PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zone Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC) and China Road and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) jointly held a function in the Rashakai Economic Zone on Fridayto commemorate the 70th anniversary of Pakistan-China friendship.

The event was attended by special assistant to the chief minister on industries Abdul Karim, industries secretary Humayun Khan, Economic Zone Development and Management Company CEO Javaid Khattak, the managing director, and other officials of China Century Steel.

National anthems of both China and Pakistan were played at start of the event followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. The event was also addressed by the general manager of the China Century Steel.

Aide to the CM Abdul Karim said the ceremony was held to renew the pledge to further strengthen diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China that were tied to each other through a time-tested bond based on decades old mutual trust and confidence.

He said the Pakistan-China friendship that was higher than mountains and deeper than oceans was growing stronger with each passing day.

“The government will fulfil its promises and will provide Chinese people working in the province with full cooperation and help,” he said.

Mr Karim said the people of the province were highly skilled and fully capable to meet the challenges of the contemporary world.

He said the development of new economic zones in the province would not only bring in investment but also help develop skilled workforce.

The chief minister’s aide suggested that 80 per cent of the residents be employed in the projects of Rashakai Economic Zones and priority be given for job to the people of surrounding areas, who sacrificed their lands for the development of the province.

He said plots would be allotted in economic zones following a policy of merit with priority to investors wanting to set up export-oriented industries.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2021