Beijing: Addressing the Global Sustainable Transport Forum 2024, Abdul Aleem Khan, the head of the Pakistani delegation and Federal Minister for Communications, Privatization and Board of Investment, emphasized the pivotal role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in strengthening infrastructure and fostering a robust transport system between Pakistan and China. The forum, which saw participation from 12 countries, focused on evolving sustainable and green transport solutions for the future.
According to Press Information Department, Minister Khan highlighted that CPEC, along with the Belt Road Initiative (BRI), is crucial for mutual benefits in infrastructure development for both countries. He underscored the importance of green energy and clean technology in shaping a sustainable future and stressed the need for integrating ports and highways to meet upcoming requirements. The minister pointed out the transformation in global logistics post the 2019 Corona epidemic, emphasizing the integration of digital methods and e-commerce in improving the transportation sector.
During his address, Khan also discussed the challenges posed by urban population growth and environmental degradation in Pakistan. He advocated for enhancing resources and considering the safety of citizens to upgrade the transportation system effectively. The minister expressed gratitude towards China’s Transport Minister, Li Xiaopeng, for hosting the forum and highlighted the platform it provided for international delegates to exchange experiences and foster collaborations.
The forum also included virtual participation from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and physical contributions from ministers of Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Greece, Kuwait, Qatar, Kenya, Singapore, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan. Deputy Prime Ministers of Nepal and Thailand were among the speakers who addressed the gathering.
Minister Khan further elaborated on Pakistan’s initiatives under CPEC, including the launch of the second phase focusing on the “5 Es”: Economic Zones, Export, Energy, Equity, and Environment. He outlined the ongoing and future collaborations between Pakistan and China, including Business-to-Business and Joint Ventures for investment in infrastructure development.
The successful implementation of projects such as the Orange Line, Metro, and the Pink Bus Service for women, as well as the enhancement of digital connectivity through a cross-border optical fiber cable, were highlighted as significant achievements under the CPEC collaboration. Minister Khan concluded by expressing hope for the continued strengthening of the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China.