A decade of progress: reflections on CPEC Celebration during Planning Minister’s visit to China
Beijing: Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal lauded the Chinese government’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is the flagship project of BRI, during a recent visit to China.
The Minister recalled that the CPEC journey had started during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China and within a few years it grew to encompass more than USD 25 billion worth of projects, ranging from energy to infrastructure and information technology.
During different engagements, he appreciated the active role and support of Chinese leadership and enterprises in particular during Pakistan’s economic hardship.
Ahsan Iqbal hosted a dinner for the Chinese companies working on CPEC projects. The dinner was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the decade of CPEC (2013-23).
“China and Pakistan would benefit from greater Chinese investment in Pakistan. It would not only support Pakistan’s economy but also provide an avenue for Chinese companies to sell products manufactured in Pakistan in the Chinese market and elsewhere in the world,” he added.
Chen Diming, Chairman of China Apollo Holding Group, and Xu Hao, senior representative of China Ocean Engineering Construction Company called on Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary held a meeting on Monday with Luo Zhaohui, Chairman, of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) in Beijing, and highlighted key projects that have been completed since the launch of CPEC a decade ago.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal co-chaired the 12th (Special) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Vice Chairman National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC), China Mr. Cong Liang at the NDRC office. The 12th JCC meeting was resolved on Tuesday to make the next decade glorious building upon a foundation in the last 10 years.
