TRADE & ECONOMY
Pakistan and China to Benefit from CPEC and Belt and Road Initiative, Says Minister Abdul Aleem Khan
Pakistan's Federal Minister for Investment, Communications, and Privatization, Abdul Aleem Khan, highlighted the mutual benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during his address at the Global Transport Forum 2024 in China. The forum brought together key global stakeholders to discuss the future of transportation, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Minister Khan stressed that both Pakistan and China stand to gain economically and strategically from these large-scale initiatives, which aim to boost trade, infrastructure, and connectivity between the two nations.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Minister Khan pointed out that Pakistan is grappling with the challenges posed by a rapidly increasing urban population, emphasizing that improving the country's transportation infrastructure is crucial to accommodating this growth. He highlighted that CPEC’s trade corridors are based on green energy and clean technology, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Public-Private Partnerships and Green Technology
Abdul Aleem Khan also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in the communication and transportation sectors, advocating for the integration of green technology to improve the country’s infrastructure. “The safety of citizens and the need for cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions are at the heart of Pakistan's future plans,” the minister stated.
In his speech, he emphasized that enhancing the transportation system would not only boost Pakistan's economy but also have positive impacts on culture and society. The minister reiterated his support for adopting modern, sustainable technologies that would ensure long-term development.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
According to Khan, Pakistan's priority is to connect highways and ports to meet future economic demands, improving trade routes and creating employment opportunities. He stated that "CPEC trade corridors are designed to foster economic growth and reduce the country's carbon footprint by embracing green energy solutions."
Virtual Address by President Asif Ali Zardari
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari also participated in the forum through a virtual address, where he emphasized Pakistan's commitment to its partnership with China and the need to focus on future-forward projects like CPEC, which can reshape regional and global trade.
Conclusion
The Global Transport Forum 2024 underscored the strategic importance of CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative for Pakistan and China, reinforcing the need for sustainable development, public-private partnerships, and green technology in the transportation sector. Abdul Aleem Khan's speech emphasized Pakistan's ambition to modernize its infrastructure and create a sustainable future for its growing urban population.