Prime Minister-elect Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to move to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In an interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his warm congratulations on his recent election as Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
“It is a very good start,” the Prime Minister remarked, stressing the significance of the moment when Pakistan and China are embarking on a path of greater cooperation and joint achievements.
Acknowledging the exemplary modernization steps taken by China, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan needs to be inspired by the Chinese model.
The prime minister praises China’s rapid growth
He praised China’s transformative success, lifting millions of people out of poverty while fostering strong growth in various sectors.
“China’s growth compared to other countries still continues, which is a remarkable achievement,” Prime Minister Shehbaz noted, stressing the resilience and efficiency of China’s development trajectory.
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Drawing parallels between the economic aspirations of the two nations, Prime Minister Shehbaz outlined ambitious plans to emulate China’s success in poverty alleviation, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Second phase of CPEC
He highlighted the key role of initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in promoting inclusive growth and regional connectivity.
As Pakistan prepares for the second phase of CPEC, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promote technological innovation and agricultural development through the corridor.
He highlighted initiatives aimed at streamlining investment processes and strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as textiles and steel, using Chinese expertise to support economic expansion and job creation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude for China’s steadfast support in Pakistan’s economic progress and emphasized the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation in advancing clean energy technologies and sustainable development goals.
“We have made solemn commitments to cooperate and be together in everything we do,” Prime Minister Shehbaz affirmed, reiterating the enduring spirit of cooperation between Pakistan and China.
