CPEC second phase to begin soon: Chinese envoy

LAHORE: Chinese Consul General HE Zhao Shiren has said that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project will begin soon, which will bring prosperity to the people of the region.

He was addressing a national conference on “73 years of Pak-China Diplomatic Relations: Achievements and Way forward” organised by Punjab University School of Communication Studies here on Monday.

Director School of Communication Studies Prof Dr Noshina Saleem, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce Kashif Anwar, faculty members and a large number of students were present. In his address, HE Zhao Shirin said that China would continue to support Pakistan on defence and national security issues and, (Inshallah), Pakistan will soon become a permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations. He also said that in the beginning of June, Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will pay a very important visit to China. He said that China was cooperating with Pakistan in mining, IT, energy and other sectors.

He said that Pakistan was the first country in the Muslim world to recognise the independent status of China in 1951, which was a part of history and the Chinese nation could never forget it. He said that a relationship of trust has also been developed in 73 years among the governments and the peoples of both the countries. He said that the Consul General Lahore will continue to cooperate with the Punjab government in promoting educational, economic and cultural relations.