Islamabad - A high-level Chinese delegation visited Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority headquarters and eulogised the efforts of ERRA and Chinese companies, which are engaged in reconstruction projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In his welcome remarks, ERRA Deputy Chairman Maj Gen Muhammad Azeem Asif acclaimed China’s role in Pakistan development, particularly help and assistance in rehabilitation and reconstruction of scores of projects destroyed due to 8th October 2005 earthquake. He told the visiting delegation that ERRA played a central role in managing rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in affected areas.
In his remarks, Chinese delegation head and Chief Secretary of Xingjiang Production and Construction Corporation, Xu Weihua applauded ERRA’s vital role in reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas and population who had faced worse outcome of earthquake. He said that earthquake of 2005 resembled 2008 earthquake of China when thousands of people died while thousands others got injured, besides destruction of structures.  He added that these kinds of natural calamities can be faced only in an organised manner.
He added, “It is a trust bond which has made the relations of both the nations strongest and deepest.”  He emphasized on “one Road one Belt Initiative” to strengthen Pak-China relationship.
Chief of Staff ERRA Brig Abu Bakr during his detailed presentation said that strong jolt on 8th October killed 73,000 people and destroyed 600,000  homes, besides other structures  which were damaged severely. He said that different friendly countries helped in rehabilitation and reconstruction while the China and its companies played a magnificent role in construction of City Development Projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
AJK Urban Development Plan was undertaken by CXB Chinese company which is a admirable example of Pak-China strong relations, he said. Chinese companies started work in AJK in 2009 while 13 mega projects worth 30 million dollars have been completed by CXB.