ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (INP): China is all set to commit $1 billion in 2020 to kick-start the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and China won’t waver from commitment to assist Pakistan. China’s Consul General in Karachi Li Bijian dismissed the perception that China is disillusioned by the Pakistani leadership and has adopted a wait-and-see strategy before committing support for CPEC’s second phase, reports China Economic Net quoting his interview with English daily. “This is a figment of some naïve elements’ imagination. Nothing can be far from the truth. I can confirm that China has helped Pakistan close physical infrastructure gaps in the first phase and wishes to see benefits of this massive investment flowing to Pakistani youth, farmers, labour and disadvantaged segments in the second phase,” he asserted. The second phase of CPEC will focus on public and private collaboration in industrial, agriculture and social sectors (poverty alleviation, training and research to transform industrial/agriculture sectors to improve productivity and competitiveness). The specifics of commitments for the identified projects have yet to be finalised, but about $1bn is expected to land in the country over the next 11 months. The consul general said, “The relationship between the two countries is not transactional. We are long-term partners who share the common dream for a just and inclusive order that affords decent living standards for all citizens. China chose Pakistan to be the first stop for its One Belt, One Road initiative.” He also mentioned the revised China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has added 301 items to the list of articles enjoying duty-free access to the Chinese market. “It can translate into $6bln worth of additional export from Pakistan to China if the potential of the facility is properly leveraged,” Mr Li elaborated. To a question regarding little interest among private Chinese companies in relocating their operations in Pakistan, the consul general said, “We can’t order private investment. Yes, we are encouraging companies. We know well that it will not be persuasion but the profit expectation and risk coverage that will mobilise them. We are engaging with the relevant quarters in Pakistan to work out an incentives package for Chinese investors in special economic zones (SEZs).” In terms of the workforce in Pakistan, Li said, “Finding workers with required skills was a big challenge by prospective Chinese investors. We intend to initiate more skill training programmes for workers in Pakistan to ensure the availability of employable youth for Chinese companies to set up shop here. Currently, we are setting up one such facility at Gwadar.” He said the next Joint Coordination Committee meeting is still on the agenda. “The tradition of top-level exchange of visits will be maintained this year. Such frequent bilateral visits will further promote and strengthen the existing relations and cooperation.” INP/J/SB