KARACHI: Chinese Am­­bassador Nong Rong has said that during the first six months since his posting to Islamabad he got convinced that there is a national consensus in Pakistan on the need to complete all CPEC-related development projects in time.

Interacting with journalists here, Ambassador Nong said that since his arrival in Pakistan in October, he has held several meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan and the army chief and regularly exchanged views with political and business leaders.

The diplomat said the impression he got during these meetings was that they not only fully supported CPEC, they were very keen on having greater cooperation to ensure timely completion of all the projects.

Expressing satisfaction over “steady progress” on most CPEC projects and related activities like the creation of Rashakai Economic Zone and Gwadar Free Zone, Mr Nong said these developments were likely to attract Chinese investors. He disclosed that under CPEC several new projects were being discussed at the moment. However, he did not provide any details.

The ambassador denied an impression being created by some elements that CPEC was against any third country. In fact, he said, the kind of cooperation going on between China and Pakistan could benefit many other countries.

He said that both Beijing and Islamabad were constantly working at different levels as well as through their embassies to invite participation from other countries for the mutual benefit of all.

The Chinese envoy said people had high expectations from CPEC and was confident that they would not be disappointed.

Mr Nong praised Pakistan’s efforts to interact with India.

The ambassador said more than 100 programmes and activities were being lined up to celebrate 70 years of close bondage between Pakistan and China.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2021