CPEC phase-II to ensure self reliance in various fields: Asim Bajwa.

ISLAMABAD -- Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Lt. Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa (retd) Thursday said that a process of mass industrialization was going to be initiated in the country under second phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that would ensure self reliance in various fields.

"We are all set to launch CPEC phase-II in a deliberate, prepared, and in an institutionalize manner with full consciousness of transparency," he said while addressing a signing ceremony of Business Cooperation Agreements in various fields between leading Chinese entrepreneurs and Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) in Taxila.

Asim Bajwa who also heads CPEC Authority, said that the Prime Minister had already directed to complete each and every project of CPEC.

"The vision and direction of PM is very clear that is to continue each and every project and complete them as soon as possible," he said adding all those projects which were held up due to procedural delay or technical reasons had to be handled at priority.

He said Pakistan-China relationship and development of CPEC was not restricted to one government but rather it spanned over decades.

Referring to some misleading news disseminated by some detractors, he said CPEC was becoming a fast reality and it had been witnessed by all that even COVID could not hamper the progress of CPEC projects.

He said as per direction of the PM, loan burden on the government in Phase-II would be reduced by opting the mode of business to business with the Chinese firms who would be invited to come to Pakistan and partner with the Pakistani companies for investment.

"We are connecting the companies from the two countries among themselves and a new business council for this purpose is also going to be announced soon," he informed.

Under the banner of CPEC, he said lot of new projects and business activities were going to happen in days to come.

Asim Bajwa maintained that under second phase railway sector would be revamped by up-grading the mainline (ML-1) railway line from Karachi to Peshawar.

"Manpower would be totally revamped, underpasses and overhead bridges would be built at all railway crossings, and speed of trains would significantly enhance," he informed.

He said latest...