BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has set an example of mutually beneficial cooperation among Global South countries, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Syed Ali Asad Gillani said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, Gillani said bilateral relations have not only grown stronger, but have also expanded in depth and scope.
"CPEC is the latest manifestation of this relationship, and it is a huge project," the ambassador said. "It has transformed the socioeconomic landscape of Pakistan."
Gillani noted that when the CPEC was launched in 2013, Pakistan was grappling with power shortages that hurt livelihoods, productive capacity and exports. Following the completion of several energy and transport infrastructure projects in the first phase of the CPEC, Pakistan now has sufficient energy, creating broader business opportunities and improving people's livelihoods.
"CPEC has contributed more than 8,000 megawatts of electricity to Pakistan. Looking at the statistics, I find a single project alone was able to generate as many as 25,000 jobs," Gillani said.
Taking Gwadar Port as an example, Gillani said it was once a small village. The development of Gwadar Port has brought an airport, a hospital and vocational training programs, significantly improving the living standards of local residents.
"CPEC is transforming not only Pakistan, but also the ways we interact and connect with each other. There is recognition and appreciation of this," the ambassador said.
China and Pakistan have agreed that the priority of their practical cooperation at present is to advance the high-quality development of the CPEC, forge CPEC 2.0, and build it into a corridor of growth, livelihood, innovation, green development and openness.
Gillani stressed that CPEC 2.0 will continue to deliver tangible win-win outcomes.
He said Pakistan upholds the vision of connecting with the world and diversifying its export markets, adding that China and Pakistan can align their strategies and work together to achieve these goals.
CPEC 2.0 holds great promise for both Pakistan and China, bringing plenty of opportunities and vast potential for bilateral cooperation, Gillani said, adding that Pakistan welcomes the growing interest among Chinese entrepreneurs, many of whom are exploring business opportunities in the country.
"This is a win-win proposition. We need to stay focused, keep our bigger objectives in sight and move steadily toward them," Gillani said.
The ambassador, who assumed his post in Beijing a month ago, has known China for many years. He began his diplomatic career in China about two decades ago, serving as a secretary at the Pakistani Embassy and traveling by bus and train to dozens of cities across the country. Recalling his fond memories of China as it was then, he also hailed the remarkable transformation it has undergone over the years.
"As true friends of China, people of Pakistan, the leadership of Pakistan and me personally, are very pleased to see the growing prosperity, development and strength of China," the ambassador said.
Gillani said Pakistan supports the four global initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as his vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. "Because we understand how China sees the world, and we subscribe to that."
Gillani said Pakistan-China friendship helps maintain stability by promoting development, adding that such a model of cooperation is much needed in today's turbulent world.
"Only in this way can we achieve a prosperous world that benefits not only the two peoples, but also the region and indeed all humanity," the ambassador noted. ■
