ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong has called for better security and positive public perception for the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“We should ensure long term and stable operation of major projects and create a good environment of security, public opinion and commerce so as to make CPEC sustainable and successful,” Mr Sun said at the inauguration ceremony of the CPEC Information Portal, a website created by the Pak-China Institute and China Radio International.

He insisted on a forward looking approach for the project, saying that not only should the current situation be taken into account, but the “far future” should also be focused on.

Mr Sun said CPEC has already entered the “full implementation” phase, and that 17 early phase projects are making good progress and have created some 10,000 jobs for local residents so far.

“In the near future, CPEC projects will inject thousands of megawatts into the national grid, greatly enhance connectivity and promote people’s livelihood,” the ambassador said.

Mr Sun was hopeful that the new website would generate more support and add to the consensus on CPEC among the people of Pakistan.

The portal contains information about the projects being undertaken under CPEC and the different institutions related to the project.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2016