ISLAMABAD (Internews): Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, delivered a speech emphasizing the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and the resilience shown in the face of global challenges. His remarks highlighted not only the festive spirit but also the economic and diplomatic milestones that have been achieved over the past year.
While addressing the Chinese new year spring festival celebrations event on Wednesday, ambassador Jiang began by expressing his joy at Pakistan hosting the Chinese new year celebrations, noting that such events are vital for enhancing connectivity and fostering cultural exchanges. “In a world marked by turbulence, it is important to focus on positive developments, and today we celebrate our shared achievements,” he said.
Reflecting on China’s domestic performance in 2024, the ambassador pointed out that under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China successfully navigated internal pressures and external difficulties. He shared that China’s GDP grew by 5% last year, a remarkable feat given the global economic challenges. The growth was not only quantitative but also qualitative, with notable advancements in manufacturing, particularly in high-tech sectors. China is now the largest trading partner of 83 countries and regions by contributing in their economic development.
The agricultural sector also showed stability, contributing 6.9% to China’s GDP, with grain production reaching 1.4 trillion tons. “Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy, and its steady performance is crucial for economic stability,” ambassador Jiang remarked.
Turning his focus to Pakistan, the ambassador expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic recovery and growth. He cited positive figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, predicting a GDP growth of 2.5 to 2.8% for Pakistan, with the government aiming for 3.5%. Notably, Pakistan’s current account showed signs of stabilization, foreign remittances saw growth, and foreign exchange reserves reached new highs.
“We believe that under the leadership of the Pakistani government and through joint efforts from all sectors of society, Pakistan’s economy will continue to grow,” Jiang affirmed. He also underscored the importance of deepening bilateral relations, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In a significant development, the ambassador celebrated the first commercial flight landing in Gwadar, a milestone that showcases the advancement of CPEC and the determination of both nations to strengthen cooperation. “This achievement is the result of the hard work of all ministries and reflects our commitment to advancing bilateral ties,” he said.
Ambassador Jiang also expressed gratitude for the Chinese medical team’s visit to Pakistan, particularly for their work in addressing children’s heart issues. This gesture, he said, is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations and a symbol of China’s support for Pakistan.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador expressed confidence that the strong spirit of resilience shared by both countries would continue to drive mutual success in the years to come.
While addressing the event, federal minister for planning, development, and special initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, presented awards to Chinese engineers for their exceptional work on CPEC projects. The awards recognized their commitment to the development of various sectors across Pakistan.
Minister expressed his gratitude for the Chinese engineers, acknowledging that although they come from China, they have integrated seamlessly into Pakistani society. “These engineers not only contribute to important projects but also celebrate the New Year with us as part of the Pakistani family. Their dedication has been instrumental in the successful completion of CPEC’s historical projects,” he said.
Minister highlighted the transformative effect of CPEC on Pakistan’s economy, noting that the initiative has significantly improved key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and transportation. “CPEC has played a crucial role in the country’s economic growth and has transformed various aspects of Pakistani society,” he added.
Looking ahead, minister expressed optimism for the future of Pakistan-China relations, specifically in the context of CPEC’s continued development. “I am confident that in 2025 and beyond, the relationship between Pakistan and China, along with CPEC, will reach new heights,” he said.
The event celebrated the enduring partnership between the two nations, with both sides acknowledging the shared successes and looking forward to even greater achievements in the future.
