CPEC to ensure prosperity in region, says Marriyum

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will ensure prosperity and development in the region.Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of CPEC Cultural Caravan Festival here Sunday, Marriyum said the Pak-China friendship is based on mutual respect and love and is a wonderful part of our history. She appreciated the PNCA management’s efforts to conduct the festival and artists for their commendable performance.

Marriyum said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has taken initiative to launch this mega project for bright future of coming generations of the country. She said cultural agreement signed between the two countries is a unique agreement and will ensure exchange of experiences in several sectors. She said Pakistan will take part in Shanghai Film Festival. She said the film and broadcasting policy will be announced today (Monday).

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing said CPEC is a way to establish people to people contacts between the two countries.

He said his government is keen to start CPEC scholarship, CPEC training and several programmes with Pakistan. He said that both governments of Pakistan and China are taking bold measures for the success of the mega project.

Marriyum said the cultural agreement signed between Pakistan and China will ensure enhanced coordination between press and publication. She said research, technology exchange, capacity building, scholarships and exchange of higher education are also part of the agreement.

Marriyum said that for the first time in the history, Pakistani films will be exhibited in Chinese cinemas. She said strengthening of cultural infrastructure, film industry and broadcasting are main objectives of the film and cultural policy. She said financial allocation and incentives are also included in the policy. Marriyum said artists of both countries are ambassadors of Pakistan. She said they are projecting Pakistan as a progressive and peaceful country internationally. She said democracy is imperative for freedom of expression for artists and journalists.