Islamabad: The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, emphasized the growing strategic relations between China and Pakistan, driven by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Addressing an international conference, he highlighted the immense opportunities for increasing exports through the port of Gwadar and special economic zones.
The conference, titled “CPEC: Enhancing Community with a Shared Future for Mankind,” was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, and the Chinese Embassy. The ambassador pointed to potential growth in green energy, oil and gas exploration, and IT, noting CPEC’s platform for international investment and mutual benefit.
Jiang Zaidong acknowledged the progress in Pakistan-China relations during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China and expressed optimism about further strengthening strategic ties through CPEC. He reiterated the long-standing, stable friendship between the two nations, both committed to regional and global peace and development.
The ambassador also highlighted the economic rise of southern countries and China’s role in promoting global development through initiatives led by President Xi. Secretary of the Ministry of Planning, Awais Manzur Sumra, underscored significant investments in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors under CPEC over the past decade.
Sumra elaborated on CPEC Phase-II, which aims to establish five corridors in major sectors, fostering new technologies and job creation. He stressed the importance of scientific and technological research and efforts to operationalize Gwadar and special industrial zones.
The Gwadar port, Sumra added, would facilitate trade opportunities with Afghanistan, expressing confidence that CPEC Phase-II would usher in a new era of prosperity and development for Pakistan and the entire region.