CPEC will change the future of Pakistan, says CM

Ahsan Iqbal says CPEC is vital for the targets set under Vision 2025

LAHORE:

“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will transform the economy,” said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday.

He was addressing a certificate distribution ceremony for engineers who had completed the first phase of training for Sahiwal Coal Power Project from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in collaboration with Chinese energy company Huang Shandong Ruyi (HSR).



The chief minister said Chinese help in revamping the energy sector would strengthen relations between the two countries.

He said, “It will end the power crisis in Pakistan and will provide relief to the industry.”

The chief minister urged the youth to learn about various projects under the CPEC. Speaking on the Orange Line Metro Train project, Sharif said the project would revolutionise public transport. “Hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from it.”

He said China was funding the project. “The Chinese loan will be repaid over 20 years in easy instalments,” he said.

The chief minister said more students should learn Chinese. “This language will soon be an essential element for success.”

He said the government had planned to send 500 students from public schools and colleges to China for this purpose.



Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal said the CPEC was vital for the targets set under Vision 2025.

He said the government was committed to maintaining good relations with China. “With China’s help, Pakistan can be one of the world’s strongest economies in 10 years.”

UET Vice Chancellor Fazal Ahmad Khalid said that it was a matter of pride for the UET that it had been selected by the Chinese company for training of engineers.

He said the training had been held in two phases.

He said in the first phase, 66 engineers were trained for four months. “After this, they will be trained in China,” he said.

Chinese Counsel General in Lahore Yu Boren said China wanted a strong result-oriented relationship with Pakistan.



Later, the chief minister distributed certificates among the engineers in the presence of MNA Pervaiz Malik, MPA Chaudry Akhtar Ali, UET deans, trainers, faculty members, university administration and a large number of students. Shields were also presented to the Chinese guests. The UET vice chancellor presented a crest to the chief minister.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2016.