Islamabad: 5th July 2023: Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the esteemed Minister in charge of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), delivered a momentous address today at the "Decade of CPEC - Cake Cutting Ceremony" held in Islamabad. Prime Minister Excellency Shahbaz Sharif Saab, along with Her Excellency Pang Chun Xue, the Acting Ambassador of China, and distinguished guests, graced the occasion.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed his deep honor to stand before the esteemed gathering on this significant milestone, marking the completion of a decade of the China Pakistan economic corridor. He recounted the inception of CPEC through the signing of a historic memorandum of understanding in Beijing, which symbolized a dream and a vision to elevate the political and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the strong friendship between the two nations, often described as "higher than the Himalayas."
The minister emphasized the synergistic convergence of President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's vision to transform Pakistan into an Asian tiger by 2025. This collective vision aimed to shift the nation's focus from geopolitics to geo-economics, harnessing Pakistan's strategic location as a crossroads between South Asia, Central Asia, China, and the Middle East. The goal was to establish Pakistan as a regional hub for trade, commerce, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's direct involvement with CPEC during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab. The minister commended the exemplary completion of various projects in Punjab under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's supervision, which garnered acclaim in China as the "Punjab Speed" and instilled a sense of pride among the people of Pakistan.
Furthermore, Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of Pakistan's leadership, who overcame numerous obstacles to ensure the success of CPEC. He joyfully shared that a portfolio of approximately twenty-nine billion dollars had been established through cooperation with China in various sectors across Pakistan. Many of these projects have reached completion or are in the final stages. The minister emphasized the importance of the long-term plan of CPEC, which aims to further promote industrial cooperation and contribute to the bright future of Pakistan.
However, the minister lamented the lack of attention given to CPEC after 2018, when the previous government left office. Minister Ahsan Iqbal lauded the swift completion of delayed projects within one year under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's leadership. Notably, he highlighted the resolution of unrest in Gwadar by addressing issues of electricity and water. Through the construction of dams and desalination plants, Gwadar is now self-sufficient in water for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the transmission of electricity projects, as well as the connection of Gwadar with Iran and national-grade projects, were successfully completed within a year. The minister emphasized that such accomplishments demonstrated the previous neglect of CPEC and the urgent need for attention.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal regretfully acknowledged the adverse impact of the environment surrounding CPEC, which led to a decline in Chinese investments and the departure of potential investors. However, he expressed optimism regarding recent efforts to restore confidence among Chinese companies and address economic challenges faced by these enterprises. The minister recognized China's unwavering support during Pakistan's economic crisis, highlighting the exceptional relationship between the two countries. Minister Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed that CPEC stands as a game-changer project in the region, poised to revolutionize various sectors, create new opportunities for Pakistani youth, and solidify Pakistan's place on the global stage.
In conclusion, Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders, highlighting the significance of sustained efforts to uphold the vision and potential of CPEC. He reaffirmed the commitment to ensure its continued progress and success in the coming years.
