The 8th China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Media Forum Successfully Held in Pakistan

Source: Pakistan Research Center, Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences

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Media Cooperation Strengthens the High-Quality Development of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor

On December 20, 2023, the 8th China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Media Forum was successfully held in Pakistan, bringing together government officials, media leaders, diplomats, scholars, and representatives from both China and Pakistan to discuss the role of media cooperation in advancing the high-quality development of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.

The forum highlighted the growing importance of media exchanges in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), strengthening people-to-people connectivity, and fostering a closer China–Pakistan community with a shared future.

Senior Officials Deliver Remarks

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong sent a congratulatory message to the forum.

At the opening ceremony, remarks were delivered by:

• Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong;
• Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi;
• Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.

Online speeches were also delivered by:

• Zheng Qingdong, President of the Economic Daily;
• Wu Xu, Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Journalists Association;
• Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.

Representatives emphasized that media organizations play an essential role in promoting mutual understanding, enhancing public communication, and presenting objective narratives about China–Pakistan cooperation.

Gwadar Hosts a Forum Sub-Venue for the First Time

One of the highlights of this year's forum was the establishment of a sub-venue in Gwadar, Balochistan Province, marking the first time that the event included activities in the port city.

Gwadar, a flagship project of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, has become an important symbol of bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and maritime logistics. Holding part of the forum in Gwadar reflected the city's growing significance in the next stage of CPEC development.

The opening ceremony was broadcast live by Pakistan Television (PTV), enabling audiences across Pakistan to follow the discussions and keynote speeches.

Celebrating Ten Years of the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC

Forum participants noted that 2023 marked the tenth anniversary of both the Belt and Road Initiative and the launch of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, milestones that have created historic opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

Over the past decade, CPEC has contributed to Pakistan's development through projects in:

• Transportation infrastructure;
• Energy generation and transmission;
• Port development;
• Industrial cooperation;
• Digital connectivity;
• Human resource development;
• Educational and cultural exchanges.

Participants agreed that continued cooperation would further support sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity while deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.

Media as a Bridge Between the Two Peoples

Speakers emphasized that media organizations have a shared responsibility to strengthen communication between the peoples of China and Pakistan.

The forum encouraged media professionals to:

• Promote objective and fact-based reporting;
• Share stories highlighting successful bilateral cooperation;
• Enhance cultural understanding and people-to-people exchanges;
• Foster dialogue through responsible journalism;
• Work together to address misinformation and improve international communication.

Participants agreed that stronger media collaboration can help build greater public understanding of the achievements and future potential of China–Pakistan cooperation.