LAHORE - Federal Minister for Trade, Development & Reforms Ahsan Iqbal has said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is one of the biggest projects of the century which has the potential to usher in great economic development and make the country invincible.
He was talking to media after presiding over China-Pakistan Business Roundtable Conference, organized by Punjab Board of Investment and Trade in collaboration with KASB Corporation, at a local hotel on Monday. Ahsan Iqbal said that work on this project was under process and engineers and labourers were busy day and night to complete the task by 2016. He regretted that so far fourteen workers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Minister said that China was committed to share the fruits of its economical development through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor adding that, "As a nation we all have to protect this project as all the provinces would get equal benefits".
He clarified that the route of the project has not been changed and was being completed as it was signed in the agreement. He said after CPEC's completion Pakistan's economical growth would be linked to China's progress.
The event participants included two Chinese delegations led by principal organizations namely China Multinational Group (CMG) and the International Creative Industry Alliance (ICIA). The first group led by its Secretary General, Song Weidong, consisted of 16 participants from China and 13 Chinese companies already operating in Pakistan while the second group (ICIA) was represented by its chairman. This delegation comprised 16 participants from new industries consisting mainly of private sector companies and investors. Renowned Pakistani enterprises, Chinese Consul General, potential investors & consultants also participated and held B2B meetings with their Chinese counterparts. Government officials from Infrastructure, C&W, energy and livestock also attended.
Abdul Basit, Chairman Punjab Board of Investment and Trade, stated that China is a true and trusted friend of Pakistan. Both the counties have immense potential to further business and commercial relations.
Khalid Malik, former UN Ambassador to China, Song Weidong, Secretary General, China Multinational Association, Yan Zhongcheng, Chairman International Creative Industry Alliance and Nasir Shah Bukhari, Chairman KASB Corporation also spoke at the occasion.