RAWALPINDI: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had brought historical investment in Pakistan’s power sector and infrastructure, and would serve as a strong bond between China and Pakistan.

Speaking at the announcement of the Rawal International Exhibition, which is organised by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will be formally launched in April, Ms Aurangzeb highlighted government initiatives taken under former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, saying the PML-N government had completed the Lowari Tunnel, and would complete all the projects when the party enters into elections this year, as promised during 2013.

“To counter new wars, the war of perception, the government is working on promoting films and fcreening to present soft image of Pakistan,” Ms Aurangzeb said, and urged chambers to support the government in this regard.

She also praised the RCCI for promoting business activities through exhibitions, and said that this year, over a hundred Chinese companies were participating in the event, which reflected the strong ties between the two countries.

The minister said terror incidents had fallen from 2,600 in 2013 to 240 in 2017, and added that a continuation of policies was required in Pakistan.

“It is our government that generated more than 11000MW of electricity and added to the national grid. In 2013, Pakistan was about to default but our government took strong economic measures and now Pakistan has been included in emerging markets,” she said.

Discussing the Rawal International Expo 2018, RCCI President Zahid Latif Khan said the chamber has been organising exhibitions in and outside the country regularly.

He said that after positive feedback regarding the 2017 expo, the RCCI decided to organise a five-day Rawal Expo 2018 on April 11 to 15.

The exhibition will feature industrial products that buyers will be able to book on the spot. Last year, more than 15 international companies from China, Thailand, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal and Sri Lanka displayed their products at the expo.

This year over 100 international companies are expected to participate, Mr Khan said. Cultural evenings will also be held during the evenings.

The city administration, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company, Chaklala Cantonment Board and trade organisations have assured their full cooperation in this regard, he said.

Chinese investors also spoke on the occasion, and said China had invested massively in power and infrastructure, which would result in improved electricity and a better road network in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2018