ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his resolve on Wednesday to ensure the timely implementation of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that his country aims to explore its next phase to generate business activity and attract more Chinese investment.
CPEC, a collection of infrastructure projects in Pakistan funded by China, is a major part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at increasing trade and stimulating economic growth across Asia and beyond.
The first phase of the corridor project primarily concentrated on addressing Pakistan’s energy shortage and included the construction of roads and railways to improve connectivity.
The second phase is focusing on the development of special economic zones, further improvement of transportation networks and the promotion of industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan to foster economic development.
“The Prime Minister emphasized that his government would work tirelessly to ensure timely implementation of the initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” said a statement released by his office after his meeting with the Chinese envoy, Jiang Zaidong, in Islamabad. “He stressed that Pakistan was keen to move to the next phase of CPEC, including operationalization of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to facilitate Chinese investment in Pakistan.”
Despite its strategic significance for both countries, CPEC was said to have slowed down under the administration of former prime minister Imran Khan.
The deceleration was attributed to various factors, including the coronavirus pandemic, financial challenges, security concerns and renegotiations over project terms.
However, media reports also indicated the Chinese authorities were facing troubles with Khan’s administration.
Beijing is said to be closer to the Sharifs who launched the corridor project in April 2015.
The prime minister told the Chinese ambassador the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had been created during his previous tenure to attract foreign investment in priority sectors including agriculture, information technology, minerals and renewable energy.
He added that Chinese companies would find many profitable opportunities in Pakistan.
The Chinese envoy reaffirmed that his country’s leadership was looking forward to further deepen the Pakistan-China friendship.
He also extended the invitation to Sharif to undertake an official visit to China at his earliest convenience.
Pakistan PM vows timely CPEC progress, eyes enhanced business and Chinese investment
https://arab.news/52qw2
Pakistan PM vows timely CPEC progress, eyes enhanced business and Chinese investment
- Chinese envoy to Pakistan reaffirms Beijing’s interest in further deepening the Pakistan-China friendship
- He extends a formal invitation to Shehbaz Sharif to undertake an official visit to China at his convenience
Babar Azam dropped for scoring too slowly, says Pakistan coach Hesson
- Shaheen Shah Afridi was left out after conceding 101 runs in three matches
- Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the opening match of the second phase
COLOMBO: Batting great Babar Azam was dropped for Pakistan’s final T20 World Cup group game against Namibia for scoring too slowly, said head coach Mike Hesson on Friday.
Azam, who is the highest run-scorer in T20 international history with 4,571 runs, was left out for the must-win game against Namibia as Pakistan racked up 199-3 and secured a place in the Super Eights by 102 runs.
The 2009 champions face New Zealand in Colombo on Saturday in the opening match of the second phase.
“I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the power play in the World Cup is less than 100 and that’s clearly not the role we think we need,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan’s final practice session on Friday was washed out by rain.
Pakistan left out Azam for the same reason at last year’s Asia Cup and even after dismal showing in the Big Bash League, he was still selected for the T20 World Cup.
“We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup,” said Hesson.
“We’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role toward the end.
“Babar is actually the first to acknowledge that.
“He knows that he’s got a certain set of skills that the team requires and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently.”
Hesson also defended dropping pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi after he conceded 101 runs in three matches, including 31 in two overs against India.
“We made a call that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled incredibly well,” said Hesson.
“To be fair, he was probably really unlucky to not be playing the second and third games.”
Hesson was wary of Pakistan’s opponents on Saturday.
“New Zealand have played a huge amount in the subcontinent in recent times so we have to play at our best.”
