ISLAMABAD: Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has said that the strategic relations between Pakistan and China are attracting the best benefits for the masses on both sides under various cooperative agreements.
While addressing a day-long international conference on Wednesday under the theme of “CPEC: Enhancing Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, ambassador said that there are immense opportunities to increase Pakistani exports through the port of Gwadar and special economic zones.
The conference was organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives in collaboration with the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.
The International Conference attracted distinguished guests, experts, and policymakers to explore the vast potential and strategic significance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The ambassador highlighted the vast opportunities for growth and cooperation in areas such as green energy, oil and gas exploration, and IT, emphasizing that the economic corridor provided a platform for all countries to invest and benefit from it.
He also acknowledged the significant progress made in Pakistan-China relations during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, and expressed hope for further strengthening strategic ties through CPEC.
He said the decades-long friendship between China and Pakistan was strong and stable, adding both countries wanted peace and development in the region and world as well.
He highlighted China’s desire for peace and development in Pakistan, stressing the need for global cooperation to achieve these objectives.
Ambassador underscored China’s commitment to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
He detailed China’s efforts in promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the significant achievements of CPEC, which has brought substantial economic benefits to Pakistan, including $25.4 billion in direct investment and the creation of 236,000 jobs.
Ambassador reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with Pakistan on further enhancing CPEC’s scope and impact, contributing to regional and global prosperity.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, the chief guest of the conference, described CPEC as a game changer that will revolutionize the industrial sector and create new growth opportunities. He acknowledged the pivotal role of President Asif Ali Zardari in CPEC’s inception and highlighted the project’s potential to transform the lives of millions through technological collaboration with China.
Governor Kundi reaffirmed the time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan and expressed optimism about CPEC’s positive impact on the regional economy.
Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra reflected on the achievements of CPEC Phase I and outlined the ambitious scope of Phase II, which includes proposals for five new corridors focusing on growth, livelihood enhancement, innovation, green development, and regional connectivity.
He stressed the importance of agricultural modernization, science and technology cooperation, and job creation in driving Pakistan’s socio-economic development. Mr. Sumra highlighted ongoing projects like the development of Gwadar Port and Free Trade Zone, which are pivotal for regional trade and economic integration.
