*ISLAMABAD – Federal government has appointed Hassan Daud as spokespersonfor China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).*

According to a statement by the ministry, Hassan Daud who is ProjectDirector CPEC Support Project is authorized to issue statements on statusof CPEC projects to all forums if required after due approval.

“All concerned including center of excellence CPEC (PIDE) are advised toacknowledge this in view of importance and coherence of CPEC arrangements”,the statement said adding that any official participating in CPEC relatedevent should coordinate with CPEC secretariat ministry of planning forupdated information on all CPEC related activities.

The plan, which would eclipse U.S. spending in Pakistan over the lastdecade or so, is part of China’s aim to forge “Silk Road” land and sea tiesto markets in the Middle East and Europe.In April 2015, China had announcedmega development projects in Pakistan worth $46-billion under CPEC project,which focuses on road building and energy infrastructure to end chronicpower shortages in Pakistan and to link China’s landlocked north-west withthe deep-water port Gwadar on the Arabian Sea.

The two sides had also agreed to strengthen cooperation in civil nuclearenergy, space and maritime technology, counter-terrorism and defense.

Meanwhile China will also expand industrial capacity cooperation in diversesectors including chemical, pharmaceutical, engineering, agro, iron andsteel. The two countries will also increase exploration and development ofresources.