PM Shehbaz Sharif vows to fast-track CPEC initiatives

March 14, 2024 (MLN): The newly elected Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed the government's commitment to ensuring the timely implementation of initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), said a press release issued on Wednesday.

During a meeting with Ambassador Jiang Zaidong of the People's Republic of China, the Prime Minister reciprocated the warm sentiments expressed by the Chinese leadership and lauded their contribution and commitment to strengthening of the iron-clad friendship between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan was keen to move to the next phase of CPEC, including operationalization of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to facilitate Chinese investment in Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had been created during his previous tenure to attract foreign investment in priority sectors including agriculture, IT, minerals, and renewable energy.

He said Chinese companies would find many profitable opportunities in Pakistan.

The Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed that the Chinese leadership and government was looking forward to further deepening of Pakistan-China friendship.

In this regard, he reiterated the invitation extended to the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to China at his earliest convenience.

While accepting the invitation, the Prime Minister said that he would undertake the visit at a mutually convenient date that would be worked out through diplomatic channels.

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