China Hails CPEC as Beginning of New Era in China-Pakistan Cooperation

Thu Jul 06 2023
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BEIJING: The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, emphasized on Thursday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), being a signature project, marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation between China and Pakistan, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping a decade ago.

During a regular briefing, the spokesperson responded to a question and highlighted the significance of the CPEC as both countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of the pilot project in Belt and Road cooperation.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the joint efforts of the two nations during a ceremony commemorating a decade of the CPEC framework on Wednesday, describing the project as a game-changer for the entire region.

Significance of CPCE for Regional Development

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the CPEC serves as the centerpiece for establishing a cooperation framework encompassing ports, transportation infrastructure, industry, and energy between China and Pakistan. He further emphasized that the project has contributed to the development and regional connectivity of Pakistan by generating substantial direct investments, creating employment opportunities, and improving highways, power generation, and transmission infrastructure.

Moreover, Wang Wenbin mentioned that both countries are also collaborating in sectors such as agriculture, science, technology, information technology, livelihood, and social well-being. He expressed China’s commitment to ensuring the high-quality development of the mega project and contributing to the progress of Pakistan, China, and the entire region.

It is noteworthy that as both sides celebrate a decade of remarkable achievements in economic growth, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity, CPEC marks a significant milestone. Launched in 2013, the corridor connects the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, encompassing energy, transport, and industrial cooperation.

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