ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reaffirmed the highest priority accorded by the government to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the firm commitment to expeditiously complete its projects.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during a meeting with China’s Ambassador in Pakistan Nong Rong, who called on him in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the PM’s office on Monday.
Prime Minister Imran said CPEC projects, which would open up tremendous opportunities for increased economic growth and development in the region and beyond. The prime minister highly lauded the Chinese leadership and conveyed his warm greetings to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.
Emphasizing the time-tested “All-Weather Strategic Co-operative Partnership”, Imran Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep commitment to further enhance and broaden ties with China.
He recalled his telephonic conversation with Premier Li Keqiang on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, which was the reflection of excellent cooperation between Pakistan and China.
On this occasion, the Chinese ambassador extended President Xi Jinping’s invitation to the prime minister to participate in the ‘CPC and World Political Parties Summit’, to be held in July. The prime minister graciously accepted the invitation to attend the virtual event.
Ambassador Nong Rong reassured that China would continue to firmly support Pakistan in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It accorded high priority to help address Pakistan’s requirements, he added.
They were agreed to continue with the momentum of high-level bilateral exchanges to further solidify strategic cooperative gains between the two countries. The subjects covered during the meeting included Pakistan-China bilateral relations, including CPEC, the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, vaccine cooperation and high-level bilateral exchanges.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed authorities concerned to introduce a separate visa category for foreign investors, especially people associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
While chairing a review meeting on the progress of the CPEC projects and promotion of investment in the country on Sunday, PM Imran directed authorities to take instant steps to remove obstacles to the issuance of long-term visas to foreign investors, especially Chinese investors.
The prime minister said that the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries is exemplary for the entire world. He said, “In order to transform these relations into strong economic ties, it is essential to encourage investment in areas of communal interest and offer all possible encouragements to investors.”
PM Imran said, “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not only a forerunner of economic growth for Pakistan but also a path to development for the entire region.”
All possible incentives should be provided to investors; the premier said and directed the Home Ministry to submit a summary to the federal cabinet in this regard.
PM Imran expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Special Economic Zones and also instructed to establish a CPEC Special Economic Zone in port city Karachi.
He also ordered the Board of Investment to devise and present a detailed map, with the discussion of the traders’ community, for the promotion of foreign investment in specific divisions.
The prime minister stressed taking instant steps to remove barriers in issuing long-term visas to foreign investors, especially Chinese investors.
