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CPEC is most visible part of Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, says PM Abbasi

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, while speaking in ‘Belt and Road Impact‘ session of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, said the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would link together a series of countries, regions and civilizations to create shared prosperity.

Abbasi said Pakistan is the most visible part of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) because of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and that the project would result in freer movement of people and greater cultural interaction between the countries, Radio Pakistan reported.

Referring to CPEC, which is part of BRI, the prime minister said projects under the initiative include power plants, highways, modernisation of railways and ports, construction of airports and setting up of economic zones for export growth.

The results of CPEC related projects have already started appearing as our cement plants produced 56 percent additional capacity and exports grew by 15 per cent, Abbasi was quoted as saying.

He said CPEC is also boosting confidence of the investors and Pakistan is getting a lot of investment in addition to CPEC. “Apart from financial sustainability, these projects are indicative of Pakistan being a more responsible global citizen as far as environment is concerned,” he said.

The prime minister said the development of ports and highways, Pakistan can provide much more efficient connectivity to most of Central Asian countries, which are landlocked.

Abbasi thanks Bill Gates

Prime Minister Abbasi later met Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, at the World Economic Forum. Health Minister Saira Afzal Tarar, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and other government officials were also present.

Abbasi reportedly thanked and appreciated the support provided by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Pakistan, particularly for the Polio Eradication Programme. He discussed avenues of partnership in health, education and other social sectors with Gates.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and empowerment of farmers through financial and digital inclusion was also discussed during the meeting.

Source: Dawn News, 24th January 2018.

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What does CPEC mean for Gilgit-Baltistan?

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a part of One-Belt One-Road (OBOR) initiative of the Chinese government to expand its economic horizons around the globe. CPEC is famously coined as a “Game Changer” for Pakistan, as it is expected to enhance economic development in the country. However, some have also argued that it is “the end of the game”, basing their arguments on the challenges associated with this gigantic project.

CPEC aims to develop Special Economic Zones in Pakistan through a combination of infrastructure projects including transportation, energy and port development. CPEC will connect Western China with Gawadar port in Baluchistan province of Pakistan.

China transports 80% of its oil, through Strait of Malacca to Shanghai on ships and covers a distance of16000 km which takes around two or three months, whereas via CPEC it will cover 3218 km, shrinking down the shipment time to a few days.

The initial budget for CPEC was projected near $45 billion. However, the portfolio is reported to have grown to $110 billion. It is important to note that CPEC is not just a road rather a network of connectivity, industrialization, energy generation, promotion of trade and tourism.

While discussing CPEC, the importance of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) cannot be neglected, because Gilgit-Baltistan is the gateway for CPEC, and also the proverbial Chicken Neck.

The mighty Karakorum Highway (KKH) – known as the 8th wonder of the world – was built in 1968-78 to connect China to the Western World by giving access to Arabian Sea. CPEC will continue to build on the existing KKH, passing through the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. The KKH will be improved and few new roads will be constructed for smooth travel, moreover new bridges, tunnels and railway track is expected to construct to connect Kashgar city of China to Havelian in Pakistan. As GB shares its border with China therefore the business terms has remained friendly between this region and China for past many years, although the Free Trade Agreement was signed between the two countries in 2006.

What does CPEC have for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan?

The distribution of CPEC related projects all overall Pakistan shows that GB is going to gain very little from this project, as so far no hydropower project or industrial project is included for this region, other than the Magpoondas Special Economic Zone and the Optic Fiber connection.

However, if we look at some indirect impacts of the project, the it is apparent that GB is likely going to benefit in terms of business development, energy generation, infrastructure development and telecommunication. The connectivity through road and train plus intra-city roads will aid to increased social and economic integration. Moreover, resource development is expected in the region as people are getting trainings, learning Chinese language and business skills.

