Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong has said that no matter what the international scenario would be, the policy of strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan would not change in coming times.

He was addressing to the participants of a round table session on China Pakistan Economic Corridor, current progress status, future tasks and opportunities, in Islamabad. Ambassador Weidong said that 2016 is important year for Pakistan and China relation, as this year also marked the 65th friendship anniversary of both countries. China and Pakistan have always maintained mutual understanding, trust and support, he mentioned.

He said that under the umbrella of CPEC, 17 out of 30 projects are under construction and more importantly first Chinese convoy carrying goods through Kashgar, China, has reached Gawadar. “CPEC is a long term project and we must use scientific implementation and sound environment to success the project,” he added.

Peshawar-Karachi Motorway, upgradation of Karakurum Highway and other projects are moving forward smoothly, he said, adding that China has provided 10,000 jobs to Pakistani people under CPEC projects, Chinese companies are giving vocational training and donations to local schools and these initiatives were highly appreciated in Pakistan.

The Chinese ambassador said that China and Pakistan trade has reached to $14 billion during the first three quarters of current year and more projects are being signed by the Pakistani and Chinese companies. He stated that in 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the belt and road initiatives, reviving the great Silk Road spirit.

Weidong said as a major and pilot project of the belt and road initiative, CPEC has entered into full implementation with remarkable progress.

Earlier, addressing the participants, Lieutenant General (r) Talat Masood said that CPEC would reduce anarchy and militancy in Pakistan and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan invites every country to invest in CPEC, as the project would not only bring regional countries closer to each other, but would also help Pakistan acquire knowledge and technology, he added.

He said that Pakistan and China have a strategic partnership and CPEC would enhance the relationship of both countries, adding that Pakistan would have to improve the quality of their products to persuade other counties.