KARACHI: The Ambassador of China in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong reiterated the dedication to improving people’s livelihoods, expediting aid funds, boosting Pakistan’s exports to China, and achieving year-round operation of the Khunjerab Pass, thus underlining the enduring commitment to the success and prosperity of the CPEC initiative. He was addressing online at the Conference on the 10th anniversary of Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). The Conference was presided by Yang Yundong Consul General of China in Karachi and was organized by Adpulse IMC (Pvt) Ltd.
Jiang Zaidong, highlighted the profound impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as it commemorates its 10th anniversary. Notably, CPEC has attracted $25.4 billion in direct investment, generated 236,000 jobs, and played a pivotal role in advancing essential infrastructure, including the development of 510 km of highways and the addition of over 8,000 megawatts of electricity over the past decade.
He said that during the recent third Belt and Road (BR) Forum in Beijing, President Xi Jinping outlined eight significant measures aimed at strengthening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, outlining a transformative path for global economic growth. This vision encompasses expediting the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road, fostering an inclusive global economy, and supporting both prominent projects and smaller yet impactful livelihood initiatives.
Ambassador Jiang underscored the recent meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Kakar, emphasizing that it solidified their commitment to the enduring strategic cooperative partnership and the high-quality collaboration within CPEC. The renewed focus involves elevating CPEC to encompass a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor, and an open corridor. Ensuring the sustainability of this initiative involves accelerating key projects in railway upgrading, highway rerouting, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development, information technology, and clean energy.
In a momentous presidential address, Consul General of China in Karachi Yang Yundong reinforced the commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind through the Belt and Road Initiative, marking a decade of progress and paving the way for even more extensive international collaboration in the years to come.
Yundong highlighted the transformative journey of the BRI from a visionary idea to a practical platform for international cooperation. The initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, has evolved into a beacon of open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial collaboration, involving more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations.
He said the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, held in Beijing a month ago, marked a crucial milestone. President Xi Jinping announced eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, signaling a new direction and vision for the initiative. Key outcomes included initiatives for deepening connectivity, green development, international digital economy cooperation, and integrity building.
Yundong said the Forum emphasized unity, cooperation, openness, and win-win outcomes, rejecting division, confrontation, isolation, or a zero-sum mentality. Participants committed to a new stage of high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation, focusing on sustainable and resilient infrastructure, the ‘Digital Silk Road,’ and comprehensive practical cooperation.
One of the most significant announcements was the commitment to realize global modernization through joint efforts. China pledged to expand market access, deepen reforms, and establish financing windows to support Belt and Road projects. The ambitious vision includes China’s total imports and exports of goods and services exceeding $32 trillion and $5 trillion, respectively, in the next five years, providing opportunities for countries worldwide.
Regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Yundong said the first phase was deemed successful, with both countries actively working on the second phase. Yundong emphasized the commitment to an “upgraded version” of the corridor, focusing on growth, livelihood, innovation, greenness, and openness. The recent agreements signed during the Forum between China and Pakistan further solidified their cooperation in various sectors, promising substantial benefits for both nations.
Brigadier (Retd) Haris Nawaz, the caretaker Interior Minister of the Government of Sindh, highlighting the pivotal role played by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in fostering international cooperation and economic development, the Interior Minister emphasized the importance of the conference as a vital platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations. The event aims to promote regional connectivity, trade, and mutual understanding.
Haris Nawaz expressed heartfelt appreciation to Jiang Zaidong, the esteemed Ambassador of China in Pakistan, and Yang Yundong, the dedicated Consul General of China in Karachi, for their invaluable contributions to strengthening the ties between Pakistan and China. Their presence at the conference symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared commitment to enhancing the partnership between the two nations.
The Interior Minister conveyed his trust that the conference will yield fruitful insights and foster partnerships contributing to the continued success of the Belt and Road Initiative. He emphasized the collective effort to shape a more prosperous and interconnected world.
The “International Conference on the 10th Anniversary of Belt and Road Initiatives” is set to take place in the vibrant city of Karachi and is expected to draw participants and experts from various fields to engage in discussions aimed at advancing regional cooperation and development.
This event marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between Pakistan and China, celebrating a decade of the Belt and Road Initiative and paving the way for a more prosperous and interconnected future.
In hhis welcome address, Manzar Naqvi acknowledged the significant role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in global infrastructure development over the past decade. He noted that CPEC has become a pivotal force by linking China’s western regions to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan. Beyond its physical components of highways, railways, and pipelines, CPEC symbolizes the establishment of a robust economic relationship between the two nations.
A documentary chronicling the decade of the Belt and Road Initiative, produced by Adpulse, was screened during the event, providing insights into the initiative’s achievements.
Various prominent figures, including Kaleem Farooqui, Abdul Basit (CEO, GFS Builders), Abdur Rehman (CEO, Siddique Sons), Faisal Hussain (CEO, Organic Meat Company), Seema Mughal (Vice Chancellor, Greenwich University), Asif Sam Sam (Chairman ABAD) and Khurram Jaffrani, addressed the conference. They commended China’s role in connecting nations and bridging continents through the Belt and Road Initiative, recognizing its positive impact on fostering international collaboration and economic growth.
