CPEC enters into new stage of expansion: Chinese envoy

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong has said that with the completion of the early harvest projects, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered a new stage of enrichment and expansion.

He said this while exchanging the views with Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, both expressed their confidence and expectation for the bright prospect of the CPEC, says a press release.

Ambassador Nong said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with President Xi Jinping's Special Representative, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Dushanbe was a good success. China appreciates the great importance Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Pakistani government attach to China-Pakistan practical cooperation and their positive efforts to this end. With the completion of the early harvest projects, the CPEC has entered a new stage of enrichment and expansion.

Agriculture, industry and social livelihood projects, which are of great concern to the PTI government, will be the focus of CPEC Phase II. Positive progress has been made in relevant cooperation, and CPEC is right on its way towards a demonstration project of high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative. As Prime Minister Imran said, the CPEC is a trans-formational project. China is ready to work with Pakistani side to create a sound environment for the CPEC and bilateral practical cooperation to achieve mutual benefit and common development.

Planning Minister Asad Umar agreed with Ambassador Nong's remarks, saying that the PTI government has been committed to advancing the CPEC while significant progress has been made in Gwadar Port, energy and infrastructure sector, as well as the construction of SEZs.

He reiterated the remarks made by PM Khan during his meeting with State Councilor Wang Yi, stressing that Pakistan will do its utmost to protect the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan and resolutely push forward the construction of the CPEC that benefits the Pakistani people and the country beyond.