ISLAMABAD, December 29 (INP): A prize-distribution ceremony was held here on Wednesday to recognize contribution of Pakistani staff in making CPEC projects successful.

The event was arranged by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. This was aimed to mark major progress of CPEC made in 2021. The embassy expressed hope that in 2022, even bigger progress will be made.

There were as many as twenty-seven Pakistani employees working on CPEC projects included those relating to Gwadar Port, energy and infrastructure were awarded in recognition of their contributions despite the challenge of Covid-19 pandemic.

Those who addressed the ceremony included Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong, Khalid Mansoor, Special Assistant to PM on CPEC affairs, Ying Xiong, Director General of Department of International Affairs of National Development of Reforms Commission, and Yang Jianduo, chairman of All Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association, besides representatives of Pakistani Staff. A number of officials, Pakistan staff of CPEC projects and journalists attended the ceremony virtually.

A video on the high-quality development of CPEC, produced by Pakistan Institute and another short video on the stories of the Pakistani staff were also shown on the occasion.

The speakers said, the CPEC is an important pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has maintained a positive momentum of development, making concrete contributions to Pakistan’s national development and regional connectivity.

They eulogized the role played by the Chinese government and the Chinese companies in pushing forward the CPEC’s projects smoothly.

Minister for Planning Asad Umar reiterated the commitment of his government of extending all possible support for timely completion of the on-going CPEC projects.

He thanked the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad for its outstanding role in realizing the desired goals. He congratulated the Pakistani staff for their marvelous contribution in running the projects as per the expectations.

Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong in his key-note address said, China will work together with Pakistan to build CPEC into a demonstration project of high-quality BRI development and deliver greater benefit to the people in both countries and the rest of the region, the spokesperson added.

He stated, they were very pleased to see that Prime Minister Imran Khan attaches great importance to the CPEC. He chaired a series of meetings on CPEC, including the one for industry development, and held two seminars with Chinese entrepreneurs.

He noted that PakistanI government established the China-Pakistan Relations Steering Committee to coordinate and resolve CPEC issues; introduced the special visa policy for CPEC to facilitate investment; set up a Foreign National Security Cell to strengthen security measures. These practical measures have injected more confidence in the development of the CPEC,”

The ambassador said with joint efforts, the Rashakai Special Economic Zone has been launched, the north part of the Gwadar Free Zone is under construction, the Matiari-Lahore HVDC Transmission Line has brought Pakistan into a new era of AC-DC hybrid power grid, the Karot Hydropower Project started water storage, the Gwadar Technical and Vocational Institute was completed.

“These developments brought by the CPEC, from the perspective of individuals, will create more jobs, increase their incomes and improve their skills; from the perspective of the country, will boost Pakistan's economic and social development, promote industrialization and urbanization, and enhance the connection of the nation and the region as a whole,” he added.

The ambassador said the achievements of the CPEC are not possible without joint efforts of staff from both China and Pakistan. “They are not only the constructors and participants of the CPEC, but also the witnesses and promoters of history. In particular, the 27 outstanding Pakistani staff who participate in the award ceremony today, are outstanding representatives in this regard. You have shown your diligence and dedication in promoting the CPEC and building your motherland,” he said.

The CPEC, as a landmark project of China-Pakistan cooperation in the new era, and a successful regional economic cooperation platform, provides a broad stage for people to display their talents and realize personal values. It is hoped that the Chinese and Pakistani staff will cherish the opportunity, contribute to the construction of the CPEC with practical actions, and continue to consolidate the iron friendship between China and Pakistan, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of Department of International Affairs of NDRC of China Ying Xiong said CPEC is a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation. “Since its initiation in 2013, China and Pakistan have joint hands to work together for 8 years, by following the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

Even in the face of the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CPEC projects still enjoy smooth operation,” he said. “There is no stop of the CPEC projects construction, no job cut for Pakistani staffs and no withdrawal of Chinese workforce. The CPEC construction has bucked the trend with continuous new achievements. In September this year, the 10th Joint Coordination Committee meeting of CPEC was successfully held. The anti-pandemic campaign by the CPEC brought with tangible achievements. New progress has been made in Gwadar Port development. Energy projects are now in normal and stable operation.

Major progress has been made in transportation infrastructure cooperation. Cooperation in industries and other fields has been advancing rapidly. Agriculture as well as science and technology cooperation has been hedging forward steadily. Cooperation in society and people’s livelihood has progressed smoothly. International cooperation and coordination as well as security related issues have been implemented in an orderly manner.

These fruitful achievements have once again demonstrated the unbreakable China-Pakistan friendship, and showed to the world the strong vitality and huge potential of the Belt and Road Initiative,” he added.

INP/JAVED