CPEC can become business growing corridor not only for region but world: Lin

Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) President Lin Songtian said the CPEC can become a business growing corridor not only for region but also for the world.
Lin Songtian who is on a visit to Pakistan with his six members delegation addressed a news conference in Islamabad on Thursday and said the first phase of the CPEC project is almost in its final stages.
The CPAFFC President said that after assuming office, he is visiting Pakistan for the first time as Pakistan is a very close friend and China will never leave Pakistan alone.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, Lin Songtian said that Asia accounts for 20 percent of the world's population and china is now moving towards innovation and modernization as the CPEC will lead to further development in China as the road is the first base for construction and development.
He informed that there have been detailed and meaningful talks with Pakistani dignitaries regarding bilateral friendship and he is sure that Pakistan will come out of poverty through stable leadership as it has natural reserves and human resources.
The Chinese delegation head said they are investing in infrastructure including roads and ports in Pakistan and around $25 billion have already been invested here in the neighboring country.
Earlier today, the Chinese delegation called on Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal who assured full cooperation of the government to the Chinese companies to further expedite projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
On the occasion, the minister said that Pakistan had long-standing historic ties with China and the incumbent government has restarted CPEC under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who recently visited China.
CPAFFC is a Chinese national people organization that engages in people-to-people diplomacy and the aim of this association is to enhance people’s friendship and international cooperation on development.
Speaking to the delegation, the Minister informed the delegation that CPEC has been revived since the new government came into power under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in April this year.
The minister informed the delegation that the recent Joint Coordination Committee meeting and visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China was a clear indication that both countries have agreed to revive the CPEC project which remained pending by the previous government of PTI.
The minister further added that during the recent visit, the Chinese President appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to restore CPEC projects and assured to continue cooperation.
The minister also highlighted the significance of ML-1 and KCR projects which were discussed during the recent visit of the PM to China and both sides have agreed to start these projects without any further delay.
Similarly, the minister also highlighted the importance of solar and renewable projects in which both countries have agreed to start projects.
During the meeting, the Minister informed the delegation about the significance of the Agriculture sector as Pakistan has huge potential in the sector and it can export meat and vegetable to China.
The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s exponential growth and sought cooperation from China as it has expertise in the export sector. The establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) also came under discussion.
The minister informed the delegation that the incumbent government has also restarted the establishment of SEZs as there was no progress in the last four years.
The delegation was further informed that Gwadar International Airport will be functional next year and there is great potential for tourism as well which the Chinese should get an advantage of.
Lin Songtian said that the Chinese market has huge potential, providing profitability, stability, and efficiency of business, and assured the Minister to cooperate in all the sectors.
Songtian also said that China will send a group of experts to Pakistan so they could exchange their experience to execute several projects. This will increase avenues for multi-faceted cooperation and will add a new leaf in the friendship and cooperation between the countries, he concluded.