CPEC is also fraught with myriad challenges for the region including potential negative influence on local environment, indigenous economy, and the culture. With roll-out of KKH expansion and construction of other roads and due to increased transportation the ecology of the region will be badly affected. Only smoke emitting from trucks will be left out for the local people to inhale while the foreign traders, businessmen and entrepreneurs will reap profits. It will also exacerbate an already dire situation of solid waste management across GB especially in Hunza valley and Gilgit city.

In order to understand the economic opportunities and threats CPEC poses to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan we must try to understand indigenous economy, local capacity and livelihoods of the people. Most of the people in this region rely on small scale farming and agriculture, a considerable portion of the population are salaried persons with the government and private sector, and a small fraction of the population is engaged in small scale enterprise and businesses. Owing to lack of industry in the region, lack of experience in trade and business development, the indigenouspeople are likely to get engaged in menial jobs. Unfortunately, the academia is either not doing any good by producing good workers instead of inculcating business acumen in the young people.

In addition, local cultures will be invaded with the flow of Chinese and people from all across Pakistan.  The already vanishing languages will be further endangered. The local people, while in the pursuit of coping with the cultural shocks, it is likely they tend to assimilate in other cultures by adopting their values, traditions and language. This has already been the case in some of the smaller segments of GB such as Dumaki language for which Aziz Ali Dad has beautifully captured in his thoughtful writings; A Vanishing Voice.

What should be done to mitigate the CPEC challenges and to benefit from the opportunities?

It is crucial for the local people to organize,discern and prepare themselves accordingly. People of GB are unaware about their legal stance, citizenry rights and the potential impacts that CPEC is going to bring with it. To be able to understand what CPEC is, in what ways GB and its people are going to get affected, how we could respond to the challenges and opportunities, at community, society, and state level, I propose some of the followings steps should be taken;

There is a dire need for a think-tank where development practitioners, researchers, business experts, political leaders and even students willcome together to engage in research, advocacy, and planning regarding CEPC. This platform could serve as the evidence-based research group with a primary mandate to guide and advocate policy makers – members of Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly GBLA – to formulate policies that will protect indigenouspeople, its economy and culture. GBLA should have the ability to bargain with the government of Pakistan as well as with the government of China to promote and protect the rights of local people. Unfortunately, the current GBLA hasn’t taken any specific measures to promote This entity will also engage academia especially Karakorum International University to conduct research, offer specialized courses to help prepare young minds for CPEC and equip young people with marketable skills.

  • Strengthening Role of Civil Society

GB has already experienced dramatic economic transformation primarily stimulated by Aga Khan Rural Support Programme through community mobilization and social action. Almost every village in GB has a grass root platform known as Village Organizations, Women Organizations and Local Support Organizations. These institutions need to be strengthened and empowered through intensive training, sensitization and capacity building.

The importance of social organization was highlighted by the present General Manager of AKRSP, Mr. Muzaffar Uddin, while giving his interview to PTV World “One thing which we learnt from AKRSP’s experience is that when Karakoram Highway (KKH) was constructed, those communities took maximum benefit from KKH than those areas of people where they were not organized so what I personally think is people who have a plan or who are organized will get maximum benefit of CPEC, otherwise it would be like the Indus River, we see it rise and fall but can’t get benefit of that. Similar thing will happen with CPEC we will see trucks going and coming but won’t get any benefit. One very important aspect which is part of RSPs movement, we call it Human Capital. Investment has been done initially and now we need to expand it more relevant to all these opportunities then we can I think get maximum benefit from mega investments, which are for people’s benefit so it’s about how we organize ourselves to get maximum benefit.”

  • Capacity Building and Training

Various training programmes should be introduced across GB to tape the opportunities. This may include high level technical skills such as IT, information management, international trade laws and marketing as well other technicalskills like cargo management, transport management, hotel management and tourismpromotion. Introduction of Chinese language in school curriculum could be another important milestone to be better equipped to handle effects of CPEC.

