Beijing: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, addressed a seminar on “CPEC and BRI Decade and Beyond” organized by the Belt and Road Center of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in Beijing and delivered the keynote address. The seminar was attended by many academicians and scientists associated with renowned think tanks and Chinese universities and representatives of various state-owned enterprises.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that CPEC has emerged as a transformational project for Pakistan, helping the country address its immediate infrastructure development needs and frequent power outages by adding 8,000 MW to power generation. Over the past decade, CPEC has helped Pakistan expand its economic base and improve regional connectivity. As the flagship project of BRI, CPEC has achieved many milestones and contributed to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
He said the 5-E framework i.e. Export, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Equity envisaged by the Government of Pakistan is in line with the new five corridors of Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green Energy and Inclusive Regional Development for Phase II of CPEC. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng outlined last year.
The federal minister further said, “The people of Pakistan consider the Chinese in Pakistan as honored guests,” adding that Pakistan has taken special measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese institutions, personnel and projects in Pakistan. The Union Minister emphasized the need for joint evidence-based research by academics and scientists from both countries to showcase the numerous achievements of CPEC and BRI.
He said that the Government of Pakistan was undertaking structural reforms to improve resource mobilization and reduce wastage. The creation of the Special Facilitation Investment Council (SIFC) will enable synergy of decision-making efforts by bringing all stakeholders to one table and facilitating investors. He shared that Pakistan is actively engaging various Chinese institutions in exploring an efficient and affordable energy management system along with a detailed green energy transition plan. In this regard, he called on various state-owned enterprises and private enterprises to study Pakistan’s power system and share its recommendations with the government.
Emphasizing that Pakistan, with its unique geographical location and rich cultural heritage, stands as a bridge between civilizations, Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed his firm belief that through CPEC and BRI, both countries can promote cultural exchanges, people-to-people contacts, educational cooperation and tourism.
The minister further said that the priority of the new government in Pakistan is to revive the same momentum of CPEC projects as in Phase I. “Under Phase II, we envisage greater industrial cooperation by inviting Chinese industries to relocate to SEZs that are being developed in Pakistan. From G2G, we support B2B connectivity for a greater role for the private sector in CPEC.”
