Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Monday that China is ready to work with Pakistan to make further efforts to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into a demonstration project for the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Li made the remarks when attending a ceremony with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to mark the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport project.
The new airport is a key facility for the Gwadar Port to become a regional connectivity hub and an important symbol of the further deepening of the construction of the CPEC, Li said.
Since its launch, the CPEC has achieved fruitful results with the concerted efforts of both sides and played a positive role in promoting Pakistan's economic and social development and regional integration, Li noted.
He also said that on the CPEC cooperation, China is willing to join Pakistan to follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and highlight openness, green development and integrity, as well as high standards, people's well-being and sustainability.
Li hailed the new international airport as a vivid illustration of the special friendship between China and Pakistan.
Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has been continuously deepened, and the China-Pakistan ironclad friendship, which has stood the test of changes in the international situation, is unbreakable, Li said.
Going forward, the Chinese side will continue to work with Pakistan to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era and deliver more benefits to the two peoples, he added.
For his part, Shehbaz also hailed the airport as another demonstration of the friendship of the two countries, saying that the completion of the project will allow the Gwadar Port to better play its role of a hub, and bring unprecedented development opportunities to Pakistan.
Pakistan is willing to continue to join hands with China to speed up cooperation on the "upgraded version" of the CPEC, and push for more fruitful results in building the Pakistan-China community with a shared future, he added.
China ready to join Pakistan to turn economic corridor into demonstration project: Premier Li
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
