Islamabad (TDI): Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, said on Monday the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has made Pakistan an attractive destination for direct investment.
Speaking at a seminar titled “ten Years of CPEC: Success, Opportunities and Challenges” hosted by the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development (AIERD), Shi emphasized CPEC’s transformative journey over the past decade.
Shi said that CPEC had brought 25 billion dollars in direct investment to Pakistan and entered a new phase of development.
He credited the “1+4” framework developed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, for bringing the blueprint to life.
He said that fourteen operational energy projects under CPEC now contribute one-fifth of total installed power capacity of Pakistan.
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In the seminar, The SK Hydropower Station, connected to the grid, and projects like Lahore’s Orange Line and the year-round opening of Khunjerab Pass were highlighted as key milestones.
Progress on Gwadar Port and its industrial free zone, alongside the Gwadar New International Airport development, was also lauded for unlocking the city’s financial potential.
Secretary of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Jamil Qureshi, described CPEC as more than a collection of infrastructure projects, describing it a vision for Pakistan’s future.
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He highlighted the significance of industrial ecosystems and special economic zones (SEZs), underlining the progress in Dhabeji SEZ, M3 Allama Iqbal SEZ, Rashakai SEZ, and Bostan SEZ.
Qureshi emphasized the government’s role as a facilitator, ensuring security, policies, and incentives for industrial growth.
Zahid Latif Khan, AIERD Chairman, highlighted the potential of CPEC to deepen Pakistan’s financial markets.
He proposed innovative financial instruments like Islamic Sukuk and CPEC bonds to attract local and international investors.
