In a virtual address during the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) 10th-anniversary conference, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated China’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ambassador Zaidong emphasized key priorities, including improving people’s livelihoods, accelerating aid funds, boosting Pakistan’s exports to China, and ensuring year-round operation of the Khunjerab Pass.
Highlighting CPEC’s substantial impact over the past decade, Zaidong noted $25.4 billion in direct investment, the creation of 236,000 jobs, and advancements in critical infrastructure, such as the development of 510 km of highways and the addition of over 8,000 megawatts of electricity. The renewed focus aims to elevate CPEC into a comprehensive growth, livelihood, innovation, green, and open corridor, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and collaboration.
Consul General Yang Yundong echoed this commitment to an “upgraded version” of CPEC, emphasizing a multifaceted approach that includes growth, livelihood enhancement, innovation, environmental sustainability, and openness. This commitment aligns with President Xi Jinping’s vision outlined during the recent third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, focusing on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, global economic growth, and inclusive initiatives.
The conference also featured contributions from various speakers, including Brigadier Haris Nawaz (R), the Sindh Home Minister, and prominent figures from business and academia. They commended China’s role in fostering international cooperation and economic growth through the Belt and Road Initiative, recognizing its positive impact on connecting nations and bridging continents. The consensus among speakers highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and discussions for the sustained success of CPEC and the broader Belt and Road Initiative.
