CPEC Plus initiated after PM Imran's successful visit to China: FM

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (Cpec) entered into its new phase, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

The foreign minister was addressing a National Conference on the commencement of next phase of the CPEC project at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad today.

“CPEC Plus has been initiated after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s successful visit to China,” said FM Qureshi.

“Beijing is a central pillar of our foreign policy and bilateral ties between both countries were enhanced through CPEC project.”

Qureshi said Islamabad wanted to expand cooperations with Beijing in science, technology and agriculture sectors.

“CPEC is evidence for desires of both countries for regional development, whereas the mega project promotes cooperation in various sectors.”

“China has played a positive role in recent escalation between Pakistan and India. Beijing has asked Islamabad and New Delhi to resolve issues through dialogues,” said Qureshi.

FM Qureshi said that the prime minister played statesman’s role after Pulwama attack and the foreign policy was moved forward in a constructive way. He clarified the federal government was making foreign policies complying with national expectations.

Pakistan to be made trade centre after CPEC completion: Chinese envoy

The conference was also addressed by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing who said that the project has possessed central status for the development of Pakistan and China.

Jing reiterated that Pakistan and China were enjoying all-weather friendship while CPEC was a social and economic revolution project that would shower its benefits across the region.

The envoy said that the project created 70,000 employment for locals and development work was underway on four special economic zones under CPEC.

He said that Pakistan will be made trade centre of the South Asia region after completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.