Karachi, 8 December 2021 (TDI): Chinese Consul General to Karachi Li Bijian highlighted that most projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have been completed.
The Chinese Consul General visited the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) in Karachi and addressed the media about the China-Pakistan cooperation especially the CPEC project. He pointed out that most of the projects under CPEC have been completed.
Li underscored the importance of the CPEC for Pakistan. He pointed out that CPEC has helped Pakistan in its economic development and deal with the energy crisis. He stated that since the start of the CPEC, Gwadar has become an important port in the world.
Li emphasized the Chinese investment in Gwadar to make it one of the important ports in the world. He talked about the construction of the Gwadar International airport. He underlined that 90% of the construction of the airport has been completed. It will start operating shortly after its complete construction in 2023, he added.
He also talked about the construction of the hospital in Gwadar. The hospital will help the locals in their treatment in their own city. The locals will not have to move to other cities for their treatment, the Consul General added. He stated that the construction of the hospital will be completed in the coming year and it will start operating.
CPEC has strengthened the China-Pakistan cooperation
The Chinese Consul General said that the CPEC project has strengthened the China-Pakistan friendship. CPEC is one of the biggest milestones in the bilateral cooperation of the two states. It has stimulated the economic growth of Pakistan, he added.
Li also highlighted the investment opportunities in China. He said that Pakistan should get benefit from the 500 million middle-class population of China. It provides a massive opportunity for Pakistan to get benefit from the Free Trade Agreement between the two sides. Pakistan can increase its export trade volume by using the Chinese market, he added.
The Chinese Consul General during his visit to KATI met with the former as well as present Presidents of KATI. He highlighted the trade opportunities for Pakistani industrialists in China. KATI President Salman Aslam stated that the CPEC is win-win cooperation for both sides. It will provide several benefits to the economies of the two countries, he added.
China and Pakistan are ironclad friends. They enjoy close relations. The CPEC has strengthened the bilateral cooperation between the two sides and has deepened their mutual trust. CPEC aims to make Pakistan a trade hub from which the whole region can get benefits.