The Caretaker Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Muhammad Sami Saeed, has declared that the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is making significant progress. The interim government remains dedicated to implementing development projects thoroughly.
Minister Saeed made these remarks during a seminar on the Belt and Road Initiative, titled “Paving the Path to Shared Prosperity,” organized by the Centre of Excellence, CPEC, at Quaid-e-Azam University (QUA). The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, attended as the Chief Guest, and the event saw the presence of the Vice Chancellor of QAU, the Project Director of CPEC, along with numerous policymakers and experts.
Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq Kakar will represent Pakistan at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing from October 17 to 18. The forum will focus on various areas, including Research and Innovation, Communication, Science & Technology, Industry, Agriculture, Energy, Tourism, and more.
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Minister Sami Saeed emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) goes beyond mere infrastructure—it signifies collaborative efforts to create a world of boundless opportunities and prosperity without borders. He acknowledged the remarkable support from China in ensuring the proper supervision of CPEC projects and their implementation by the interim government.
Despite challenges like security concerns, political instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic since its inception in 2013, China and Pakistan remain committed to the implementation of CPEC, which has transformed into a symbol of enduring regional cooperation with profound implications for development and stability.
During the seminar, four sessions discussed topics including Trader & Industrial Cooperation, Cultural Exchange & Connectivity, Financial Sector Integration, and CPEC & BRI Integration, all moderated by various experts who highlighted the key aspects of each session.
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Minister Saeed also praised the Centre of Excellence for its constructive role in CPEC research and pledged more productive research work in the future. He mentioned the establishment of the Centre on Modern Earth, Minerals & Natural Resources at QUA, which will work in collaboration with China to modernize the mineral sector.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong appreciated the Centre of Excellence CPEC and the Planning Ministry for conducting the seminar, especially given the upcoming BRI forum. Reflecting on the decade of CPEC’s journey, he praised the remarkable achievements made under the guidance of leaders from both China and Pakistan. He noted the historic visit of President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in 2015, which accelerated the large-scale construction of CPEC.
The Chinese envoy commended the policies formulated by the Planning Ministry and affirmed China’s continued support for implementing CPEC projects. He stressed that CPEC’s success is rooted in its adherence to BRI principles, emphasizing openness, inclusivity, and mutual benefits, earning support from both Chinese and Pakistani people.
The Chinese envoy also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s extraordinary security measures to protect Chinese workers in the country.
