Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, underscored the regional and global advantages of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during a recent event at the Chinese embassy.
Emphasizing the impact of Chinese organizational practices on national development, Ambassador Zaidong commended President Xi Jinping’s eight major steps from the Belt and Road Forum, presenting them as fresh opportunities for participating nations. He praised China’s accomplishments under President Xi’s leadership, surpassing UN Sustainable Development Goals and lifting 800 million people out of poverty. In the context of CPEC, the ambassador highlighted early successes, including $25.4 billion in direct investment, job creation, and infrastructure development encompassing highways, national roads, and electricity projects.
During the event, Ambassador Zaidong highlighted Chinese modernization and diplomacy, emphasizing their significance in inspiring hope and confidence among nations working towards a shared future.
Reflecting on President Xi Jinping’s eight major steps from the Belt and Road Forum, Ambassador Zaidong stated that these steps offer new opportunities for participating countries.
Commending China’s achievements under President Xi’s leadership, including the early achievement of lifting 800 million people out of poverty and surpassing the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by a decade, the ambassador expressed pride in China’s commitment to global development.
Regarding CPEC, Ambassador Zaidong emphasized early successes, citing figures such as $25.4 billion in direct investment and job creation for 236,000 individuals. He highlighted the impact of CPEC on infrastructure development, noting completed projects such as 510 kilometers of highways, 868 kilometers of national roads, and 8,020 megawatts of electricity. The ambassador expressed optimism about CPEC’s positive outcomes, particularly in addressing Pakistan’s electricity shortages and improving local commutes through projects like the Orange Line in Lahore.
Proposing three future collaboration points — consolidation, deepening existing projects, and continuous improvement — Ambassador Zaidong underscored the importance of building upon successful initiatives like ML1 and KKH rebooting projects. He anticipated new developments, announcing a delegation from Xinjiang province aimed at promoting cooperation in agriculture and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and reinforcing the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for Pakistan’s sustained development.
