September 10th, 2018 (MLN): Pakistan’s Ministry of Industries and Production has refuted the article “Pakistan rethinks its role in China’s BRI”, that was published in the Financial Times on September 9th 2018.

According to the widely read daily newspaper, the newly elected Pakistan government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran khan had resolved to reevaluate its part in China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI) and intended to renegotiate a trade agreement signed a decade ago.

As per the article published in the newspaper, the Prime Minister had constituted a nine-member committee to evaluate China Pakistan Economics Corridor (CPEC), which is the largest and most ambitious part of BRI.

The article further added that top government functionaries believed that the previously signed agreement extends unfair advantages to Chinese firms.

It said that, according to Abdul Razzaq Dawood, advisor to the prime minister on commerce, textile, industries and investments, “the previous government did a bad job negotiating with China on CPEC – they did not do their homework correctly and did not negotiate correctly so they gave away a lot.”

However, in response to the comments made in the article, the Ministry of Industries and Production of Pakistan, on Monday, slammed the article, especially its title, pointing out that the article is based on statements taken out of context.

While the article said that, “Mr. Abdul Razzaq Dawood believed that everything should be put on hold for a year and suggested to stretch CPEC for over another five years or so”, the Ministry of Industries denied the statements saying, “During the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Vi, the two sides reiterated the ‘all-weather strategic cooperative partnership’ between Pakistan and China and also reaffirmed their commitment to CPEC.”

The Ministry added that, “Pakistan reassured the Chinese side that CPEC is a national priority for the Government. The Chinese side also highlighted the significance of CPEC for both sides. There is complete unanimity between the two sides on the future direction of CPEC.”

The Ministry called out the daily newspaper on the article, saying that the statements attributed to Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Textile have been taken out of context and distorted. “Pakistan-China relations are impregnable and the Government's commitment to CPEC is unwavering,” they added.

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