ISLAMABAD – Newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to deepen development under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and to accelerate building of a closer community.
The premier in his first interview with the official news agency of China, stressed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling for more strong ties between the iron brothers by collaborating through challenges and progress towards the second phase of multi-billion dollar project.
He highlighted decades long diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Beijing and vowed the continuous cultivation of bilateral friendship into all-weather strategic cooperative partners.
Sharif was optimistic about taking Sino-Pak friendship to new heights, as he mentioned China’s successful modernization efforts that lifted millions out of poverty and provided education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. He mentioned taking inspiration from China’s model to curb poverty and to boost employment.
Sharing his views, the Prime Minister said Pakistan is now looking to enter the second phase of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on tech expansion and agriculture along the corridor. He further stressed the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to streamline CPEC projects’ processes and remove inefficiencies.
Shehbaz, 72, refers China as his “second home,” and mentioned his upcoming visit to China – a tradition for new leadership. The premier lauded China’s Belt and Road Initiative as visionary, spanning in several regions.
He shared good news about forming industrial parks and export zones, in bid to lure Chinese entrepreneurs for joint ventures, especially in textile and steel industries, combining Chinese technology with Pakistan’s labor.
Pakistan will also looking to upgrade transport system towards electrification with help of China as both sides looking to enhance connectivity.