  • Youth Development Programmes

Specialized programmes should be introduced preparing youth for the future.  This may include awareness raising sessions, mobilizationand trainings. Different youth forums and platform should be made to engage youth in discussions related to CPEC and its impacts on socio economic dynamics of GB. Student politics at school, college and university level in Gilgit-Baltistan should be introduced as this will help them understanding and taking interest in politics of the region as well. Teachers should support students in carrying out different researches on CPEC and its implications.

Source: PAMIR Times, 24th January 2018.

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Provinces working as a team for CPEC: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior and Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal has said that the broad consensus amongst the provinces has provided an opportunity to expedite China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and ensure their successful completion.

“All the provinces are fully onboard and eager to pluck the fruits of CPEC” said the minister, while responding to the CPEC Special Committee reports in the Senate.

He said that the provincial leaders are fully contributing in the decision making process since the launch of this initiative, irrespective of their political affiliation. “Chief Ministers and their teams have ensured their full participation in the Joint Working Groups and Joint Cooperation Committee of CPEC which is a manifestation of the government’s will to guarantee transparency, inclusiveness, national cohesion and sense of equality”.

He further said that CPEC, a project of inclusive development in Pakistan, undoubtedly, offers huge dividends for the provinces and regions of Pakistan, opening new avenues of opportunities for the people of the country, particularly, underdeveloped regions. The transport infrastructure projects of CPEC will give a boost to economic activities in far-flung areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Balochistan and Sindh and thus would help in the emergence of new urban and economic centres, he added.

“Economic activities at the smaller level are starting to crop up in the form of huts, hotels and new markets on the roadside to cater the needs of traffic on completed links of the western route from Quetta to Gwadar. This is a glimpse of a bright future when the region would be a “centre of focus” of local and foreign investors to benefit from the economic potential of these areas” the minister highlighted.

He underlined that the western route project, approved by the All Parties Conference held on May 28 2015, is under execution as decided by the national leadership.

Ahsan Iqbal said that a number of provincial infrastructure projects, Mirpur Mansehra Road, Nokundi Mashkhel Panjgur Road and Gilgit Chitral Chakdara, as well as the development of Keti Bandar Port, have been included in CPEC which would further enhance connectivity. He further said that under CPEC, circular railway projects are being implemented in all the four capitals.

Ahsan Iqbal said that CPEC’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the provinces will attract investment in different sectors thus would boost the overall economic status of the provinces.

SEZs would help in the creation of thousands of jobs for the local youth. Government is planning two to three road shows in China to attract investors to ensure early population of these SEZs. This cooperation would be completed from 2020 to 2025 and it is open for all investors, he told the Senate.

The minister highlighted that the 820km long fibre optic that passes through Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and KPK to connect Rawalpindi and Khunjerab is planned to be completed this year. “The project will not only turn the trade corridor into a digital corridor but will also bring a boom to Information and Technology (IT) related industry in this region along the route”.

Ahsan Iqbal further told that under CPEC, the government was able to attract $5 billion to explore coal resources of Thar for the first time in the history of Pakistan. “China has proved as a trustworthy friend of Pakistan by investing and completing mega energy projects in the country that helped in overcoming energy crisis. All the power plants meet international environmental standards”, he highlighted.

Source: Pakistan Today, 26th January 2018.

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Pakistan could be collateral damage if US, China enter Currency War

SWITZERLAND / DAVOS: 

As the US raises prospects of entering into a Currency War with China, Pakistan is likely to face new challenges of further losing its competitiveness in the global market, while also witnessing further pressure on its import bill.

In order to improve its trade balance with China, the US, led by its mercurial president Donald Trump, has implicitly decided to allow its currency to weaken. The move is aimed at making its products cheaper and competitive in the global market, a place dominated by Chinese merchandise. While China is not one to sit out, a currency war likely seems to be on the cards, carrying far-reaching implications for the global economy, including Pakistan.

