BEIJING: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Khusro Bakhtiar said on Thursday that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is now entering into its second phase with focus on industrial cooperation, Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing the thematic session on Connectivity of Policy of 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International cooperation in Beijing today, the minister said the second phase of CPEC would lay emphasis on trade, agriculture and socio-economic development.
He also apprised the forum that currently 22 projects were undergoing fast implementation, higher in pace in comparison with any other corridor of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI), making CPEC the central corridor of the mega project.
Bakhtiar also urged the participating states to promote cooperation, build intergovernmental mechanisms based on shared interests through Belt and Road forum.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is also scheduled to depart for China today on a four-day official visit to attend the second Belt and Road Forum opening on Friday.
PM Khan is visiting China on an invitation extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and will be his second visit since assuming the office in September 2018.
PM Khan will deliver a keynote speech in the opening ceremony of the forum and participate in the leaders’ round table moot. He would also hold meetings with several heads of state and government and corporate and business leaders.
