Pakistan should learn from China for economic development: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said Pakistan should learn from China for economic and technological development.

To ensure economic development, the country should have a peaceful environment, adding "we must first ensure political stability, continuity of policies, and social solidarity because economic development does not take place in an atmosphere of conflict and polarization."

The minister made these remarks while addressing the award ceremony held in recognition of outstanding Pakistani staff of the CPEC Projects 2022 at the Chinese Embassy here. He said that everyone thought that CPEC is an impossible mission. "But people on the ground made it possible, which is remarkable."

Highlighting the friendship bond between Pakistan and China, the minister said that the changes in world affairs have also brought changes in relationships. "World orders bring countries together and the world order changes. The countries’ friendships also drift apart."

He said that the Pakistan and China friendship has defied all rules of international affairs and diplomacy. "

There are no two countries that have phrases like iron brothers, he added. All these phrases describe the depth and strength of Pakistan-China friendship and brotherhood.

The minister said that Pakistan and China were historically very close in political relations, security cooperation, and other fields except for economic cooperation.

However, in 2013 when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited China after resuming office, the economic MoUs of $46 billion were signed between China and Pakistan to start work on the CPEC project.

The minister said that as a result of CPEC Pakistan overcome an electricity shortfall and communication infrastructure was improved.

He said that the purpose of CPEC was not to advance China’s business interests. The purpose of CPEC was to help Pakistan which was a close strategic partner, to improve its economy and bring Pakistan’s economy from an agricultural structure into an industrial structure.

Ambassador of China to Pakistan Nong Rong while addressing the award winners said that in 2022, against the challenge of global economic downturn and historical floods in Pakistan, the CPEC projects have made good progress.

"During this year, the CPEC has always been the highlight of our bilateral relations. On 2nd November, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his official visit to China. Our two sides are committed to making full use of the JCC of the CPEC, advancing CPEC with greater efficiency, and making CPEC an exemplar of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” he added.