LAHORE: The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has urged the government to ensure that the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor equitably reach all the provinces. APBF President Ibrahim Qureshi said that the CPEC would effectively serve the long-term economic interests of both the countries – China and Pakistan. “With an investment of over $50 billion promised by China for the CPEC, Pakistan must take full advantage of this venture by creating an efficient and transparent environment for utilising and absorbing such a large volume of investments to revolutionise trading, transportation and industrial infrastructure,” he said. Qureshi added, “We appreciate China’s robust investment plans and trans-national initiatives for boosting cross-border trade activities. With such a huge foreign investment coming in the country, it is essential that all provinces get equitable benefits, opportunities and budgets for strengthening their infrastructure and trade activities. It inspires new possibilities to set up industrial sites and energy projects in all the provinces of Pakistan, along this new road and rail network, especially in the economically deprived areas.” The CPEC also promises large-scale developments in the energy sector, as more than $34 billion will be spent on energy projects to add over 16,500MW in the national grid over the next decade. “The success of this initiative relies on stronger collaboration and cooperation among business communities of all provinces and across the borders,” he said, adding that the APBF was committed to dedicating all available resources and capabilities to engage organisations and entrepreneurs in the region to create robust links, new opportunities and mutual benefits for all the provinces.