Global @ China | Pakistani Scholar Mingzhu: "The China Pakistan Economic Corridor brings transformative impacts!"

Mingzhu, a Pakistani scholar and researcher at a globalization think tank

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" initiative and the launch of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Over the past 10 years, China and Pakistan have maintained a steadfast friendship and achieved fruitful results. Recently, Mingzhu, a Pakistani scholar and researcher of the globalization think tank who has made many field visits to projects under the framework of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, received an exclusive interview on www. overseas. com and shared her deep affinity with China. She praised the "transformative impact" of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor for Pakistan, and expressed her expectation for the "the Belt and Road" initiative to further improve global governance.

It's fortunate to have a Chinese name that symbolizes the friendship between China and Pakistan

Influenced by his father, Mingzhu has been associated with China since childhood. Her father used to work for Pakistan International Airlines and frequently traveled between China and Pakistan, often bringing Chinese decorations and souvenirs to his family. Under the influence of his ears and eyes, Xiao Mingzhu's interest and love for China were deeply buried in his heart.

In 2015, Mingzhu was admitted to Tsinghua University, and with a longing for the future, she set foot on the land of China. When collaborating on publishing an article, a friend gave her the Chinese name "Mingzhu". "'Zhu 'means' Tianzhu', referring to a historical stage of close cultural exchange between China and ancient Pakistan. 'Mingzhu enthusiastically said,' I feel lucky to have this Chinese name, and I really like it. It emphasizes the friendship between China and Pakistan. '"

Having been in China for 8 years, Ming Zhu's footprints have spread throughout the north and south of the Yangtze River, and he has personally felt the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people. She said that although she knew from a young age that China was a good friend of Pakistan, the welcome she received in China was still unexpected. "Every time I introduce myself from Pakistan, Chinese people warmly exclaim, 'Oh! Pakistan Railway! Good friend!' This reaction makes people feel very warm."

Years of on-site visits and observations in China have also unlocked Mingzhu's new understanding of Chinese society. She said that she has visited many countries in East Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, but the level of security in Chinese society is "incomparable.". "Not only is Beijing and Shanghai very safe, but even if I go to a second or third tier city or a small village, I always feel safe. Whether it's riding a bicycle alone at 2am or walking alone on the street, there's no need to worry about safety. This is definitely an unprecedented experience for me."

It is shocking to witness the achievements of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor

In 2013, the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor was launched. As an important pilot project for the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road", the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor with a total length of more than 3000 kilometers has achieved fruitful results over the past decade, becoming a "new benchmark" for China Pakistan friendship. When discussing the impact of this project on Pakistan, Mingzhu couldn't help but sigh, "This is transformative."

Mingzhu has conducted multiple on-site inspections of projects under the framework of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, such as Gwadar Port, and witnessed the joint efforts of the two countries to promote cooperation and bring development results and benefits to the local people's livelihood. Among them, the promotion of women's education and employment has left a deep impression on her. The dropout rate of women in Gwadar City was originally very high. Ming Zhu introduced that since the China aided construction of the China Pakistan Faqu'er Primary School was put into use, local women do not have to go to other places to study, and the quality of education has also been greatly improved. She also said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has built many large-scale infrastructure projects and hired many women, which is "unbelievable.".

Mingzhu comes from Lahore, the second largest city in Pakistan. In her opinion, this city has a population of millions but lacks a suitable public transportation system. Fortunately, the Orange Line subway constructed by a Chinese company opened for operation in 2020, ending Pakistan's history of no subway lines. "You can imagine how much people need this subway," Ming Zhu said. The Orange Line subway connects both ends of the city of Lahore, greatly facilitating people's travel. "Its launch is a historic project, a great leap in development, and also a big news in the local area."

In addition to the cooperation of "hard facilities", the China Pakistan Economic Corridor also focuses on the "soft connectivity" of people's hearts. Mingzhu mentioned that in addition to significant improvements in road and energy infrastructure, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has also built a platform for cooperation and coordination between the media, think tanks, and medical institutions of the two countries. The advanced agricultural technology and talents brought by China have significantly enhanced Pakistan's food security, improved its agricultural export capacity, increased employment opportunities, and transformed people's thinking. The establishment and operation of platforms such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor Media Forum can allow more people to see tangible project results, enhance communication and understanding with each other. Mingzhu said so.

Like the "Three Global Initiatives" and look forward to it

China will hold the third the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in October this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently disclosed that as of September 7, more than 90 countries had confirmed their participation. Mingzhu expressed great anticipation for the convening of this forum, hoping that the forum can summarize the achievements of the past 10 years, drive countries to strengthen multilateralism cooperation, and jointly address challenges such as global economic growth slowdown and climate change.

As a researcher of China's foreign policy, Ming Zhu believes that the "the Belt and Road" initiative has played an important role in the international arena. "It keeps pace with the times and echoes reality, helping countries unite and promote cooperation on key issues." Ming Zhu particularly mentioned China's global development initiative, global security initiative, and global civilization initiative, "all of which respond to real problems in a certain field and attempt to propose solutions."

Mingzhu also believes that "the 'the Belt and Road' has enhanced everyone's recognition of connectivity, people to people exchanges and embracing diversity. China's foreign policy has provided the world with better choices, or a new dimension, so that everyone can cooperate."

Mingzhu is full of expectations for the future of the "the Belt and Road" initiative. "Initiatives can help co building countries recognize how to form a practical, feasible, and proactive action plan through relevant projects, thereby improving hard infrastructure, promoting human development, and further improving global governance."

Copyright works from overseas websites are not allowed to be reproduced without authorization.