Summary He also emphasised upon the importance of solar energy systems and advanced meteorological systems for Pakistan’s future.
ISLAMABAD (APP) - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-II would focus on innovation, industrial development, and people-to-people connectivity.
Growth corridors, innovation corridors, livelihood corridors, and regional development initiatives would form part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-II, he said.
The Minister said this while addressing annual award ceremony for outstanding Pakistani and Chinese staff working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects here in ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives auditorium.
Addressing the ceremony, the minister paid rich tribute to Pakistani and Chinese professionals, particularly engineers, terming them the true architects of CPEC projects who worked tirelessly to bring these initiatives to fruition.
The minister said annual award ceremony for outstanding Pakistani and Chinese staff working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects was not merely a distribution of awards but recognition of their spirit of service and dedication.
He also emphasised upon the importance of solar energy systems and advanced meteorological systems for Pakistan’s future.
Stressing upon human resource development, he said Pakistani students studying in China should return home and contribute to national progress under development initiatives.
The minister further said that discussions had been held on the China-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor aimed at ensuring access to quality higher education for the younger generation.
He reiterated that Pakistan attached great importance to its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China.
The minister recalled that at the launch of CPEC, Pakistan was facing up to 18 hours of load shedding, adding that it was China which invested in Pakistan’s energy sector and helped overcome the crisis.
He noted that over the past decade, CPEC has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic development.
“Friends are those who stand by you in times of need,” he remarked, adding that without CPEC, Pakistan might still have been struggling with severe power shortages.
The minister said the agreements signed at the event would give new impetus to ongoing development projects and further strengthen Pakistan-China partnership.He highlighted that the geo-political importance of Gwadar had increased significantly due to CPEC.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said that this year marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
He noted that recent high-level visits resulted in agreements on CPEC projects and broader bilateral cooperation.
He informed that Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar is currently visiting China and is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss important regional and bilateral matters.
The ambassador appreciated the steps taken by Pakistani leadership in the current situation and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties for the benefit of both nations.
