More areas of Pakistan to be included in CPEC, says Chinese Vice FM

BEIJING: Chinese vice foreign minister, Kong Xuanyou, says China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be introduced in more areas of Pakistan.

Speaking after both the countries signed various cooperation agreements, Mr. Kong said Pakistan and China would firmly move forward with CPEC, while underlining the importance of advancing the ongoing projects.

Commenting about future cooperation on infrastructure, Kong said, “there has been no change in the number of CPEC projects,” adding that “if there were to be any change, it would be an increase going forward.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan met his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang today and later both the leaders oversaw the signing of cooperation agreements.

In his meeting with Li, PM Khan invited the Chinese premier to visit Pakistan and see for himself the difference the mega-project has made in the country.

“CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan,” AFP quoted him as saying.

“We feel that this a great opportunity for our country to progress, to attract investment. It gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate.”

Li praised the relationship, saying “China and Pakistan are all-weather partners.”

“Pakistan has always been regarded as a foreign policy priority by China.”

Agreements relating to poverty alleviation in Pakistan and strengthening of cooperation in agriculture, industrial sectors and technical training were also signed by the two sides.

On arrival at the Great Hall of the People, the Chinese Premier accorded warm welcome to Prime Minister Imran Khan.

On the occasion, an official welcome ceremony was held in honor of the prime minister.  Anthems of both the countries were played. Guard of honor was presented to the visiting prime minister.

 

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