Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal says reopening of Khunjerab border is a crucial step in resuming Pak-China bilateral trade and other activities under the CPEC.
In an interactive session in Beijing with Pakistani professionals and students residing in China, he said Pakistan and China are committed to high quality development of CPEC through its mutually reinforcing industrial, trade, health, digital and green corridors.
Ahsan Iqbal said the government is taking concrete steps to address the current economic challenges and stabilize the country's economy.
He was of the view that only exports are the panacea for tackling the economic challenges that would move the country on the path of progress.
Earlier on Monday, he held an exclusive session with the heads and representatives of leading Chinese Think Tanks and emphasized the importance of Pakistan China relationship and reaffirmed Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China, which is time-tested and timeless.
The Minister reiterated that as the flagship of BRI, CPEC had strategic significance for both Pakistan and China and has delivered tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.
He noted that CPEC early-harvest projects have transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape thus laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.
The Minister emphasized that both China and Pakistan should continue to expedite efforts to achieve Gwadar’s potential as a hub of regional commerce and industry, while also prioritizing work on ML-1 and other key energy projects.
He appreciated China’s positive and key role in helping to normalise relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This will give great impetus to regional peace and trade.
