AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, March 25, 2015 (PPI-OT): “Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) will benefit three billion people inhabiting China, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. CPEC is a vital bridge that connects the ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ and ‘Maritime Silk Road’. Both “the Belt” and “the Road” are visionary concepts for regional connectivity conceived by the Chinese leadership.”
This was stated by Pakistan’s Minister for Planning Development and Reform Mr. Ahsan Iqbal while addressing the scholars at China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) here in Beijing today.
China Institute of International Studies had arranged a special talk on CPEC with Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, who is in Beijing to co-Chair the Joint Coordination Committee meeting on CPEC. Vice Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is the co-chair from China.
The Minister noted that the CPEC will optimize Pakistan’s geographical position at crossroads of Central Asia, the Middle East and South Asia. It will also tap the enormous natural and human resources of Pakistan. By linking China with Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, CPEC will augment the potential of trade and commerce between China, Pakistan and rest of the world. CPEC was, therefore, a landmark project not only for Pakistani economy but also for regional and global economy. This was a win-win project for everybody in the region and beyond.
Highlighting key projects under the rubric of CPEC, the Minister mentioned energy projects of 16000 MW and key infrastructure projects of road and rail networks in Pakistan. He rejected the notion that CPEC was province-specific for Pakistan; instead all provinces and regions of the country stand to benefit from it. He stated that the Islamabad had taken special measures for protection of Chinese workers and foreign investors working in the country. He hoped that peace and stability in Afghanistan would improve the prospects of regional economic recovery. CPEC will curb the tendencies of militancy by providing employment and improving lives and livelihoods for ordinary people.
The Minister stated that prudent economic policies pursued by the government of Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sahrif had stimulated economic recovery in the country. With healthy economy and political stability, the government is now in a position to undertake key energy and infrastructure projects. Chinese financial institutions were the leading source of finance for CPEC. Islamabad was also utilizing funds from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other international sources. All projects under the umbrella of CPEC were commercially viable, environmentally sustainable and make good economic sense.
The Chinese scholars and researchers, participating in the talk at China Institute of International Studies, evinced keen interest in the CPEC. CIIS is a leading think tank in China, specializing in foreign policy and issues of strategic importance, particularly international politics and world economy.
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