- PM promises to end bureaucratic obstacles, guarantee rapid facilitation.
- Shehbaz ensures maximum security for Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
- CPEC 2.0 Change the B2B investments focus on key sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday assured Chinese investors that eliminated all hypoocracy in investment procedures, since the commercial companies of Pakistan and China signed 21 comprehension memorandes worth $ 4.2 billion in different areas.
The prime minister presented a new bold vision for the economic cooperation of Pakistan-China, announcing the formal launch of the Chinese-Pakistan Economic Corridor “CPEC 2.0” during his opening speech at the Second Investment Conference of Pakistan-China B2B held in Beijing.
Welcoming high -level delegates, the forum described as a reflection of the brotherhood dressed in iron between Pakistan and China.
When addressing concerns about bureaucratic delays, the prime minister issued a clear and direct message: “We will not tolerate the delay of a second. I recently made sure that a Chinese entrepreneur was facilitated within 24 hours. That is the level of commitment I am talking about.”
He assured the Chinese delegation of the unwavering commitment of Pakistan with the facilitation of investors, stating that Chinese investors will be treated as partners and that “Pakistan is their second home, as China is ours.”
Security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan, said it is a priority, added: “The safety of Chinese citizens is essential.
“This is one of the largest commercial conferences that I have attended during my visit to this great country.
Our relationship with China is unmatched, higher than that of the Himalayas, deeper than the deepest oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel, “said Prime Minister.
Referring to the CPEC agreement signed in 2015 during the historical visit of President Xi Jinping to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz accredited the first phase of CPEC with the transformation of the Pakistan energy and infrastructure landscape.
“We were facing up to 20 hours of energy cuts daily. Today, thanks to the dynamic and visionary leadership of President XI, Pakistan became self -sufficient energy. That was the turning point,” he said.
The Prime Minister announced the launch of CPEC 2.0, which will change the focus towards company to company (B2B) in agriculture, IT and AI, Minerals and Industrial relocation.
“Our agricultural sector uses 60% of our population. China has stood out in this field, and we seek its association to modernize our agricultural practices and increase exports,” Chinese investors urged.
He emphasized the role of special economic zones (Sez) to attract investments, offering competitive advantages such as cheaper qualified labor and joint companies to produce high quality export goods.
In an emotionally full segment of his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz told China in 1982. “Even at that time, I said that China is suffering from success, not failure. Today, China is the second largest economy and a global military power, having taken more than 700 million people from poverty.
“This is the model I want to borrow and replicate in Pakistan,” he said.
He praised the leadership of President XI in the promotion of multilateralism and shared prosperity, saying that China has changed the destinations of many nations, a testimony of its “visionary and dynamic leadership.”
In his final comments, he reiterated his determination to transform Pakistan’s economic panorama.
“We know that the road is difficult, but not impossible. With the support of China and our commitment, we will make Pakistan a strong and vibrant economy. That today marks the beginning of that trip.”
Chinese and Pakistani investors, government officials and dignitaries, including the Vice Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Pakistan ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and the president of the China Council for the promotion of international trade, federal ministers and others were present on the occasion.
