CPEC to provide trade route to Afghanistan, China & Central Asian States: PM

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a futuristic project for the upcoming generations. 

He was addressing a Seminar titled 'the CPEC Summit ' organized jointly by the Ministry of Planning and Development and a private media outlet in Karachi on Monday.

He said the Project had provided Pakistan a strong foundation of overall development and prosperity.

The Prime Minister said Afghanistan also realizes the benefits of CPEC  for the region. It will provide the most efficient trade route to Afghanistan, western China, and the Central Asian States through rail and road networks.

He said the project had become a reality in less than three years.

Khaqan Abbasi said special economic zones to be built under the CPEC will provide opportunities to investors across the world to build their businesses and take advantage of the project. 

Earlier, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in his address said Pakistan will become a hub of development with the help of the Belt and Road initiative. 

The Minister said law and order situation in Karachi has greatly improved now and the city becomes the hub of economic activities and conducive to foreign investment.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on the occasion expressed the desire to see Pakistan China relationships as an example for other states.

The Chinese Ambassador said CPEC is not just about economic growth but it is developing a community.

Pakistan-China ties

China has reassured Pakistan the relations between the two countries are as firm as ever and will never rust.

The assurance came from Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi while speaking with reporters after meeting Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif in Beijing on Monday.

The top Chinese diplomat said his country will continue to firmly support Pakistan.

He said: “We are ready to work together with our Pakistani brothers to undertake the historical mission of national rejuvenation and achieve the great dream of national prosperity and development.”

Wang Yi further said: “In this way, our iron friendship with Pakistan will never rust and be tempered into steel.”