First phase of CPEC focused on infrastructure while second phase for betterment of industry, agriculture & socio-economic cause: Li Yong

ISLAMABAD, July 07 (SABAH): Commercial Counselor, Embassy of China in Pakistan Li Yong has said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) focused on the infrastructure in the first phase of its development while the second phase worked for the betterment of industry, agriculture, and socio-economic cause.

Li Yong delivered the key remarks on the seminar organized by the China Study Centre (CSC) of COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) at Junaid Zaidi Library on Thursday. The seminar titled “CPEC Practical Cooperation: Challenges and Prospects comprised of inaugural and technical sessions.

Professor Dr. Tabassum Afzal, Rector CUI, welcomed all the esteemed speakers and applauded the Head of CSC, Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan and his team for his efforts to collaborate with the Embassy of People’s Republic of China on conducting this seminar.

At the occasion, Li Yong mentioned that 114 countries signed the document of CPEC in the joint construction of BRI. He said that the first phase of CPEC focused on the infrastructure while the second phase worked for the betterment of industry, agriculture, and socio-economic cause.

Li brought up different socio-economic developmental projects while focusing on Karot hydropower plant that will produce electricity at cheaper rates. He said that we must overcome the domestic challenges and promote high quality production.

At the event, Dr. Tahir also highlighted the key investments done by China in different sectors of Pakistan. He suggested that the policy makers should look forward to the model of restructuring and must encourage research based on evidence. Dr. Tahir while delivering his keynote speech mentioned the importance of social development and human resource for CPEC. He also announced that CUI is also working on the development of Pak-China media and digital corridor with the embassy. While discussing the future plans of CSC he stressed on utilizing the incomparable human resource of alumni of Chinese universities in Pakistan.
Dr. Hassan Daud, CEO – KP Board of Investment and Trade, joined through video link and delivered a keynote too. He stressed on the process of globalization to enhance global growth which is beneficial for the GDP of China. He suggested that both countries need to improve connectivity and strong relations by enhancing people to people and business to business connection. After completion of this inaugural session, speakers included in technical session delivered their speeches and engaged audience in identifying the prospects and highlighted the upcoming challenges for both the countries.

Among the speakers were Prof. Dr. Khair-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor, University of Science & Technology Bannu, Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences & Director CSC, University of Peshawar, Dr. Liaqat Ali Shah, Head of Planning and Policy, CPEC Authority, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of Pak-China Study Centre, Institute of Strategic Studies, Dr Ejaz Hussain, Associate Professor of Iqra University, Dr. Inayat Kaleem. CUI, Ms. Saadia Saif Niazi, National University of Modern Languages.

Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan gave the closing remarks about the satisfying behavior of Pakistan towards the CPEC and other Pak-China joint projects. The session was concluded by presenting souvenirs to the respected discussants followed by lunch. The key takeaways included   enhancing cooperation in academia through faculty and student exchange programs, developing a culture of extensive industry focused research, establishing mechanism to connect the special economic zones with nearby towns for economic prosperity, pragmatic approach and learning form the mistakes in past etc.