PM vows to elevate transformative nature of CPEC to greater heights

Beijing: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq has expressed Pakistan's strong commitment to elevate the transformative nature of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to make it a true game changer.

During an interactive session with a delegation of Chinese think tanks and scholars in Beijing today (Tuesday), he said: “The next phase of the CPEC should seek a deeper integration of our economies with a focus on diversification and innovation. Pakistan aspires to learn from the Chinese model to build its industrial parks and Special Economic Zones”.

Referring to the signing of CPEC framework agreement on industrial cooperation last year, Anwaar-ul- Haq Kakar stated that we must now fully utilize this framework as an instrument for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The Prime Minister invited the Chinese companies to invest in solar parks in Pakistan, saying that Pakistan is already working to ramp up the share of renewables in its energy mix to as much as 65% by 2030.

Prime Minister Kakar also stressed for further strengthening connectivity and linkages between China's Xinjiang and Pakistan. He continued that this region's greater integration into CPEC will strengthen the economic ties between Pakistan and China, ensuring efficient movement of goods, technologies and investments.

The Prime Minister termed skill development and vocational training programs as critical to ensuring the success of the CPEC.

As CPEC continues to unfold, we are poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities that will shape our destiny and contribute to the regional prosperity, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said.

He added that through CPEC and its extension to Afghanistan and other regional countries, we are seeking to create new drivers of growth that will accrue benefits for the wider region and beyond.

The Prime Minister stated we are open to welcoming new partners who wish to join us in drawing benefits from the CPEC.

“Both China and Pakistan are determined to make Gwadar a hub for regional connectivity that will facilitate cross regional trade including between the Central Asia and the Middle East”.  This, he said, will foster new opportunities and generate hope for better future for millions of people across these regions.

Anwaar-ul-Haq is determined that CPEC is not just an economic corridor, it is a symbol of China-Pakistan strategic partnership. It is also an expression of Pakistan's determination to achieve progress and a pathway to a bright future.

The Prime Minister said China and Pakistan have a time tested relationship based on mutual trust and shared interests. Despite vagaries of international politics, our friendship has remained steadfast, resilient and forward looking. There is no bilateral relationship more important and consequential for Pakistan than its friendship with China.

He said this special relationship enjoys across the board national consensus in Pakistan. He categorically stated that Pakistan will not allow anything to undermine its unique affinity and affection for China.

In their remarks, Chinese academics and scholars underscored the importance and significance of CPEC as a great partnership between Pakistan and China under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

They also reaffirmed the continued interest of Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan's Special Economic Zones and to contribute to the further growth of CPEC, enhanced regional connectivity and sustainable development.

At the roundtable, the participants agreed that through collective efforts of the two nations, CPEC can become a pivot for regional trade and connectivity and a bridge for people-to-people contacts.