Pakistan, China agree to continue momentum on CPEC

ISLAMABAD: Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Yao Jing on Tuesday called on Federal Minister for Planning Makhdum Khusro Bakhtiar.

According to a statement released from the ministry, during the meeting both the dignitaries agreed to continue momentum on China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The Chinese envoy appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to fast track CPEC projects particularly the groundbreaking of western route while the minister for planning hailed China’s support for implementation of Gwadar airport project.

Khusro Bakhtiar said that the development of Gwadar was the top priority of the current government. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his recent visit to Balochistan performed groundbreaking of Rs65 billion Zhob-Kuchlak section of western route, Rs17 billion project of transmission line for Makran coast, Rs23 billion new Gwadar Airport project, hospital as well as vocational institute.

The minister stated that first special economic zone at Rashakai would be launched soon in order to enter into the implementation stage of Pak-China industrial cooperation.

Bakhtiar further said that cooperation would be further strengthened by formal framework agreement focusing on joint ventures. The minister emphasized the need for robust cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

“We should move towards Pak-China Business Forum with representatives from leading companies of the two countries in various areas”, said the Minister.

The minister called for cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors between the two countries to benefit from the enormous potential this area offers.

Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan, Member Private Sector Asim Saeed, Project Director CPEC Hasan Daud and senior officials were also present on the occasion.