ISLAMABAD: Recognizing the contributions of workers and staff involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Ziadong stated that the mega project has brought $25.4 billion in direct investment to Pakistan, created 236,000 jobs, constructed 510 kilometers of highways, generated over 8,000 megawatts of electricity, and built 886 kilometers of core power transmission lines.
During a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy, workers and staff involved in CPEC projects were presented with awards by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Ziadong and Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal for their exceptional performance.
Ambassador Jiang underscored the transformative role of CPEC in promoting Pakistan’s economic and social development, calling it an “irreplaceable” driver of regional integration and a “game changer” for the country.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of acknowledging the efforts of CPEC workers, stating that their dedication has been instrumental in the success of the initiative. He noted that the decade-long partnership under CPEC symbolizes the enduring friendship and economic collaboration between Pakistan and China.
The minister highlighted the diverse contributions of workers across infrastructure, energy, logistics, and technology, describing them as the backbone of CPEC’s achievements. “CPEC is more than an economic corridor; it is a testament to the shared vision and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China,” Iqbal said.
The ceremony reflected the collaborative efforts that have defined CPEC’s development over the years, aiming to further strengthen bilateral ties and ensure continued progress under the flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador Mr Jiang Zaidong on Friday said that China is ready to work with Pakistan to draw the blueprint of the CPEC to the end, coordinate high-quality development with high-level security, coordinate quantitative growth with quality improvement.
The envoy made these remarks while addressing the participants of an Award distribution ceremony held for outstanding Pakistani staff of the CPEC projects.
“It is a great pleasure to attend the awarding ceremony for outstanding Pakistani staff of the CPEC. First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Minister Iqbal and Deputy Director General Chen Shuai for attending the ceremony, warm congratulations to the outstanding Pakistani staff who won the award, and sincere welcome to all friends from Pakistan and China to the Chinese embassy,” he said.
He said it is our work tradition to summarize the past and plan the future at the end of the year. He said he would also like to take the opportunity of awarding outstanding Pakistani staff to review the development history of the CPEC and look forward to the prospects of the CPEC. Coincidentally, the Commercial Office of Chinese Embassy and CCCPK have just launched the Business Climate Index of Chinese Companies in Pakistan.
Overall, he said, the confidence in Pakistan’s macro economy continues to grow, while some companies express their concerns about the security environment. My personal opinion is that we must pay full attention to and work hard to solve the problems encountered in our cooperation, he added. He said the process of solving problems itself is a process of deepening understanding and promoting development. –Agencies
