By. Irfan Siddiqui
Tokyo
Deputy Chairman Senate, Syedaal Khan, has called the ancient Silk Road a timeless symbol of friendship, cooperation, and shared development. Representing Pakistan in a video message at the SCO Forum on Poverty Reduction and the 9th Silk Road International Expo held in Xi’an, China, he highlighted the significance of both platforms in promoting regional connectivity and inclusive growth.
Addressing delegates from across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, Syedaal Khan extended Pakistan’s appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the leadership of Shaanxi Province for hosting the events in the historic city of Xi’an — the heart of the ancient Silk Road and a beacon of regional solidarity.
He praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a visionary project that continues the grand legacy of the Silk Road in modern times. “Pakistan is proud to be one of BRI’s earliest and most active partners,” he stated, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative venture that is investing in infrastructure, energy, technology, and regional integration.
The Deputy Chairman emphasized that this partnership has now evolved into a new and crucial phase—one that focuses on human development, knowledge-sharing, innovation, and environmental sustainability. He stressed the importance of collective efforts in eradicating poverty, strengthening health systems, and enhancing social protection, particularly in the face of climate change and the post-pandemic recovery.
He commended China’s remarkable success in poverty alleviation, calling it a model for developing nations, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Citing domestic initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Programme, youth empowerment programs, and universal health coverage, he said Pakistan is actively working toward inclusive and sustainable growth.
Highlighting agriculture as a key area of mutual interest, Syedaal Khan noted its role in ensuring food security and generating rural employment. He welcomed future collaboration under CPEC and the Silk Road Expo in the fields of smart agriculture, modern irrigation, seed development, and agro-processing.
He also lauded China’s initiative to train 1,000 Pakistani agricultural professionals, noting that the first batch of 300 experts is currently undergoing training in China. “This initiative marks a new chapter in agricultural modernization for Pakistan,” he added.
Stressing the need for stronger cultural, educational, and business-to-business exchanges, Syedaal Khan called for greater investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to pave the way for shared prosperity. “Collaboration in these sectors will open new pathways for mutual growth and understanding,” he said.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Chairman issued a call for unity:
“Let us continue building corridors of peace, prosperity, and inclusive development. Under the banner of regional solidarity and mutual respect, let us move forward together toward a better and shared future where progress is a collective legacy.”
Long Live Pakistan-China Friendship! Long Live Regional Cooperation!
