ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was one of the central focuses of the government, as the framework was a manifestation of the country’s close economic relations with China.
The adviser said this while talking to Ambassador of China to Pakistan Yao Jing, according to a statement issued by the finance ministry on Friday.
Dr Hafeez Shaikh told the Chinese envoy that CPEC projects were bringing a transformation in the country’s economy and that all projects under the framework were receiving top priority in implementation.
“We value the Chinese assistance and support in building infrastructure, road networks and energy projects and we look forward to exploring more avenues so that bilateral cooperation could be enhanced,” he added.
The adviser said that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had recently approved several proposals and measures to fast-track the rollout of various projects with regard to Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone, adding that relevant authorities have been instructed to implement the ECC decisions.
He thanked the Chinese government for providing technical assistance in the implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and highlighted the steps and measures, particularly the increased level of coordination between various government agencies acting under a multi-agency coordination body headed by the economic affairs minister, taken by Pakistan to demonstrate its seriousness in complying with FATF regime.
The Chinese envoy conveyed his country’s desire and commitment towards the socio-economic development of Pakistan, saying that the Chinese government intended to bring more investments to Pakistan.
“The Chinese government and entrepreneurs are keen to extend cooperation through joint ventures in various sectors of Pakistan,” he added.
