Islamabad, 18 January 2023 (TDI): Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Raja Pervez Ashraf attended the launching ceremony of the All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association’s (APCEA) sustainable development report 2022.
The event was jointly organized by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretariat of the National Assembly of Pakistan in collaboration with APCEA at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services.
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in Pakistan. It highlights the contribution of the CPEC in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Remarks by Speaker National Assembly
While addressing the ceremony, Ashraf said that the project is mutually beneficial for both countries, and due to its viability, the entire region could benefit from it.
He declared CPEC an epic manifestation of ironclad friendship & all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
The Speaker also stated that, despite challenges, Pakistan’s top priority has always been sustainable economic development.
Through improved connectivity and socioeconomic development, CPEC has played a significant role in achieving the above goal.
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“CPEC is a significant strategic imperative that has garnered attention in Pakistan and around the world. The project’s ongoing second phase has shifted its focus to the Pakistani education industry, economics, infrastructure, sustainability, and expansion of student exchange programs.” Ashraf reiterated.
Remarks by APCEA Vice Chairman
Wang Jie, Executive Vice Chairman of APCEA and CEO of Bank of China Limited Pakistan Operations also addressed the ceremony.
In his welcome remarks, he emphasized the critical importance of understanding the importance of sustainable development and taking all appropriate corrective actions.
Wang stated that Chinese enterprises practice sustainable development in all aspects to support the relations.
“Their guiding principle is the fulfillment of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which includes dependability & technological advancement, community welfare.” He informed.
It is pertinent to note that Romina Khurshid Alam, Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, and Minister of State for Finance, Aisha Ghaus Pasha, also addressed the ceremony. They highlighted the importance of the CPEC project for Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.