The dollar saw its worst day since March 2016, after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said a weak dollar would help US trade.

The dollar index, which reflects the greenback against a basket of currencies, fell 1% to the lowest level since December 2014, according to the CNBC.

Mnuchin spoke at the World Economic Forum (WEF) during a session on ‘Remaking of the Global Finances’, stating that a weak dollar is good for the US.

He said that he spends little time thinking about dollar’s weakness over the short-term. “In the longer term, we fundamentally believe in the strength of the dollar,” he added.

Speaking during a CNBC-moderated panel at the WEF in Davos, Mnuchin said dollar weakness in the short-term was “not a concern of ours”.

He further said that while he acknowledged the greenback’s weakness in the short-term would create issues for some, it would be “beneficial” for some US trade imbalances.

The US currently faces a trade deficit of over $43 billion as on November 2017, putting pressure on its foreign currency reserves that are hovering over the $120-billion mark.

The comments are also seen as a departure from the past three presidential administrations and Treasury secretaries.

The depreciation of the US currency would make the British Sterling Pound and Euro more expensive. The euro has already climbed to its strongest against the dollar since 2014.

Pakistan context

Since Pakistani exporters price their goods in dollar terms, they would lose the competitive edge in the British and European Union markets. Not only that, the depreciation of the rupee versus other currencies would make international commodities more expensive that will further increase Pakistan’s import bill.

LNG imports would also get expensive as the price of crude oil goes north.

In case, Pakistan depreciates its currency to make it competitive, this will increase its debt burden.

“Pakistan’s debt will increase in dollar terms if the currency war goes too far,” said Dr Ashfaque Hasan, a noted economist and dean at the National University of Sciences and Technology. “When the dollar loses value, we will import more and our import bill will increase further. This will also put renewed pressure on the rupee.

“Our exporters will also find it difficult to increase their earnings.”

Global economy

While speaking at the occasion, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that currently, the global economy was standing at a sweet spot. The global economy growth is moving at a pretty solid rate of around 3.9% and this momentum is expected to continue next year as well. About 120 countries have seen growth in per capita income during the last one year, she added.

The financial conditions are reasonably accessible and the engines of global growth are the investment and the growth in international trade, said the MD, adding that international trade is growing at a faster rate than the global economic growth rate.

“So any measure that would slow down the global growth rate, that would try to limit the strength of this engine, would obviously be a matter of concern for the IMF,” said Lagarde.

To a question whether the IMF agrees with tariff escalation by the US, Lagarde said that no one would agree with measures that restrict growth.

The US treasury secretary, Mnuchin, said that the US wanted reciprocal fair trade, adding that productive conversations have been held with China on free trade, increasing exports and participation of US companies in China in an open and fair manner.

Source: The Express Tribune, 26th January 2018.

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Balochistan government drafts proposal to address concerns of natives in Gwadar

ISLAMABAD: As the native residents of Gwadar are still concerned about demographic changes in the wake of fast development on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects, Balochistan government plans to propose a number of measures to address their grievances.

“One of the major concerns of residents in Gwadar is about the loss of as much as 70 per cent of land that has now gone into foreign hands. Moreover, they are concerned as they are fast becoming a minority in their own land due to the influx of outsiders following the gaining momentum at Gwadar seaport,” said an official at Gwadar Development Authority (GDA).

In order to remove the sense of deprivation, the government of Balochistan is taking a number of steps which include educating locals and providing robust training to the illiterate population, he reiterated.

“After numerous meetings and deliberation with the residents and high officials, the government has finally drafted a proposal to be presented in Balochistan and National Assembly to refuse provision of domicile and voting rights to outsiders,” the official informed Pakistan Today during a recent visit to the area adding that this way the locals would be able to preserve their identity on political front.

