Pakistani minister says China Pakistan Economic Corridor brings tangible economic results

Xinhua News Agency, Islamabad, June 6 (Reporter Yang Kai) Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development and Special Projects of Pakistan, said recently that as the flagship project of the "the Belt and Road" initiative, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has brought tangible economic results and greatly promoted the development of infrastructure, energy, digital transformation, agriculture and human resources in Pakistan.

Iqbal said in a written interview with Xinhua News Agency that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has made significant contributions to solving Pakistan's energy shortage and improving regional connectivity. The next stage of development in the corridor will prioritize the construction of special economic zones and export-oriented manufacturing industries, strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as information technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, and provide more job opportunities for Pakistani youth through the development of technology driven industries and strengthening vocational skills training.

When it comes to the Gwadar Port project under the framework of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Iqbal stated that in order to enhance its competitiveness and attract investment, Pakistan is implementing reform measures such as reducing port charges, simplifying customs procedures, providing warehousing discounts, and developing free trade zones.

Iqbal said that the cooperation between Pakistan and China under the framework of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor continues to play a key role in promoting regional connectivity, economic modernization, and common prosperity. He stated that as cooperation deepens, the economic corridor is expected to help Pakistan "transform its geographical advantages into geo economic increments, connectivity into productivity, and regional cooperation into a driving force for national development.