ISLAMABAD: A Chinese firm has announced that it will launch five new projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework this year.
The announcement was made by a Chinese delegation in a meeting with federal ministers here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief of Mission at Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Zhao Lijian said that in addition to 30 infrastructures and energy projects already being completed by the Chinese companies in Pakistan, China will initiate five new projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
“Eight coal, solar, wind and hydro-power energy projects are also under construction to meet the energy requirement of the country,” he said.
Lijian claimed that Chinese companies were also implementing two mega projects including the Thakot-Havelian section of Karakorum Highway (KKH) and Sukkur-Multan section of Lahore-Karachi motorway at a cost of US$ 3 billion, he said.
“Prior to the signing of CPEC between China and Pakistan in 2013, China was at number 16 in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan,” he said adding that now China is the largest investor in Pakistan after initiating multi-billion dollars project under the CPEC.
Referring to the celebrations of 60th anniversary of Pak-China Diplomatic Relations, he said, the relations between the two friendly countries are touching new heights after the
signing of CPEC.
“The flower of China-Pakistan friendship will become more beautiful in future,” Lijian said.
