SHANGHAI – Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said the China PakistanEconomic Corridor would serve as a vital link for the two countries to theMiddle East and Central Asian Republics and open fresh investment avenues,new markets and vistas.
Addressing the Opening Ceremony of China International Import Expo at theNational Exhibition and Convention Center Prime Minister Imran Khan said asthe Belt and Road Initiative gives shape to a global community of sharedinterests, this Expo will help spread dividends of freer trade, among moreclosely integrated economies.
Imran Khan who is on a four-day official visit to China on the invitationof President Xi Jinping, is in Shanghai on the second leg of his visit,where Pakistan has set up a pavilion to showcase its products.
Imran Khan said the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan merges into a network ofmodern highways that are part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor andlink to the deep sea port of Gwadar – where it converges with the Belt andRoad. He said this would not only have an impact on Pakistan, but also onthe economies of the entire region.
The Prime Minister said the CPEC shall cut distances and costs, bringingmuch needed resources to producers, and new products to consumers.
“CPEC is a mechanism to forge even closer connectivity between the MiddleEast and China, and between Central and South Asia.” He said Pakistan was aleading exporter of sports goods, medical instruments and IT products andwith a promising 100 mln human resource, under the age of 35, the countryhas a rich potential, and was an attractive place for foreign investors.
Imran Khan said his government has initiated deep and meaningful reforms toensure transparency and accountability and provide seamless smart solutionsfor the government and the people.
“We are committed to improving our framework of transparency andaccountability, leveraging technology for seamless, smart solutions forbusiness and governance.”
He said Pakistan was blessed with an abundant array of resource rangingfrom mineral riches to fertile lands, to the wealth of renewables and themost diverse landscape with twelve climate zones.
“Our Industry is already producing high end textiles, sports goods,engineering goods, IT services and medical technologies including surgicalinstruments. But by far, our greatest and most promising resource is human.We have 100 million Pakistanis below the age of thirty five-a young vibrantpopulation.”
He said the New Pakistan will be a more conducive and a more competitiveplace for transacting business.
Imran Khan said “at a time when the international trade system is underattack, when unilateral commercial benefits are being sought aggressivelyby some, and when protectionism is on the rise, we take great comfort inPresident Xi’s courageous affirmation: ‘The doors of China’s Opening Upwill never shut; but will only open ever wider’.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the government of China forthe warm hospitality and participation in the Shanghai Expo. EarlierChinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan and otherworld leaders at the opening ceremony of the Expo.
Around 172 countries, regions and international organizations from fivecontinents are showcasing their development achievements and internationalimage at the first China International Import Expo (CIIE).
More than 3,600 companies from different countries will hold discussionsand seek common development with over 400,000 purchasers from China andoverseas during the event.