CPEC, a win-win project for partners: Chinese envoy

ISLAMABAD: Chinese ambassador Yao Jing on Monday urged Pakistan to make China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a part of its national strategy as the project was bound to become a launch pad for long-term development of the South Asian country.

“The CPEC creates a win-win situation for both countries and it will strengthen the bilateral relations even further,” Jing said at a seminar, jointly organised by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (IICR).

“…an economically developed Pakistan is good for not only for China but also the whole region.” Jing said amongst six corridors, the CPEC was progressing smoothly. “China believes the CPEC will put Pakistan on the path of industrialisation, job creation, and regional connectivity," the ambassador said.

He said the CPEC would also help Pakistan overcome energy problems and improve growth through construction of roads, railways, and other infrastructure network. “Beijing wants Pakistan’s private sector to capitalise on the CPEC for growth and expansion,” Jing said urging the business community to make the most of special economic zones by developing joint ventures with Chinese counterparts.

Sheikh Amir Waheed, president ICCI, hailed Chinese leadership for making Pakistan a major part of the corridor that has ushered in a new era of long-term business partnership between the two nations.

“It is hoped the CPEC will put Pakistan on the fast-track of industrialisation, accelerating the pace of development,” Waheed said. He assured the envoy of the trade body’s full cooperation with Chinese embassy for the promotion of business partnerships between private sectors of both countries. Raza Muhammad, member advisory board IICR, said the CPEC would revive old silk route, develop strong connectivity between Kashgar and Gwadar, making the latter one of the biggest deep-sea ports in the world. “China has transformed into a market economy and we have a great opportunity to learn from their experience to put our economy on the path of sustainable growth,” Muhammad added.