Islamabad, 10 Oct 2023:Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, underscores Pakistan’s aspiration to bolster bilateral cooperation with China as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project unfolds into a new phase, with a keen eye on expanding collaborative efforts in the mining, agriculture, and IT sectors. Addressing a seminar entitled ‘CPEC and My Life’ in Islamabad, Solangi highlighted the significant achievements of the CPEC, currently marking its tenth anniversary, and its impactful projects across various Pakistani regions, spotlighting its beneficial influence not only on Pakistan and China but also on neighbouring and regional countries, as per the press release issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB).
Solangi articulated Pakistan and China’s profound brotherly ties and emphasized the government’s earnestness to elevate this relationship to unprecedented levels. The CPEC, being a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been lauded for establishing a framework that enhances regional connectivity and offers benefits extending beyond the bilateral participants, reaching Iran, Afghanistan, and the central Asian republics.
The Information Minister spotlighted CPEC projects which have centralized their focus on infrastructure enhancement, income augmentation, and employment opportunity creation for the citizens. He mentioned specific projects, such as Tharcoal in Sindh, the Orange Line train in Lahore, and Gwadar in Balochistan, attributing them to benefiting millions in Pakistan through improved geographical linkages, intensified people-to-people contacts, and augmented academic and cultural connections.
Furthermore, Solangi highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in providing a one-window facility in Pakistan for investors, which is anticipated to stimulate higher volumes of trade and business, propelling integrated development and disseminating the benefits of progress to the populations of both nations.
Emphasizing CPEC as a conduit toward economic growth in a globalized world, the Minister communicated its foundation on principles of peace and development, championing a win-win model for all entities involved. He also expressed contentment over the inclusion of testimonials from individuals at the grassroots level during the seminar, wherein they shared how the CPEC has meaningfully transformed their lives, reflecting a tangible impact on everyday citizens.