BEIJING: Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi has said that there is a national consensus across political parties and various segments of society on further strengthening bilateral ties with China. “Over the 73 years, Pakistan-China relationship has become very solid and assumed unique characteristics in terms of inter-state relations. Ours is a relationship that is not affected by internal developments in either country or regional and international events. That is why we refer to it as an ironclad relationship that has stood the test of time,” he told Global Times in an interview. “With the recent elections, a new government is being formed, and I am confident that it will play its role in further bolstering our strategic cooperative partnership with China,” he added. To a question about new areas where China and Pakistan can further enhance cooperation, he believed cooperation between Pakistan and China is already very multi-dimensional, covering almost every area. For example, we have just completed 10 years of intense and multidimensional cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is the pioneering project of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Ambassador Hashmi said, the first phase of CPEC was primarily focused on two things: infrastructure (including transport infrastructure) and energy. Both these areas are key ingredients for any economy to grow rapidly. The first decade of CPEC has laid important ground for fast-tracking development. Moving forward, it will be important to prioritize industrial cooperation and industrialization, including through promoting special economic zones and attracting and facilitating new investments. “We welcome Chinese enterprises and businesses to invest in diverse sectors such as agriculture, mining, information technology, textiles, engineering, and electric vehicles,” he added. While elaborating on Pakistan’s plan for the next decade of development within the CPEC, he said, “I would use three terms for next phase of CPEC: connectivity; infrastructure, and industrialization; and agriculture. Connectivity is a multidimensional concept including but not limited to physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity. One tangible outcome in terms of physical connectivity is the optimization of the Mainline-1 railway project.” “As for industrialization, we are looking at the prioritization of certain sectors. Currently, there already is the prioritization of four special economic zones. I personally visited one of these zones in Pakistan (Rashakai Special Economic Zone in Kyhber Pakhtunkhwa province) recently. We are taking steps to speed up operations so that more companies can come and invest. We are also establishing a free trade zone at Gwadar,” he added. Agriculture is another area receiving a lot of focus these days. “We would be looking at collaborating on projects related to seed technology, drip irrigation techniques and induction of modern agricultural machinery.” Sharing some details regarding the progress of Mainline-1 project, he said, “We are making steady progress”.China Railway Administration completed a technical study in late of the Mainline-1 project. They have assessed the project to be commercially feasible. The project can sustain itself and will pay off in the long term. “Our two sides are now looking at the next steps, including formal approval within our own system, following procedures, and then finalizing the financing agreement,” he added. Regarding criticism on CPEC as so-called debt trap by certain media outlets, he said, For me I see it as no more than propaganda or political opinion, and not facts. Ambassador Hashmi said, it is important to see things in perspective. The industrial development infrastructure, energy, road infrastructure, and port infrastructure development entails huge investments. Developing countries find it extremely difficult to mobilize financing for such projects. It has always been the case that developing countries seek different means of financing. What has happened is that over a period of time, these big projects were done through the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and similar organizations. Unfortunately, the funding available within these organizations has decreased and the gap has been filled by China. So, instead of criticizing China, China should, in fact, be appreciated because it has made that financing available again to so many countries in the developing world. “As I mentioned, infrastructure and energy are key ingredients that lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, jobs, and livelihoods. Countries rely on grants, investments, and concessional loans for these projects. Concessional loans have low-interest rates by definition.” After investing in infrastructure and energy, the economy begins to grow. Industrialization cannot succeed without sufficient energy and transport infrastructure. As economic activity increases, more businesses and investors come in, generating more revenue. This revenue not only pays off the loans but also sets the stage for rapid economic growth,he added. In response to a question about Pak-China on regional security issues, he said, “We have had very close cooperation and coordination consultation with China for many years on several levels. When it comes to security issues in the region, especially with respect to Afghanistan, we have a trilateral mechanism involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China.” Ambassador Hashmi said, Pakistan and China also have special representatives on Afghanistan. There is a lot of consultation and coordination underway, as well as goodwill to help Afghanistan be economically viable. There is a willingness to help Afghanistan overcome its challenges in security and the economy among others. It is clear that without addressing the security challenges, it is very difficult to make the economy work, promote economic growth, create jobs, stimulate economic activity, or develop infrastructure. It is therefore important that relevant authorities in Afghanistan pay attention to the concerns that have been expressed by neighbouring countries on security issues, because it is a common concern for their neighbouring countries. About protection of Chinese personnel and enterprises operating in Pakistan, he said, the safety and security of Chinese persons in Pakistan continues to remain a priority for the Government of Pakistan. “We have established a dedicated division of security forces for protection of Chinese personnel, enterprises, and projects related to the CPEC. Of course, we are aware that there are detractors, countries and entities that seek to disrupt or damage Pakistan-China relations or economic cooperation. We have seen many examples before. It is a multi-dimensional issue where there are actors and entities both inside and outside of the country that we need to pay attention to, closely monitor their nefarious activities, and defeat them,” he added. Replying to a question regarding evidence of India’s support for terrorist forces in Pakistan, he said, “We have shared concrete information and evidence about Indian involvement in previous years. I am referring to India’s state apparatus, state agencies, and state operatives who have been involved in sabotage and terrorist activities directly targeting the CPEC and Chinese personnel in Pakistan. Much of this information and evidence has been shared with the United Nations and many Western countries over the years,” he added. Ambassador Hashmi said, India’s nefarious designs are exemplified by the case of a serving Indian Navy commander who was arrested by Pakistan in 2016, who confessed to planning, organizing, financing, and carrying out terrorist activities inside Pakistan at the behest of Indian authorities.