ISLAMABAD: The Centre of Excellence for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CE-CPEC) was inaugurated formally during a highly impressive inauguration ceremony held here at the CE’s office in Islamabad. The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries, researchers, economists and media representatives. The Minister of Planning, Development and Reform, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Sun Weidong were the chief guests of the ceremony. The event started with the recitation from the holy Quran followed by keynote messages by the chief guests and the Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. Shahid Rashid. CPEC is not just a road stretching from China to Pakistan. It is in fact the iconic representation of decades old friendship between China and Pakistan. At the same time, it is also the pulse of Pakistan’s socio-economic revolution which will have a phenomenal impact on the lives of millions of Pakistanis in the coming days. Prof. Ahsan Iqbal also emphasised on the importance of CPEC as the harbinger of immense economic activity in the country and its role as a catalyst in minimising the current energy crisis in the country. He also highlighted the importance of CPEC as a trade route between Pakistan and China and the way it would be connecting different cities in its way. The inauguration ceremony ended with distribution of shields among the participants of the event followed by refreshments.