ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week reaffirmed his government’s resolve to ensure the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project’s next phase that focuses on agriculture, IT and industries’ sectors, his office said.
CPEC is a flagship initiative of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative launched in 2013 to develop infrastructure and connectivity between Pakistan’s southwestern Gwadar Port and China’s Xinjiang region.
The scheme’s second phase, branded “CPEC 2.0,” aims to expand beyond roads and energy into industry, agriculture, IT and special economic zones, with Islamabad looking to revive growth and attract new Chinese capital as it eyes sustainable economic growth.
However, work on the high-profile Chinese project has stalled over the years as Pakistan-based militants frequently attack Chinese interests in southwestern Balochistan province. Bureaucratic delays over the years have also delayed CPEC initiatives over the years.
“The prime minister lauded the role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game-changer for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to ensure the success of the next phase of CPEC, focused on agriculture, IT, industries and mining sector,” a statement from Sharif’s office said on Wednesday.
The Pakistani prime minister said this while receiving a high-level delegation led by Cai Dafeng, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, in Islamabad.
The Chinese delegation is visiting Pakistan to take part in celebrations, as Islamabad and Beijing marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations on May 21.
The Pakistani prime minister reiterated Islamabad’s full support for China’s core interests, while expressing appreciation for Beijing’s continued support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Sharif, who is slated to visit China from May 23-26, said he was “greatly looking forward” to his upcoming visit to the country.
Pakistan and China have maintained close strategic cooperation over decades across diplomacy, defense, infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The two countries also have a mutual rival in India, with both Islamabad and Beijing frequently lending support to each other against New Delhi over various international issues.
