LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has returned the country after a three-day tour to China, calling it “highly result-oriented”.
This visit will accelerate the pace of implementation of the projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the chief minister told the media at Islamabad airport on Thursday.
“The hospitality shown by the Chinese leadership and the people to Pakistani delegation will always be remembered.”
He lauded the Chinese investment in Pakistan which was announced at such a time when the country was facing political turmoil due to PTI sit-ins.
Earlier on Thursday, while addressing a gathering in the China’s capital, Shahbaz Sharif said Chinese President Xi Jinping surprised the whole world by his historic speech in Islamabad. “International media gave a wide coverage to Mr Jinping’s announcement of investment of $46 billion in Pakistan,” he added.
“Even though the anti-government elements staged the drama of sit-ins, Chinese helped Pakistani government. Haters will now see how speedily the country will work on CPEC.”
Terming the implementation of energy projects within a short period of 16 months “unprecedented”, the CM said work will be carried out round the clock for the early completion of energy projects.
“The seriousness of Chinese leadership can be judged from this fact that Chinese investment companies have already started the projects with their own capital without waiting for the loans from the banks,” he added.
He said that no efforts will be spared for the speedy implementation of energy projects and transparency, speed and a high standard will be ensured in the execution of these projects.
The major energy projects with Chinese cooperation will be producing 5000mw electricity by 2017, the CM said.
Federal Minister for Planning & Development Ahsan Iqbal and other members of the CM’s delegation were present on the occasion. Besides senior officials of Chinese financial and technical institutions, Pakistanis living in Beijing also attended the reception.
A meeting was also held between the Punjab CM and chairperson of China’s Exim Bank, Ms Hu Xiaolian, in Beijing where both the dignitaries discussed different matters related to CPEC.