Beijing: Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal hopes for more regional cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Phase 2, which will transform Pakistan into a hub for trade, commerce and business. in the area.
In the second phase, we will have more regional cooperation in CPEC, which we hope will make Pakistan a regional trade, commerce and business hub that will connect nearly three billion people in the region. China Global Television Network (CGTN) during a recent visit to China.
On the impact of CPEC on Pakistan and its people, he said it has brought changes in Pakistan. CPEC has created over 200,000 jobs. It has connected many areas of Manoor, improved logistics efficiency in Pakistan and helped Pakistan improve its energy efficiency.
He said that the government will participate in infrastructure projects in the second phase of the CPEC project, which will improve Pakistan’s economy.
In line with the life project, we will expand cooperation with the industrial sector, as well as create agricultural jobs that will allow people to improve their lives. The Third Innovation Corridor means that we now want to expand cooperation in digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, big data and biotechnology.
Green energy is so important that we start renewable energy projects today. We are starting new hydro projects and switching from imported fuels that were previously based on oil or coal.
In response to questions about the security of Chinese citizens and the measures taken by the government to ensure the safety of ongoing and upcoming projects in CPEC, I would like to assure the Chinese people that the Government of Pakistan appreciates them and will spare them. no attempt to provide additional security for important visitors.
Some external enemies who are not satisfied with the progress of CPEC want to stop the development of CPEC. So, they carry out such attacks. It is very important not to let such calamities stop or stop the pace of CPEC because they have already won, he added.
The minister said the Pakistan Army has 12,000 troops under the command of a major general to protect and protect China working on various projects. In addition, the police military forces also increase this power.
In key agreements and discussions to push forward the next phase of CPEC and strengthen the climate and friendship between China and Pakistan, he said, in all bilateral relations spanning more than 70 years, you will see ups and downs. But the relationship between Pakistan and China only has an upward trajectory. No fall. It’s always in the spring.
We look forward to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China. We hope that the results of this visit will meet our objectives for the second stage.