China investing in Pakistan’s future, says envoy

LAHORE:Chinese Consulate Deputy Consul General Peng Zhengwu has said Pakistan has played its role in promoting regional peace and stability by greeting and felicitating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his victory in 2019 elections, but India did not avail it.

Responding to questions of the participants at Forman Christian College (University) here on Wednesday after the presentation on a position paper “Changing Dynamics of China-India Relations: CPEC and Prospects for Pakistan”, Peng Zhengwu said Pakistan gives a good will gesture for regional peace by welcoming and greeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election win. However, he explained Indian stance by translating a Chinese proverb ‘you cannot wake up a person who is pretending of sleeping’.

Founding Director of Centre for Public Policy and Governance Dr Saeed Shafqt and Saba Shahid Research fellow jointly presented the paper covering the changing dynamics of China-India relations in the backdrop of China investment in Pakistan through the CPEC projects.

Commenting on revoking of Article 370 and 35 A of the Indian Constitution, Indo-Pak bitter ties and Chinese stance on Kashmir issue, Peng said that China was only country which takes up the issue in the Security Council. ‘We are always standing by with Pakistan”, he said, adding that China wants very good relations with Pakistan and India and also between Pakistan and India to stabiles the region. ‘Stable region will lead to shared future of the region and the world. Peace is good for everyone and benefits the world. We want a stable peaceful world and this is China policy”, he mentioned.

Talking about controversies and transparency issues raised on the CPEC projects in Pakistan, he said when the PTI government came to power its stance on CPEC projects was similar like a new drive who wants to drive car but does not how to start. “We have several rounds of discussions on Phase I and II of CPEC projects and these discussions were fruitful as some good news already came and more are coming”. The government is happy with the development and progress on CPEC projects.

Commenting on US remarks for terming the CPEC a debt trap and environmental hazards for Pakistan, Peng said if such the situation then why Americans want to be part of it. Why US firms want to be part of technology projects of the CPEC.

Talking about the US objections on the CPEC projects, Peng mentioned these projects were open and on competitive biddings. “We welcome Americans to come and participate in CPEC projects through fair play. But American companies cannot win projects bids in fair play”, he said.

On people to people exchanges under CPEC, the deputy Consul General said that in the first phase government to government projects were launched under the CPEC which are backbone of it and specifically designed.

In phase II non-government projects were also being launched which will greatly benefit Pakistan likewise government to government projects.

Talking about the preferential trade agreements with Pakistan, he mentioned that Pakistan availed only 30 percent of duty free exports to China in the last year by sending only USD 300 million worth of exports against the USD 1 billion dollar agreement. “Pakistan needs to make investment in human development to increase the exports”.

He asserted that CPEC projects are beneficial for Pakistan and China was investing for Pakistan’s future. Through CPEC projects China wants to make Pakistan a hub for trade to Middle East and European countries. He believed that CPEC projects were further strengthening Sino-Pak ties.