.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan is at the cross-roads of important regions. Throughout our history, we have connected ideas, cultures and commerce.

He said connectivity has been a part of our heritage and the CPEC is giving it modern shape in the 21st century.

Alluding to the Chinese successes, he said President Xi Jinping has given the BRI vision to break barriers, connect people, integrate economies and share prosperity.

Imran Khan said Pakistan is privileged to have been an early partner of China. He said under the CPEC, we are building highways, modernizing rail network, setting up power plants, establishing a port and special economic zones. He said the CPEC is not a transaction rather it is a transformation of our society.

PM Imran Khan noted that the connectivity of Gwadar port with China's Xinjiang region will provide a shorter route for China's imports, reduce the cost for Chinese companies and develop western China as well.

PM Imran holds bilateral meeting with Ethiopian PM

Prime Minister Imran Khan had a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on the sidelines of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing, on Saturday.

The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on the broad range of bilateral matters.

Highlighting Pakistan’s participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations over the past several decades, Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed that Pakistan will continue to contribute to the cause of peace and security in Africa.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance Pakistan attached to further intensifying multi-dimensional ties with the African Continent.

Bilaterally, the Prime Minister proposed upgradation of political, trade, commercial and people-to-people contacts.

The two sides also agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges.

PM calls on Chinese Vice President in Beijing

Prime Minister Imran Khan along with his delegation called on Chinese vice President Wang Qishan in Beijing, on Saturday.

The Chinese Vice President hosted a banquet in honor of Pakistani delegation.

The reception was arranged on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping.