The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was officially launched by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 20, 2015.
The Launch of CPEC
While CPEC is a large-scale, long-term development project involving the governments and entities of both China and Pakistan, the formal initiation is directly linked to the actions of the heads of state at a specific event. The reference explicitly states that the official launch occurred when Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed significant agreements.
On April 20, 2015, during President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan, the two leaders presided over the signing of 51 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements, valued at a combined $46 billion at the time, laid the groundwork for various CPEC projects across infrastructure, energy, and other sectors.
Key Players in the Official Launch
The official "making" or launching of CPEC, as defined by this pivotal signing event, involved the highest political leadership of both nations:
- China: Represented by President Xi Jinping.
- Pakistan: Represented by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
These leaders, acting on behalf of their respective governments, formalized the collaborative framework for the ambitious economic corridor.
Understanding CPEC's Development
CPEC is more than just a single event; it is an ongoing collaboration. However, the signing ceremony in 2015 marked its official beginning and provided the initial momentum and financial commitments. It is a project born out of diplomatic efforts and strategic planning between the two countries, with the leaders playing the crucial role of endorsing and formalizing the initiative.
Here's a simple breakdown of the key parties involved in the official launch:
| Country | Leader | Role in Launch Event |
|---|---|---|
| China | Xi Jinping | President |
| Pakistan | Nawaz Sharif | Prime Minister |
Their signing of the foundational agreements is recognized as the official act that "made" or launched CPEC as a formally recognized project.
The Significance of the 2015 Agreements
The 51 agreements signed on April 20, 2015, were critical because they:
- Outlined the initial scope and key projects within CPEC.
- Secured significant financial commitments ($46 billion initially).
- Provided the political endorsement required for the project to move forward.
- Cemented the collaboration between China and Pakistan on this strategic initiative.
In essence, while many individuals and organizations contributed to the planning and execution of CPEC, the act of signing the foundational agreements by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was the definitive step that officially brought CPEC into existence.
