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KP govt seals 11 deals with Chinese firms

By our correspondents
April 18, 2017

BEIJING: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Monday signed 11 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with different Chinese companies for the construction of various projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.

"We have set the stage to begin the journey of industrialisation in the KP and we need support of our "Iron Brothers" to put the province on the path of development and economic growth," Pervez Khattak, chief minister KP, said while addressing the signing ceremony.

A statement said the MoUs were signed during the opening session of a road show, showcasing 86 projects in 13 different sectors, held in Beijing. The road show is a joint effort of the government of KP and Embassy of Pakistan.

A large delegation from the KP, comprising both public and private sector, along with representatives from around 400 Chinese companies attended the event during which agreements were inked for projects including information technology systems, special economic zones, power plants, oil refinery, infrastructure, and e-commerce.

Appreciating the “One Belt One Road” initiative announced by Chinese President, Xi Jinping, Khattak said that the CPEC is a flagship component of the initiative and stressed to further enhance economic, cultural, and social cooperation between the two time-tested friends.

“The Chinese companies and businessmen are welcome to take advantage of investment-friendly atmosphere in the province for mutual benefits of the people of two countries,” the chief minister said.  Speaking on the security measures taken by the government, Khattak told the participants of the signing ceremony that Chinese companies, working in the province, were being provided foolproof security.

“A strong security force, comprising 4,500 personnel, has been established for the protection of foreign workforce including Chinese deployed on various development projects,” he said.  Moving forward, Khattak informed the audience that during the last four years, his government has introduced reforms in health, education and infrastructure and created investment-friendly environment in the province.

According to the statement, Senator Shibli Faraz, Ambassador of Pakistan to China Masood Khalid, president China-Pakistan Friendship Association (CPFA) Sha Zhukang, ministers, and senior provincial officials were also present at the signing ceremony.

While emphasising the importance of the CPEC, president CPFA, Sha Zhukang said the success of “One Belt and Road” was tied with the CPEC as it was the pilot project of the initiative. “This project will not only benefit both China and Pakistan but also all the countries and economies along the initiative,” Zhukang said adding it would also add to regional and global economic growth.  The CPFA chief further said the proposed corridor stretching from Kashgar to Gwadar would bring about economic and social progress for the entire Pakistan.

“Chinese companies are already working in KP and providing job opportunities to a large number of locals,” Zhukang noted. Earlier, welcoming the audience, Ambassador Masood Khalid highlighted the visit of the chief minister Khattak. “This road show will go a long way in showcasing the economic potential of the province in multiple sectors,” Khalid said. He further said that Khattak’s visit demonstrated the unity and consensus amongst all provinces of Pakistan on the CPEC.