Industrial development top priority under CPEC: Zhao Lijian
He said in the next stage, industrial development in Pakistan is being discussed.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chinese Acting Ambassador to Pakistan Zhao Lijian on Sunday emphasised on the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Chinese government is presenting it as the best practice under BRI framework.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan, he said the largest number of projects have been completed under CPEC in a short span of time.
The ambassador said eleven projects have been completed under CPEC during the last six years, and eleven others are under construction. Besides, he said, there are many other projects in the pipeline.
He said CPEC has four priorities, including power plants, infrastructure development, renovation of Gwadar Port, and industrial development.
Zhao Lijian said foundation for industrial development was laid during the last five years by addressing infrastructure and energy issues in Pakistan.
He said in the next stage, industrial development in Pakistan is being discussed.
The ambassador said nine areas have been identified for developing Special Economic Zones across Pakistan. He said three projects, including Rashakai, Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Park, and Dhabeji Special Economic Zone have been prioritised.
He expressed confidence that groundbreaking of Rashakai Special Economic Zone would be performed soon after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ongoing visit to China.
Zhao Lijian said Special Economic Zones will significantly contribute to overall economic development of Pakistan by enhancing its foreign exchange reserves and exports.
He said that following the conclusion of the ongoing Belt and Road Forum, the two countries are likely to sign joint statement on Main Line-I project of doubling railway line from Karachi to Peshawar.
"CPEC is a project of regional economic development and any third party participation will be welcomed in it," he said.
He said third party participation is already involved in CPEC in form of funding of Karot Hydropower project by the World Bank Group and the engagement of Qatari companies in various projects.
The ambassador said under the new free trade agreement (FTA), Chinese government is offering ninety percent of market share to Pakistanis goods into Chinese market. He said China is asking for sixty-five percent of the market access to Pakistan at zero tariff rate. He said the new FTA is very much in favor of Pakistan.
Answering a question about the ongoing Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, he said the objective of the forum is to develop consensus among stakeholders how to push forward Belt and Road Initiative.
