December 19, 2024 (MLN): Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives stated that 17 completed projects have added 8,904 MW of power to the national grid, helping alleviate energy shortages and support industrial growth.
This statement was made during the inauguration of the "Building an Upgraded Version of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)" workshop organised by China’s National Commission for Development and Reforms (NDRC).
Regarding the infrastructure projects, he said over 888 kilometers of motorways and highways have been completed, with another 853 kilometers under construction, bridging communities and fostering economic integration.
Ahsan Iqbal said that the jewel of CPEC, Gwadar, is evolving into a smart port city and a hub of regional connectivity, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for trade and development in future, according to the press release issued yesterday.
Highlighting digital connectivity, he said that the fiber optic cable laid under CPEC is Pakistan’s new information highway, enabling digital transformation, bridging the connectivity gap, and positioning Pakistan to leverage the opportunities of the digital age.
Ahsan Iqbal pointed out that CPEC projects have also created more than 200,000 jobs, directly benefiting local communities and empowering thousands of households across Pakistan.
He further added that over the past decade, CPEC has proven to be a game-changer for Pakistan.
Projects that once existed only in blueprints have materialized into transformative infrastructure, energy solutions, and digital connectivity, bringing economic vitality and improved livelihoods.
The once-untapped coal reserves of Thar are cheapest source of fuel and provide our energy independence, he added.
This is not just an economic initiative but a transformational force driving social and economic upliftment across the country.
Additionally, social uplift projects, supported by our Chinese partners, have significantly enhanced education, healthcare, and livelihoods in underserved areas, underscoring CPEC’s role as a people-centric initiative, he added.
He opined that one of the most inspiring aspects of the Pakistan-China partnership is China’s spirit of sharing its development experience.
This embodies the principle of “teach your brother how to catch fish.” Instead of providing short-term solutions, China has consistently empowered Pakistan to learn, grow, and implement sustainable solutions for its own development, he added.
The minister said that the modernization and reform of the Chinese economy, which lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, is a remarkable feat in human history.
This transformative journey offers invaluable lessons for Pakistan. From rural development to urban modernization, from industrial policy to technological advancement, China’s experience is a treasure trove of knowledge.
He expressed the confidence that this workshop provides the participants with a unique opportunity to not only learn from these experiences but also to adapt them to the Pakistani environment.
"Our task is to develop a framework that draws on Chinese expertise while incorporating Pakistani characteristics, ensuring that our policies and strategies are grounded in our unique realities and aspirations, China's Vice Premier He Lifeng said this In July last year.
He added, "As we enter the second decade of CPEC, our vision expands to align with emerging global and regional priorities".
Representing President Xi Jinping, unveiled the roadmap for the next phase featuring five new corridors: the Growth Corridor, Livelihood Corridor, Green Corridor, Innovation Corridor, and Opening-Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor.
These corridors are a natural extension of Pakistan’s 5Es Framework Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity & Empowerment.
Together, they embody the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative’s philosophy: “Planning together, building together, and benefiting together.” He said that in today’s complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, the Pakistan-China partnership is more important than ever.
The challenges of new global alignments and shifting economic and security dynamics demand that we deepen our collaboration and reaffirm our unwavering solidarity.
He said that Pakistan is committed to working closely with China to expand our cooperation into emerging areas such as technology, green development, regional connectivity, and economic resilience.
Together, we can not only navigate these challenges but also transform them into opportunities for mutual benefit and regional stability.
He said that this seminar is not just a platform for exchanging ideas it is a forum for shaping the future.
Together, Pakistan and China will rise higher, transforming challenges into opportunities and turning bold visions into enduring realities, he added.
The minister extended his heartfelt gratitude to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) for their steadfast efforts in making CPEC a cornerstone of regional connectivity and economic prosperity.
Vice Chairman of NDRC, Zhao Chenxin on this occasion said, Pakistan and China are Iron Brothers. China will support Pakistan to become an advanced economy.
Thirty senior officials are attending 14 day workshop to discuss with Chinese counterparts the framework and plans for CPEC 2.0 on the invitation of NDRC.
Copyright Mettis Link News
Posted on: 2024-12-19T11:26:54+05:00
