Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said the government has taken extra measures to ensure the security and safety of Chinese institutions, personnel and projects in Pakistan.
Addressing a seminar themed ‘Decade of CPEC and BRI and Beyond’ in Beijing on Friday, he said the people of Pakistan consider Chinese in Pakistan as esteemed guests in their country.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) helped Pakistan address immediate needs of infrastructure development and frequent power outage by adding 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
He said that 5-E’s framework, denoting Export, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Equity, of Pakistan is in line with the new five corridors of growth, livelihood, innovation, green energy and inclusive regional development for CPEC Phase II as envisioned by the Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng last year.
The Planning Minister emphasized the need to conduct evidence-based joint research by the academics and scholars of the two countries to showcase multiple success stories of CPEC and BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). He informed that Pakistan is undertaking structural reforms to improve resource mobilization and cut losses.
He said the creation of Special Facilitation Investment Council (SIFC) will synergize decision-making efforts by bringing all stakeholders on one table and facilitate the investors.
He shared Pakistan is actively engaging various Chinese institutions for exploring efficient and affordable energy management system along with detailed green energy transition plan.
Highlighting Pakistan’s unique geographical location and rich cultural heritage, he said both the countries can promote cultural exchanges, people-to-people contacts, educational collaborations and tourism through CPEC and the BRI.
Furthermore, the Minister expressed that the priority of new government in Pakistan is to revive the same momentum of CPEC projects as in Phase I.
He urged the Chinese companies to relocate industries to Special Economic Zones being developed in Pakistan. He added that from Government to Government, we are promoting business-to-business linkages for greater private sector role in CPEC.
The Minister further added that Pakistan offers vast investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, services, industries and technology sectors. He said Pakistan’s stock market has set new record showing growing confidence of investor community in policies of the government.