Gwadar Expressway, Karachi-Lahore Motorway: Chinese Ambassador for early construction

[Salman]

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said that Pakistan and China would make greater efforts to develop the KKH Phase II (Takot to Havelian section), Gwadar Port Eastbay Expressway, New Gwadar International Airport, Karachi-Lahore Motorway (Multan-Sukkur section) and other energy projects.

Giving comprehensive review of Sino-Pak fast growing socio-economic partnership at a function held here, he said President Xi's recent visit to Pakistan has launched a new chapter in the China-Pakistan relations, and injected fresh and strong impetus to the relations. The function was arranged by Oxford and Cambridge Society and Rhodes Scholar at a local hotel. The declaration of the visit is encouraging, but the more important part is to implement these agreements and deliver results, he added.

"Action speaks louder than words," he said adding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a historical opportunity for China-Pakistan co-operation and Pakistan's future development. Ambassador Sun Weidong said the Chinese Government would continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan in support of Pakistan's economic and social development." China's support for Pakistan is sincere, down-to-earth and mutually beneficial," he added.

Recalling that the year 2015 is the Year of China-Pakistan Friendly Exchanges, he said both the countries will hold various activities to promote broad exchanges in culture, education, local administration, youth, think tanks and media. China has set up a culture center in Islamabad to encourage mutual learning and exchanges in culture and art. In the next five years, China will provide 2,000 training opportunities for Pakistan and train 1,000 Chinese language teachers for Pakistan, to support Pakistan in strengthening human resources development and language teaching. The two countries, he emphasised, should continue with the exchange of visits of Hundred Group of Youth and media delegations. "We will translate and publish more quality publications from each other. We will hold Photo Exhibition on China-Pakistan Friendship History. We will also organise receptions for Pakistani friends from all circles in order to reunite with old friends while making new friends," he added.

President Xi's recent visit has achieved a lot of fruits concerning CPECP. It will cover all the provinces of Pakistan, benefit all Pakistani people, create new job opportunities and help upgrade the overall economic strength of Pakistan. China, the ambassador further said, has decided to provide free assistance to support FATA reconstruction and related livelihood projects. China will also provide assistance to promote Gwadar community welfare. These measures will effectively promote economic development in the mid-western part of Pakistan and improve people's livelihood.

Copyright Independent News Pakistan, 2015