Pak-China Economic Corridor Council launched in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD - The Pak-China Economic Corridor Council (PCECC) was launched on Wednesday in Pakistani capital of Islamabad, vowing to facilitate and assist in the successful and quick execution of all the projects under the Belt and Road initiatives in the country.

The PCECC, an initiative by senior Pakistani parliamentarians and politicians, keeps representation of like-minded people from all walks of life, including local elites, individuals from chamber of commerce, tribal elders, experts, analysts, businessmen and industrialists.

Patron-in-Chief of the PCECC Abdul Malik, who is also the chief minister of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province that owns Gwadar port, said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a window of fresh air, but now it has been transformed into a " window of opportunities" for Pakistan and the whole region.

"Planning, performance measuring of the projects, coordination between the business institutions of the two countries, playing role to declare twin cities between Pakistan and China, facilitation and assistance to Chinese investors and experts, improving health and education, promoting culture and tourism in both countries" are the salient features of a 12-point agenda of the council.

Chairman of the council Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood said the aim of the council is to offer a platform for the individuals who want to render their services and expertise to the CPEC.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, declaring the CPEC as a "fate changer" for Pakistan, said the CPEC will integrate the entire region and bring an economic revolution also for the three billion population of the region.

"I feel very proud after signing the CPEC documents from Pakistan side because I know this historical project will open a gate of opportunities for all areas and people of Pakistan," said Iqbal.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong appreciated the effort to establish the council and said he believed the establishment of the council would bring more momentum to the future construction of CPEC.

Talking about the progress of the CPEC, Sun said, "We are now focused on the four major areas of energy, transport infrastructure, industrial parks and Gwadar Port and the CPEC has gradually entered into implementation from planning."