Ambassador: CPEC ‘game changer’ for Pakistan
Ambassador: CPEC 'game changer' for Pakistan - Chinadaily.com.cn China Daily
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The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Game Changer for Pakistan
In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Moin ul Haque, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, praised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a “game changer” for his country. He stated that the mega project has brought “peace, prosperity, and development opportunities not only to Pakistan but also to the entire region”.
CPEC: A Model for Inclusive Development
Ambassador Haque emphasized that CPEC is fully aligned with Pakistan’s development agenda and serves as an excellent example of an open, coordinated, and inclusive development paradigm. He highlighted that the project benefits all parts of the country and all segments of society.
President Xi Jinping’s Support for CPEC
President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the event celebrating the launch of CPEC a decade ago. His message reiterated China’s commitment to building CPEC into an “exemplary project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation”. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif described President Xi’s message as a “powerful message of support and solidarity with Pakistan”. Ambassador Haque expressed his gratitude for President Xi’s personal support and commitment to building CPEC.
Gwadar Port: Central to CPEC
Ambassador Haque highlighted the development of Gwadar Port as central to CPEC. He stated that the port is now operational and ready to serve as a hub for trade and investment. Phase one of the Gwadar Free Trade Zone has also been completed.
Transforming Pakistan’s Infrastructure Landscape
CPEC has brought approximately $25 billion in investment to Pakistan, creating over 200,000 employment opportunities, including jobs for local residents. Ambassador Haque stated that CPEC has transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure landscape and provided a solid foundation for its future growth and development.
The Second Phase of CPEC
Ambassador Haque expressed hope that the second phase of high-quality development of CPEC will bring new dividends for the socioeconomic development of Pakistan and other countries in the region. He emphasized that this phase will boost bilateral and multilateral trade and foreign direct investment projects. Many countries have expressed interest in investing in CPEC and becoming part of this initiative.
Pakistan’s Participation in the Belt and Road Initiative
Ambassador Haque highlighted Pakistan’s early participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its shared vision and objectives. He stated that the BRI promotes collective efforts for the shared prosperity, development, and well-being of the international community.
Positive Impact of Chinese Investment
Zoon Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani researcher at Tsinghua University’s Belt and Road Strategy Institute, stated that people in Pakistan view Chinese investment as “the most positive contribution” to their nation’s development. He dismissed the “debt trap” argument, stating that the majority of Pakistan’s debt is not owed to China and that Chinese debt has had a profoundly positive effect on economic growth.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- Indicator: The article mentions that CPEC has brought about $25 billion in investment to Pakistan, which has created over 200,000 employment opportunities, including jobs for local residents. This indicates progress towards reducing poverty and providing economic resources to the poor and vulnerable.
-
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
- Indicator: The article mentions that CPEC has brought about $25 billion in investment to Pakistan, which has created over 200,000 employment opportunities. This indicates progress towards achieving decent work and economic growth.
-
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
- Indicator: The article mentions the development of Gwadar Port as being central to CPEC, and that Phase one of the Gwadar Free Trade Zone has been completed. This indicates progress towards developing quality infrastructure to support economic development.
-
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Indicator: The article mentions that CPEC is an “excellent example of an open, coordinated, and inclusive development paradigm that benefits all parts of the country and all segments of society.” This indicates progress towards reducing inequalities and promoting inclusion.
-
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms.
- Indicator: The article mentions that Pakistan and China have invited third-party cooperation to realize the optimum potential of CPEC, with many countries expressing interest to invest in CPEC and become part of this initiative. This indicates progress towards enhancing international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | The article mentions that CPEC has brought about $25 billion in investment to Pakistan, which has created over 200,000 employment opportunities, including jobs for local residents. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries. | The article mentions that CPEC has brought about $25 billion in investment to Pakistan, which has created over 200,000 employment opportunities. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | The article mentions the development of Gwadar Port as being central to CPEC, and that Phase one of the Gwadar Free Trade Zone has been completed. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | The article mentions that CPEC is an “excellent example of an open, coordinated, and inclusive development paradigm that benefits all parts of the country and all segments of society.” |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms. | The article mentions that Pakistan and China have invited third-party cooperation to realize the optimum potential of CPEC, with many countries expressing interest to invest in CPEC and become part of this initiative. |
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Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn
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