Pakistan Council on China hosts annual forum to discuss prospects of CPEC

Pakistan Council on China (PCC) hosted its annual forum on the prospects and challenges of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Wednesday in Islamabad.

The aim of the conference was to help promote better understanding for the future opportunities and challenges in the implementation of CPEC.

As key note speakers, Charge d'affaires Chinese Embassy Islamabad Lijian Zhao and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua shed light on this important project for the region.

While discussing the opportunities of this strategically very significant initiative, Pakistan's foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua said, “Pakistan believes its long-term prosperity is inextricably linked to peace and development and we need comprehensive approaches to regional peace, stability and prosperity.”

She further said, “Our long term vision of economic development is reflected in vision 2025 which emphasizes regional connectivity and economic cooperation. CPEC is a natural choice for Pakistan and China.”

“Pakistan's Eastern neighbor has publicly announced opposition to CPEC and we are well aware of the challenges. As the flagship project of One Belt One Road (OBOR), CPEC is destined to serve as a game changer for the whole region,” she said.

Charge d'affaires Chinese Embassy Islamabad Lijian Zhao highlighted the role of Pakistan and china for regional connectivity and trade saying that, “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) carries the virtue of peaceful cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and win-win spirit. CPEC is an unprecedented undertaking in the history of China-Pakistan relations.”

The forum also discussed cultural, educational and economic dimensions of CPEC. President PCC Amb (R) Inam-ul-Haq said, “Pakistan and China enjoy a unique history of mutual respect, trust and friendship.”

He said, “PCC created in an effort to improve the level and content of communications between the two countries. CPEC is the foundation for regional cooperation, improving economic growth and offering trade diversifications.”

Director PCC, Hamayoun Khan said, “PCC is without doubt a strong contributor to the concept of BRI and CPEC with our intellectual advantage. Every Pakistani and Chinese is looking forward to great success of CPEC which will ensure the brighter future of the whole region.”

PCC, a think-tank, was established in 2012, a year before initiation of CPEC in view of the significance of expanding Sino-Pak bilateral relation. PCC is an independent, non-political, non-partisan body constituted to promote Pak-China relations.