Beijing - China and Pakistan are poised to finalize significant agreements pertaining to motorways and highways during the upcoming four-day visit of caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to Beijing, commencing on Monday. This development is part of the extensive $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, as reported by Dawn newspaper.

Prime Minister Kakar is scheduled to depart for Beijing on October 16, where he will participate in the 'Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation' from October 17 to 18.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, Kakar will not only attend the opening ceremony of the BRF but also deliver an address at the high-level forum titled 'Connectivity in an Open Global Economy.'

One of the notable Memoranda of Understanding to be signed during this visit pertains to the establishment of a modern Highway Research and Training Centre (HRTC) with assistance from China. This project will hold a prominent position in discussions between the prime minister and Chinese authorities.

The HRTC is a subsidiary of the National Highway Authority (NHA) and specializes in indigenous research across various domains of highway engineering, encompassing pavements, bridges, tunneling, environmental engineering, hydraulics, Geotech, and technical training. It also collaborates with various engineering institutes, including the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), especially in the field of pavements.

Additionally, the National Highway Authority has proposed a partnership with the Tunnelling Institute of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) for research in tunnelling.

Within the CPEC framework, there is a promising joint research program scheduled with the government of China, spanning from 2023 to 2027, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in various aspects of highway engineering. A formal memorandum of joint research extension will be concluded and signed during this visit.

The HRTC Research Institute will be constructed on 530 acres, which have already been acquired by the NHA at a cost of Rs 520 million. The institute's construction will be carried out by a Chinese consultant, funded by a Chinese grant of USD 52 million (Rs 15 billion), encompassing infrastructure, a test track, and indoor and outdoor lab equipment. After completion and requisite training, it will be handed over to the NHA for operation.

This institute will also engage in long-term pavement performance studies under controlled and uncontrolled conditions, as well as various research projects related to reclaimed asphalt, bridges, tunnelling, training, and degree courses in China. It will also contribute to the development of engineering design manuals and standards for Pakistan.

During his visit, Kakar will also sign an MoU to upgrade the Karakoram Highway (KKH) on various sections, introduce a motorway section connecting Havelian to Mansehra, and discuss the construction of a motorway from Dera Ismail Khan to Zhob. The Gwadar port will remain a focal point of discussion during the meetings in Beijing, as outlined in the report.