ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar has said that Chinese have concerns regarding security matters as the importance of security is increasing with the enhanced Chinese investment. “The government is cognizant of threats to CPEC, and it has beefed up the security arrangements to effectively deal with threats.”

Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of 10th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Federal Minister Asad Umar said that framework agreement of the JCC was signed between Ningbo Port and Gwadar Port—as well as Lease deed of Gwadar Expo Center.

The meeting was held through videoconference which was co-chaired by Asad Umar and Ning Jizhe, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People’s Republic of China.

Federal minister says CPEC irks our enemies

Flanked by Special Assistant to PM on CPEC affairs Khalid Mansoor, Asad Umar said that the MoU between Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) on Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone (KCCDZ) project was also signed in the meeting. 

“The MoU will pave way for resolution of infrastructure issues plaguing the city of Karachi besides fostering maritime development,” he said, adding that it would also provide job opportunities through generation of sustainable economic activity based on transfer of technology to the country’s maritime industry. Moreover, he said that a new joint Working Group on IT was established in the JCC meeting.

During the 10th JCC meeting, the Chinese side said that efforts were being undertaken by NDRC and pertinent Chinese institutions to expedite the finalisation of the Framework Agreement, as it would further cement the industrial cooperation between China and Pakistan during the 2nd phase of CPEC.  

Asad Umar said: “China has concerns regarding security matters, but work continues on the projects.” He added: “During the meeting, China has emphasised the security. The scope of CPEC is increasing. Besides CPEC, investment of Chinese is also on the rise. The government is cognizant of the threats to CPEC, and it has enhanced the security arrangements to deal with threats. It has been decided that CPEC-level security should be provided to all the projects with Chinese investment. The CPEC irks our enemies.”