ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Wednesday said Pakistan was ready to facilitate neighbouring countries so that they could benefit from projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Speaking as a chief guest at a seminar on “Role of Parliaments in cementing regional integration” here at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, the speaker said the economic, trade and cultural ties among the countries in the region were spread over centuries.
The Speaker said Pakistan wanted to increase effectiveness of CPEC as a means to further progress and prosperity of the region. Immense opportunities were available for promoting cooperation among countries of the region in trade and other sectors, he added.
He said Pakistan was going through a war like situation in the last 30 years, adding that Pakistan’s economy suffered a lot due to Afghan war and the war against terrorism.
READ MORE: Chinese Foreign Office rejects US claims against CPEC
He said the regional economy could be improved with the completion of CPEC. He wished that Central Asian States should be included in the CPEC project. He added that CPEC project was the guarantee for the future generations. He assured all kinds of cooperation to regional countries for success of CPEC and said Parliament could play a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties between the countries.
Stressing on the promotion of bilateral relations as important for protecting regional interests, the speaker said CPEC could play a vital role in bringing countries of the region together. He said economy of Pakistan was under stress and they have to take steps to make it stable,
The NA Speaker said parliamentary diplomacy could play a critical role in enhancing regional cooperation and prosperity. Pakistan had an important geographical position and it was a connection between Asia and the countries in the Arab world and they could benefit from CPEC, he reminded.
READ MORE: FM Qureshi dismisses US concerns on CPEC
Asad said Pakistan was determined to increase its share in the international trade. The seaports of Pakistan were the shortest route to provide access to the Central Asian countries to the world markets, he added.
The NA Speaker said parliamentary friendship groups were activated to boost regional cooperation and help the Pakistani state achieve its objectives. He said goal of Pakistan was to increase its exports and goods could make their mark in Africa which should be explored for different products.
China’s ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing said in the next phase of CPEC, special economic zones would be built in Pakistan. He said China would now invest in building vocational and training centres and in research in agriculture and livestock sectors.
READ MORE: Chinese Ambassador rejects US claims against CPEC
