Lahore, Pakistan – (October 5, 2023) – The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) commemorated the 74th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in a grand ceremony held in Lahore.
This spectacular event witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Acting Consul General of China, Cao Ke, and prominent figures from both Pakistan and China.
LCCI President Kashif Anwar delivered an insightful address during the celebration, highlighting the importance of the occasion and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. He emphasized the vital role played by LCCI in promoting trade and industry and fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Acting Consul General of China, Cao Ke, took the opportunity to laud Lahore’s significance as a pivotal city and praised LCCI for its commendable efforts in advancing trade and industry. He expressed a strong desire for knowledge sharing and technology transfer between China and LCCI, emphasizing the importance of mutual learning.
Cao Ke also underscored the historical milestones of this year, marking the 10th anniversary of both the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative. He mentioned CPEC’s transformative impact on Pakistan’s economy, with a substantial $24.4 billion investment, and the upcoming launch of the ML-1 Project.
Highlighting the commitment of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people, and President Xi Jinping to modernizing and globalizing China, Cao Ke reaffirmed China’s dedication to upholding global peace. He pledged continued support for Pakistani businesses, facilitating their participation in events such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Canton Fair.
President Kashif Anwar celebrated the strong diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, which began in 1950 and have since flourished into a dependable strategic alliance and trustworthy neighborly bond. He emphasized that the enduring friendship between the two nations is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, built upon mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for social and economic prosperity.
President Anwar also highlighted the pivotal role of CPEC in strengthening these bilateral ties, emphasizing its role in shifting the focus from geo-politics to geo-economics. He acknowledged the vast infrastructure development witnessed in Pakistan as a result of CPEC projects, setting the stage for technology transfer and knowledge exchange from China through direct investments and joint ventures.
In conclusion, President Anwar stressed the paramount responsibility of organizations like LCCI in promoting such partnerships, essential not only for the development and progress of both nations but also for fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
The celebration of China’s 74th founding anniversary serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China, paving the way for even greater collaboration in the years to come.