ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan holds important meeting with topChinese officials over CPEC Phase 2.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has underscored that China Pakistan EconomicCorridor is top priority for Pakistan.

He was talking to Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and ReformsCommission Ning Jizhe who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said CPEC is pivotal both for Pakistan’s economictransformation as well as for further fortifying the All-Weather StrategicCooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister noted that the Vice Chairman’s visit was of greatsignificance as it would help consolidate the gains made during the 1stphase of CPEC and accelerate the implementation of the 2nd phase.

While recalling his recent visit to China, the Prime Minister deeplyappreciated the support extended by the Chinese leadership to Pakistan onall issues.

Among other things, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ML-1for modernizing Pakistan’s railway system and also invited the NDRC ViceChairman to explore opportunities in steel industry, copper and goldmining, and increased agricultural productivity.

Imran Khan added the new projects will impart a strong impetus to the 2ndphase of CPEC and usher in a new era of cooperation between the twocountries for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.

The Vice Chairman NDRC expressed gratitude for the warm welcome accorded tohim and conveyed cordial greetings of President Xi Jinping and Premier LiKeqiang for Prime Minister Imran Khan.

He reiterated China’s commitment to further deepening the Pakistan-Chinapartnership in all fields.

Appreciating the steps taken by Pakistan to enhance coordination andaccelerate completion of CPEC projects, he expressed the hope that CPECwill, including through early harvest projects, provide practical benefitsto the people of Pakistan.