Belt and Road Initiative to benefit region and world: PM Abbasi

BEIJING (92 News) – Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday lauded the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) citing all the benefits it gives to both countries. In his interview with Chinese TV channel, he said that the CPEC is going well and that it continues to be a good initiative in the region and part of connectivity in Asia. Pakistan has seen growth in the region and is very optimistic about Belt and Road Initiative and is sure that it will benefit the region and the world, he said. “The corridor has already helped Pakistan grow and overcome its financial deficit,” he said and added Pakistan has seen 1,700 miles of multi-lane motor ways built and special economic zones set up. “Infrastructure in the south Asian country is also improving: The Gwadar port is operational, providing the whole Central Asia access to the sea.” Abbasi said Pakistan adopted yuan as reserve currency as a management strategy of its finance and it will also benefit bilateral trade which is improving and help yuan become an international currency. Pakistan will join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in June in Qingdao. Abbasi said SCO is a regional multilateral cooperation mechanism, adding that the inclusion of Pakistan will also benefit other parties. He said both India and Pakistan are joining and Pakistan views the move to improving bilateral relations.