ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC-II) provided an opportunity for the business sectors of both nations to develop collaborative ventures.
He emphasized that the CPEC had aided Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, as well as the progress and prosperity of the two countries’ populations.
He hoped that Phase II of CPEC will result in increased industrial, scientific, and environmental development in the country.
Speaking to a high-level team from the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), led by Chairman Luo Zhaohui, who had come to see him, the prime minister stated that China was Pakistan’s most trusted friend and thanked them for their unwavering assistance.
Acknowledging CIDCA’s pivotal role in bolstering Pakistan’s economic development, the prime
minister specifically commended CIDCA for its vital support during the 2022 floods and for its relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in Pakistan.
Earlier, he also witnessed signing ceremony of four Memorandums of Understanding focusing on flood rehabilitation, information and communication technologies, Juncao Technology, China-Pakistan Development Cooperation Planning (2024-2028) alongside a Letter of Exchange on the establishment of a First Aid Centre in Balochistan, and Protocol on Cooperation in Human Resources Development under the Global Development Initiative.
These agreements signify the deepening cooperation between Pakistan and China across various sectors, a statement issued by the PM Office said.
The conference was attended by the Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, the Federal Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs, Finance, Interior, Planning and Development, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior Pakistani officials.