China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a showcase of solid bilateral ties

I WAS most pleased to read the remarks about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by both Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi in an interview, and by Rukhsana Afzaal, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Singapore, in a National Day message that was published in The Business Times on March 23. I am impressed by their high evaluation of the CPEC.

China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners and this year marks the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The close ties, deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership of China and Pakistan have served the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and contributed to peace, stability and development in the region.

The CPEC is a demonstration project of China-Pakistan cooperation. It is also an important pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Guided by the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits, China and Pakistan made the decision of launching the CPEC together and have been making great efforts together. Today, we are reaping the fruits of the cooperation. Pakistan's transport infrastructure has improved well. The shortage of electricity supply there has also been addressed. More investment has been drawn to Pakistan.