He said that this proposal is highly unlikely to be accepted by the locals as they are reluctant to leave their homes. “We fear that if the locals refuse the government’s proposal they might end up living in slums amid a developed Gwadar.” He added, as part of the proposal all who agree to make the move will be provided with constructed homes and facilities in exchange for their land at the port area.

“We have assured that the business of local people will not be harmed and in fact, they will be facilitated with opportunities to boost their business,” the official said. In reply to a query, he said, under the constitution of Pakistan, a special royalty or compensation system is not possible to be offered to the natives however, we will fully compensate the locals in form of rent from land or similar arrangements.

“Moreover in order to preserve the rights and allocate more share of the development and business activity for the locals, the people of Gwadar are being offered alternative land in nearby areas along with monthly or annual rent for land that will be used for business/commercial activities at the port,” he said.

Talking to Pakistan Today, a fish exporter and native resident of Gwadar, on the basis anonymity, said that an overwhelming majority of locals, who have been offered plots in housing societies nearby have opted to sell their land at extremely low prices. Moreover, the majority that is holding onto their homes have no alternative land to offer as they have already sold it. They fear that they might not have anywhere else to go.

He said while clarifying misconceptions about natives, “The impression that people of Gwadar are uneducated is not true since various highly qualified people of the area are either living in other provinces and cities or live abroad. They may come back to Gwadar if the city is provided all the required facilities or once CPEC is fully developed,” he added.

Both Pakistan and the Chinese government should support the residents of Gwadar to improve and boost fishing in the area, he added.

Talking about concerns of the locals related to CPEC, he argued the local Baloch community in Gwadar would be politically marginalised in case the outsiders are given voting right. “Non-locals have bought huge swaths of land in Gwadar and it indicates that after 10 years, the Baloch will be reduced to a minority given the increasing influx of outsiders to the area,” he argued.

Talking about how they feel about the development activities in the area, a local fisherman said: “This is all being done for China, not the locals.”

However, it seems the government and NGOs, as observed in the area, are actively trying to give more benefits of development activities to the locals. A representative of Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute Gwadar, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project between Gwadar Port Authority and Karachi-based Y-30 Technologies ACES Private Ltd, said his institute was set up in the old premises of the Government Degree College Gwadar on October 29, 2017. The institution was offering eight different short duration courses to the local youth. In phase-1 the locals were being taught skills such as Chinese and English language, woodwork, dress designing and information technology while being trained to become electricians, mechanics and beauticians along with other courses. He added that this would help youngsters contribute towards projects being established under CPEC and earn a respectable living.

Source: Pakistan Today, 27th January 2018.

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Balochistan CM encourages investment in Gwadar

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said on Tuesday that a trade-friendly environment and secure environment will be provided to the foreign companies who are making investment in Gwadar to attract maximum investment in Balochistan.

He further said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be beneficial for all citizens of  Balochistan. He expressed these views while talking to media in a press conference held today at the chief minister secretariat.

Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Advisor  Khidda Babar, Political Secretary Aslam Shah and Director-General Dr Sajjad Ahmed were also present on this occasion.

He said a committee has been formulated to investigate the matter of issuance of fraudulent domiciles to non-citizens of Balochistan.

CM Balochistan said that supply of clean drinking water to the people of Gwadar is included on the list priorities.

He said that the prime minister of Pakistan has given Rs2 billion in Gwadar Development Package. The CM said that after the completion of paperwork for PC1 schemes, the proposals have been sent for the final approval.

The chief minister said that the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has a special sympathy with the people of Balochistan. We hope that the federal government would cooperate with the provincial government in resolving these long-lasting problems of the province.

He said that CPEC is an important project, and the government will not tolerate any negligence in this regard.

The CM said that the provincial cabinet meeting will be held on Wednesday (today) and important decisions regarding the master plan for Gwadar under GDA and approval of the Public-Private Parties Act will be made.

Source: Pakistan Today, 24th January 2018.

