Aerial photo taken on April 7, 2022 shows a view of Karot Hydropower Plant in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province. Karot Hydropower Plant is the first hydropower investment project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). (CTG/Handout via Xinhua)
"BRI is a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership. The initiative aims to promote connectivity, cooperation and mutual development, not only within our region but far beyond," Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Sadiq Sanjrani says.
by Raheela Nazir
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has paved the way for global economic development, win-win cooperation, and inclusiveness, said Pakistani officials.
The BRI is a cooperative model that benefits more than 150 countries and regions around the world, promoting prosperity, enhancing connectivity and integration across regions, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges, the officials said during a seminar here on Monday.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Sadiq Sanjrani said the policy of sharing the dividends of development with other countries is a novel and praiseworthy vision of the Chinese leadership, inspiring and benefiting people across the globe.
This aerial photo taken on Oct. 17, 2023 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train running on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Bandung, Indonesia. The 142.3 km long high-speed line, connecting Jakarta and the fourth largest city Bandung, is a flagship project that synergizes the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum strategy.(Xinhua/Xu Qin)
"BRI is a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership. The initiative aims to promote connectivity, cooperation and mutual development, not only within our region but far beyond," Sanjrani said.
He said that BRI, through its flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has brought socio-economic benefits to Pakistan, greatly advancing the road and energy infrastructure and improving the lives of common people.
"The special economic zones along the CPEC route are all set to welcome Chinese industries that will promote industrialization, exports and create employment in Pakistan while offering easy access to international markets and cost-effective labor to the Chinese companies," he added.
This aerial photo taken on May 23, 2023 shows the Rashakai Special Economic Zone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. (China Road and Bridge Corporation/Handout via Xinhua)
Commenting on the relationship between Pakistan and China, the chairman said that the two countries share a friendship that is deeply rooted in history, based on mutual respect and unwavering support, serving as a model for the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi said CPEC proved to be a real game changer for Pakistan, and a clear demonstration project of the BRI.
CPEC has brought nearly 26 billion U.S. dollars in direct investment, helped the country to add 8,000 megawatts of electricity and 510 km of highway, and created 236,000 jobs for locals, the minister said.
Hailing the recently held third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Solangi said both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to pushing forward the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and deepening cooperation across various sectors.
"During the forum, multiple memorandums of understanding were signed between the two countries covering various areas of cooperation including infrastructure, mining, industry, green development, health, space cooperation, digital economy, and many more," he added.
This photo taken on July 3, 2023 shows a view of the ±660kV Matiari-Lahore high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
Mushahid Hussain Syed, a senator and chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee, said the BRI participating countries are working together to create an open, inclusive, and interconnected world.
He said China has made remarkable economic development over the last three decades, and the country, under various global initiatives, has been sharing the benefits and experiences with other countries as well.
"The peaceful rise of China is a monumental development ... And we welcome that because that is a source of strength for small and medium countries, including Pakistan," Hussain added.
Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a corridor linking the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation. ■
