CPEC attracted $25.4 billion investments, generated 236,000 jobs: PM Kakar

Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has lauded Belt and Road Initiative for inclusive development to reduce poverty and inequality.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, he said the BRI is also vital for improving people’s ability to pay taxes and enhance governments’ capacity to retire their debts.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the signature projects under the BRI, as a practical manifestation of win-win cooperation and shared prosperity and a commendable endeavour in building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

The Prime Minister said all these elements also form the bedrock of President Xi Jinping’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative.

He dismissed theories that the BRI had led participating countries into debt traps, saying that China is offering a unique mechanism of development financing to developing countries.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar further said CPEC has brought about a direct investment of 25.4 billion dollars to Pakistan and created a total of 236,000 jobs. He said the project underlines an excellent example of an open, coordinated and inclusive development paradigm that benefits all parts of the country and all segments of society. He added that the development of Gwadar Port had already opened new economic opportunities. He elaborated that the port was now functional and regularly handling cargo ships including transshipment trade for Afghanistan. He said a free economic zone is in place offering lucrative incentives for local, Chinese and other international investors.

The Prime Minister said a new international airport will also be inaugurated in Gwadar, bringing the port closer to its vision of serving as the hub of regional trade and connectivity.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister assured provision of foolproof safety and security to Chinese personnel and institutions. He said Pakistan has put in place stringent security protocols to safeguard Chinese workers and entrepreneurs.

He cited examples including regular security briefings, risk assessment and information exchanges between the two nations in order to identify potential threats and come up with solutions accordingly.

The Prime Minister, who is in Beijing to participate in the Third Belt and Road Forum, said the event has provided both countries with a stage to reaffirm their commitment to international cooperation and development while highlighting the successes, reviewing the lessons learned and charting the future trajectory of the CPEC.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Pakistan’s relations with China form the cornerstone of Islamabad’s foreign policy. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to this all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, describing China as a strategic and trustworthy development partner.

He also spoke highly of China’s remarkable achievement in having lifted over 800 million people from abject poverty, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

He said Pakistan with a population of 240 million can also learn from China to put its people on a path of sustainable development.