Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua on Tuesday said that ample opportunities are available for countries to invest in nine special economic zones (SEZs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Speaking at a seminar titled "Pakistan, Central Asia and CPEC: A vision for improved connectivity" here at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), the foreign secretary said the CPEC is an important project for Pak-China bilateral relations and the economic development of the region.
She said that both the countries agreed on the welfare of people and timely completion of the CPEC project, adding, "We are now moving towards the next phase of CPEC which focuses on the socio-economic development of the people."
She said that the nine SEZs under the CPEC will be constructed in different part of the country and invited other countries to take benefit of the opportunity available to invest in the SEZs.
She emphasised the need for working hard on the nine SEZs which she called "engines of growth." Combined with investment in socio-economic sectors, she said that CPEC provides opportunities to both friends and neighbours and can act as catalyst for economic change in the region.
"Connectivity is the name of the game of the century - every country wants to increase connectivity and Pakistan too is desirable of this. After all, connectivity and mobility facilitate prosperity and well-being of the region," the foreign secretary said.
Janjua stated that the CPEC has added greater vigour and vitality to the region and Pakistan is proud to be part of this project which falls under the wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is seen as greatly contributing to the socio-economic environment of Pakistan.
She said that both geographically and historically, the only logical routes for the Central Asian States to the sea are through Afghanistan and Pakistan. The launch of CPEC has provided an opportunity to enhance this connectivity, she added.
Janjua said Pakistan is heading towards improvement of bilateral relations with its neighbouring countries and the regional powers, adding that mutual contacts will have to be enhanced for the progress of the entire region.
Pakistan has historical relations with the Central Asian Republics and trade relations with these countries could be further enhanced through rail and road links, she said, adding that regional connectivity will not only bring prosperity but will also ensure peace and stability in the region.
She said that Gwadar Port will play an important role in Pakistan's relations with the Central Asian States and other countries, adding that the port will be the shortest route from Western China to Central Asia, Russia and beyond.
She said that there also exists a great opportunity of transit trade for the landlocked regional countries, adding that Central Asian states can particularly get benefit from Gwadar Port for its oil trade with other countries.
She stated that it should not be forgotten that Central Asia has been connected to Pakistan for centuries, and due to its location, the country provides the shortest route to the Arabian Sea. So, in essence, through CPEC the countries part of it are building on the links of the past, she added.
Referring to the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China, she said that very constructive discussions were held between the leadership of the two countries on further enhancing cooperation in all areas, especially with regard to the CPEC.
Ambassador of China to Pakistan Yao Jing, in his speech, said that CPEC is crucial for enhancing Pak-China bilateral relations and the mega project is moving ahead with a new dimension after the new government came into power in Pakistan.
He said policies being pursued by Prime Minister Imran Khan will have positive impacts on the future of Pak-China relations. He said that the recent visit of Prime Minister Khan sent a strong message that both the countries will work together for the prosperous future.
He said that CPEC is part of the BRI and discussions are underway with Central Asian states and Afghanistan with a view to provide the opportunities to these countries. Hailing Pakistan's efforts for peace in Afghanistan, Yao Jing said the international powers will have to do joint efforts for peace in the war-torn country.
Other speakers at the seminar included Barlybay Sadykov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erik Beishembiev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sherali Jononov, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan, Movlamov Atajan Nurlyevich, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkmenistan, Furqat Sidiqov, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
While speaking, the ambassadors of the Central Asia states reiterated their interest in taking part in CPEC and underscored the ways in which their respective country would benefit from the project.
They agreed that through opportunities of transport that CPEC will provide, it will not only become a network of connectivity, but will also become an energy generator and trade booster among many other things.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry (retd) stated that leaders of both China and Pakistan have shown a political will to connect the region in multiple ways.
He said that CPEC is a gambit of connectivity to bring prosperity to the entire region. He pointed out the current level of trade in the region is not high and could receive a boost through both BRI and CPEC. He said that an enabling environment is a key, adding that peace and prosperity in Afghanistan would give an added boost to the prosperity and development of the region.