Beijing (Agencies): Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not a transaction rather it is a transformation of Pakistani society.
Addressing Leader's Roundtable Session of Second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Saturday, the prime minister stressed the need for further boosting connectivity under the umbrella of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He said we should also consider digital connectivity, mobility of labor and transfer of skills, cultural links and knowledge and innovation connectivity to further expand the scope of the BRI.
PM Imran urged the BRI countries to establish a Tourism Corridor for cultural tourism exchanges to implement these additional areas of connectivity.
They should develop programmes for improving the skills of labor from labor surplus countries to assist the labor deficient countries.
Imran Khan said we should also create multi lingual digital platforms for connecting producers, consumers and skilled job seekers.
“Pakistan is at the cross-roads of important regions. Throughout our history, we have connected ideas, cultures and commerce,” the PM said.
Khan added that connectivity has been a part of our heritage and the CPEC is giving it modern shape in the 21st century.
Alluding to the Chinese successes, he said President Xi Jinping has given the BRI vision to break barriers, connect people, integrate economies and share prosperity.
“Pakistan is privileged to have been an early partner of China. Under the CPEC, we are building highways, modernising rail network, setting up power plants, establishing a port and special economic zones,” Imran Khan said.
Prime Minister Imran Khan noted that the connectivity of Gwadar port with China's Xinjiang region will provide a shorter route for China's imports, reduce the cost for Chinese companies and develop western China as well.
