DevelopmentPakistanPolitics
Chinese Consulate being established in Gilgit
Gilgit – The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan has said that their government would consider establishing a consulate in Gilgit. He said this while visiting the northern areas a couple of days ago. Luo Zhaohui expressed hope that such a step will facilitate trade and tourism between the two countries.
He also reviewed security measures taken by the government of Pakistan to ensure safety of the Chinese engineers and workers who are going to start expansion work on the Karakuram Highway.
This is a very good news.
As China is following a ‘Look West’ policy to develop the previously neglected natural resource rich western China region including the Xinjiang Province since the late 90s, we have seen great changes taking place across the border. The level of investments in infrastructure, communication, business development and trade and industry has gone up almost 100 times. This has created opportunities for traders from Pakistan to visit Xinjiang and vice versa. Already it is estimated that around 5000 traders from Northern Areas alone trade with China through Khunjerab Pass using the Border Pass.
In the short to medium term, opening up of Chinese consulate Office in Gilgit and Pakistani Consulate in Kashgar and starting air link between Kashgar-Gilgit and Skardo will help boost trade links, tourism and investment opportunities in both regions.
Of course in the long-term the expansion of KKH, rail links, access to Gawadar and open border policies will help create a Free Economic Zone in this mountainous region, which could serve as a transit and trade corridor between South and Central Asia.
The future economic and social security of the mountain people is linked to the economic and social stability in this region. China is a major stabilizing factor and we should continue to build and revitalize our historic relationship on this old silk route with China and CARs.
Amin Beg
This is inference of fresh avenues to open for business, especially, trade between the two countries in general and the two regions in particular. The question is how do we react to these new developments keeping in view our past when we, the border people, could not make the most of the opportunities coming our way in the initial period of KKH.
We should not forget that the job market has been saturating for the last 5-10 years due to massification of education, shrinkage in activities of NGOs, except the short lived NGOs came for Kashmir’s reconstruction and rehabilitation, and competition/tough scrutiny by the employers. In these conditions, being educated, we should shift our archetype and exploit new opportunities in business. Since the geographical structure of our region can only allow us TRADING with calculated risk, therefore, we must learn from our past and opt for proprietorship, partnerships, and private limited companies in the same, at least. Once we establish our base, time will tell where we can reach in the fenceless world of business.
All the best
ali
Pak -China Friendship Grooms
We are proud to have the Chinese Consulate in Gilgit.This is a new era of Pak-China Friendship which needs further groom.Gilgit is the lifeline of Pakistan China Friendship.
We are proud to get a chance that takes us much ahead.
Thanks China,we welcome you.
Muhammad Zuhair
Gilgit
Good step for further development of our area. So welcome China, we hope it will open more doors for many people in the area.
I agree with Amin Baig and Alimember partially that the opening of Chinese consulate will have a far-reaching impact on trade and historical links between the region and the world’s fastest growing economy. But the question is who will benefit from the facilities? Do you think the rogue elements now holding the forte and who have messed up with the financial and management affairs of the Sost Dry Port that regulates and manages the border trade and those who have facilitated dubios sectarian-driven and underworld business? How can you expect stability in the region without involving the local people and genuine political leadership in running the affairs of the region. Without fulfiliing these pre-requisits all the rosey picture you have painted will remain a wishful thinking.
I am very Happy i also agree with all and Alimember partially that the opening of Chinese consulate will have a far-reaching impact on trade and historical links between the region and the world’s fastest growing economy. But the question is who will benefit from the facilities? Do you think the rogue elements now holding the forte and who have messed up with the financial and management affairs of the Sost Dry Port that regulates and manages the border trade and those who have facilitated dubios sectarian-driven and underworld business? How can you expect stability in the region without involving the local people and genuine political leadership in running the affairs of the region. Without fulfiliing these pre-requisits all the rosey picture you have painted will remain a wishful thinking.
Dear Readers
The Chinese are the intellegent nation. In near future China certainly will establish High commission in Gilgit Baltistan. It is not for strengthen its relation with Pakistan , It is a statement of China that in near future Gilgit Baltistan will emegred as a state and then Chine will open her Consulate here.
Dear All
As a statemant given by chinese ambassador to pakistan,i appreciate and warmly wellcome Chinese govt to establish its consulate in gilgit.
We just sick off this unstable country (pakistan).The people of gilgit and baltistan would be beneficiary from this particular project.
Welcome Chinese !
Let Gilgit and Baltistan be a Second Xinjiang or Second Tibet, then all of us will benefit from China as then we all became great Chinese Citizenship !