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Beijing invited Pakistan to attend the China International Import Expo

ISLAMABAD: 

As a sign of deepening relations, Beijing has invited Pakistan to attend the China International Import Expo later this year, a move aimed at helping the country increase its exports through products’ exhibition.

Addressing a press conference along with Commerce Minister Pervaiz Malik, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing also said that Beijing was willing to accommodate concerns of the country’s private sector when it came to terms of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and China will never want to damage industry of its special partner.

Yao said the China International Import Expo would provide an opportunity to exporters to display their products and take advantage of stakeholders’ presence to increase their market.

With CPEC, Pakistan could play host to Chinese industries

In response, Malik said Pakistan would look forward to creating a good impression on the global market. The China International Import Expo will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10 this year.

Pakistan and China have recently deepened their partnership in the economic arena. The multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which features extensive development of infrastructure and power projects in the country.

While most hail CPEC as a ‘game-changer’, critics say China stands to benefit more than what Pakistan does, arguing that Islamabad will lose out and end up repaying billions in debt without getting much in return.

Talks on FTA

The argument extends to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) both sides signed in 2006, and now sees the trade balance hugely in favour of China.

Currently, Pakistan’s trade deficit with China stands at $12 billion with the gap expected to increase due to the import of CPEC-related machinery.

However, the Chinese envoy looked to appease the situation, saying that bilateral trade issues were discussed during the meeting.

“One reason for the imbalance in bilateral trade is that Pakistan is  importing machinery from China,” said Yao.

He hoped that Pakistani exports to China would increase with industrial development in the country.

Export of sugar, corn, vegetables, textiles, and sea food from Pakistan can be enhanced, stated Yao.

“In the next five years, China is expecting to import products and services valuing more than $10 trillion, which provides a historic opportunity for enterprises across the world to enter the huge Chinese market,” said a statement issued by the embassy.

Commerce Secretary Younus Dagha said Pakistan’s exports to China can increase if the latter gives the same concessions it gives to ASEAN countries.

Through CPEC: Moot calls for cementing regional cooperation

The ambassador also informed that Gwadar industrial zone’s ceremonial inauguration would be held on January 29.

It was also stated that Pakistan and China would hold another round of FTA talks. “I understand that there are some kind of concerns from Pakistan’s private sector, manufacturers on the FTA,” added Yao. “China looks to Pakistan as a special partner and it would never like to damage its industry through this kind of bilateral agreement.

“Our intention is to have a more convenient and facilitating mechanism of bilateral trade. We want to encourage and facilitate cooperation on the principles of following Pakistan’s convenience, concerns and satisfying its requirements.”

Source: The Express Tribune, 24th January 2018.

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Chinese institutions asked to set up campuses in Education City

KARACHI: The Chinese institutions of higher education have been asked to establish their campuses in Education City.

The offer was made by Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair when the delegations of two prominent polytechnic institutions officials from China- Binzhou and Rizhao, called on him at the Governor House here on Saturday.

The Chinese officials of the two polytechnics included Wang Xuan, Liu Yonghua, Jian Jinbo, Wenyan Li, Mou Han, Liu Zhen, Li Shenyong, Yufeng Xiangze and Fen Wang.

A spokesman of the Governor House said that at the Education Expo being held in the metropolis this April was also discussed.

The governor was of the view that this Expo would prove to be a milestone in the realm of education in Pakistan. The initiative of building campuses in Education City would be of great benefit for both countries. China is also offering vocational training for Pakistani Students in China. Scholarships are also awarded to students

He said that every effort would be made towards the holding of this event.

It was further pointed out that for the cause of China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), cooperation would also be extended to Chinese universities for the holding of seminars and workshops in the universities in the province.

The Sindh governor is also the Chancellor of the government-run universities in the province.

Zubair stated that China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would prove to be a game-changer in Pakistan as well as the region.

Source: Pakistan Today, 13th January 2018.

