Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hailed China's unique path to modernization as a model for Pakistan's economic growth, extending his congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
In an interview with Chinese media, Sharif praised China's remarkable achievements and expressed Pakistan's desire to revamp its economy by emulating China's path of progress. He emphasized that China's development offers new opportunities for countries around the world, including Pakistan.
Sharif highlighted China's belief in inclusiveness and multilateralism, describing it as a recipe for enhanced peaceful global interaction. He noted that this approach brings greater understanding between nations through increased economic cooperation, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
The prime minister also pointed to China's positive role in promoting regional and world peace, citing the recent reconciliation dialogue held in Beijing among 14 Palestinian factions under Chinese mediation.
Speaking highly of the time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China, Sharif said that the relationship, based on mutual trust and respect, is exemplary in the world. “The two countries have always supported each other and worked closely on the international stage to jointly strengthen the forces that promote regional and world peace and stability,” he said.
Discussing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, the prime minister noted that it has significantly promoted Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a corridor linking Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan’s Balochistan province with Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, focusing on energy, transport, and industrial cooperation in its first phase.
Sharif explained that issues of road connectivity and electricity, which had greatly hindered Pakistan’s economy in the past, were resolved during the first phase of the CPEC. He noted that the project has successfully entered a new phase of high-quality development, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in agriculture, information technology, and mining.
The prime minister underscored that Pakistan and China would continue to work together to further enhance economic cooperation and elevate their unshakable and unique friendship to new heights.
Reference(s):
Chinese modernization a model for our economic growth: Pakistani PM
cgtn.com
