Pakistan and China have agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to Zhao Shiren, the Chinese Consul General in Lahore.
The two all-weather friends forged an accord during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s first official visit to China.
The Consul General stated at a seminar over the weekend that PM Shehbaz’s first office was a huge success. During his visit, both parties pledged to expand CPEC by four corridors. Digital, industrial, green, and health corridors will be created.
While responding to a question regarding the current halting of CPEC development, the Consul General stated that no one in China or Pakistan can be responsible for stopping CPEC work. He did, however, ensure that development on CPEC will soon take up speed.
The Consul General went on to say that while both Pakistan and China will benefit much from CPEC, the former will benefit the most. Pakistan is in charge, while China is just acting as a facilitator in CPEC.
Prominent dignitaries also spoke at the event. Foreign affairs specialist Muhammad Mahdi has advised all political parties to include a commitment to the CPEC in their election manifestos.
Moreover, when asked about anti-CPEC propaganda, Mahdi stated that Pakistan is embracing the Western world. PM Shehbaz recently told a reception organized by the US Ambassador to Pakistan that Pakistan will work with any country that comes forward to assist it with CPEC.
He further stated that China had donated Rs. 30 billion to victims of this year’s severe floods caused by record-breaking monsoon rainfalls. This is the largest donation ever made to Pakistan by any country.
During the seminar, Jawed Salim Qureshi, the director of an agricultural research group, urged China to export agricultural technology in order to increase cotton, wheat, and maize yields.
He also stated that current crop seeds are not generating the desired results and that new seeds must be introduced. He also urged businessmen on both sides to expand bilateral collaboration in agriculture.