RAWALPINDI: China has invested heavily in the power and infrastructure sectors of Pakistan under CPEC and this has resulted in improved electricity and better road networks in the country, said Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission Zhao Lijian on Monday.

He was briefing the local business community on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI). The Chinese official was accompanied by economic and trade counsellors Shen Zichang and Liu Shijie.

Addressing a large gathering of traders, Mr Lijian said that under CPEC, four key areas have been identified including the power sector, infrastructure, Gwadar Port and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

“With heavy investments in power and infrastructure, within four years everyone in Pakistan can witness the progress made in these areas,” he said.

“Now you have low loadshedding and better road networks and this will help the overall economy of Pakistan,” he said.

“The given progress is the answer to negative forces which are against CPEC. Now we are moving to the third and fourth phase of CPEC which includes the development of Gwadar Free Zone and SEZs.

“Industrialisation under CPEC will help Pakistan improve its GDP, poverty alleviation and unemployment. Both the Chinese and Pakistani governments are working hard to complete all projects under CPEC,” he stressed.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2018