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Yao Jing assures all support for Metro Train early completion

A Chinese delegation, led by the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Yao Jing called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here on Saturday and discussed different matters of mutual interests including Pak-China economic relations, CPEC Projects and expansion of mutual cooperation in different sectors.
Chinese Ambassador assured that every possible support will be provided for early completion of Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project. “I have come to Lahore after many years and am impressed by the rapid development here.” He told Shahbaz Sharif that under his leadership, public welfare projects have been completed speedily, development is quite visible in Lahore and Punjab. The ambassador said, “In fact, you are a visionary leader of Pakistan and it is in my knowledge that you enjoy good cordial relations with Chinese President and Prime Minister. Chinese leadership appreciates you because you give practical results and your personality is filled with the passions of hard work, commitment and dedication.”
He said that China would continue to cooperate with the Punjab and further investments will be made in different sectors here, he added. Mr. Yao Jing said, “We shall also ensure timely completion of ongoing projects in the Punjab and shall move further side by side with you in the journey of development and prosperity”.
Shahbaz Sharif appreciated that China did not attach any strings for friendship, or call for do more. In fact, China is following the policy of love more. He said that CPEC has emerged as a wonderful gift for the Punjab and this project has further cemented the socio-economic relations between the two countries.
He said the positive results of the CPEC have started appearing as Sahiwal Coal Power Project has been completed six months before its deadline.
The Chief Minister said, “Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project was scheduled to be completed on December 25 but unluckily, a political party challenged this mega project of public interest in the court and due to it, the work remained suspended for 22 months. Now, the work has resumed and we shall have to collectively complete it.”
Chinese Consul General Mr. Long Ding Bin, Vice President Huaneng Shandong Ruyi, Mr. Li Xin, GM Orange Line Mr. Zhupengfei, Provincial Ministers Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Malik Nadeem Kamran, Kh. Ahmed Hasaan and officials concerned were present on the occasion.

Source: Pakistan Observer, January 2018.

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Indonesia keen to join CPEC, says envoy

ISLAMABAD – After Saudi Arabia, Iran and few other countries, the Republic of Indonesia has expressed its desire to be part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor by exporting coal for power projects or by way of setting up a railway system for the CPEC.

In an exclusive interview with Waqt News the other day, the Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad Iwan Suyudhie Amri has said that the people of Pakistan and this region, seem excited about the CPEC.

He said that if the project succeeded it would change the logistic route in the region from the Middle East through Pakistan up to China.

The ambassador said that the CPEC would prove an opportunity to tap for Pakistan.

Amri said that, “hopefully, the pace of the CPEC in account of infrastructure development in Pakistan will increase.”

To a question, the ambassador stated, the basic focus of the CPEC was supply of energy, which included various energy plants.

As Indonesia is refined in coal industry, it can provide coal for the power projects under the CPEC, Amri said.

“Indonesia also holds expertise in railway system, so it can establish a train system for [the] CPEC and that is how Indonesia could be part of the mega project,” the Indonesian diplomat said.

The ambassador expressed his hope that the sustained pace of the CPEC would have a trickledown effect on Pakistan’s economy, which in turn would have a positive impact on the south Asian region too.

The Indonesian envoy told the scribe that since his arrival in Islamabad one and a half years ago, the security situation had been improving, for which the role of all the stakeholders was appreciable.

On the economic front, the ambassador said that the trade volume between Islamabad and Jakarta was $1.6 billion before signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2013, which had touched 2.2 billion dollars.

Expressing his satisfaction on the growth of Pak-Indonesia economic ties, Amri said that Pakistani “kinnow” had been introduced in the Indonesian markets and would remain available for six months. Amri lauded the taste of Pakistani mangoes.

He said that Pakistani mangoes would debut in Indonesian markets by next year.

Likewise, Amri said a number of Indonesian products also stood a good chance to enter Pakistani markets, which could benefit both the countries.

Source: The Nation, 13th January 2018.

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