Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: China wishes to see a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan and is prepared to extend all possible support to make it a reality, said Chinese Ambassador Sun Wiedong.

While speaking at a function held at the Institute of Policy Studies, he said the Sino-Pak relationship was described as ‘All-Weather, All-Round and Iron Brothers’. “This is a unique expression in a country-to-country relationship,” he said.

“The historic visit of President Xi Jinping in 2013 paved way for a new era of bilateral relationship, which to-date have seen comprehensive promotion in areas of trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology between the two countries,” he said.

According to the ambassador, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered the early harvest stage. “Among the projects with the total worth of $18.5 billion investment, the projects pertaining to energy have been at the forefront. Six projects are in progress and five have already been built,” he said.

“The speed at which the Sahiwal Coal Power Project has been completed is a record in Pakistan. It is expected that the completion of all 11 energy projects will add about 11,000 megawatts of electricity to the Pakistan’s national grid, eventually significantly alleviating the energy shortage in Pakistan and adding strong impetus to the country’s economic development,” he said.

“The construction of roads is another vital area of investment. The upgrade of Karakoram Highway and the highway from Peshawar to Karachi will unlock the transportation arteries in Pakistan that will effectively stimulate economic vitality,” he said.

“Social effects are another emerging area. About 60,000 Pakistani workers are already employed by Chinese enterprises under and outside the umbrella of CPEC,” he said.

“These Chinese companies are bringing investment to Pakistan as well as playing an important role in transforming locals into skilled and productive workers in numerous areas,” he said.

He said that such contributions by the Chinese organisations would eventually result in the development and transformation of the industry in Pakistan.

Ambassador Sun Weidong also spoke about the ongoing situation of academic exchanges between the two countries, stating that around 18,000 Pakistani students were studying in China at present. “Whereas, the number of Pakistani students who have received scholarships from the Chinese government is also rising,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, August 12^th 2017.