China's Pledge to Deepen Strategic Ties with Pakistan: Ambassador Nong Rong

He highlighted recent modifications in China's COVID-19 prevention measures, including the relaxation of restrictions on international flights and the resumption of people-to-people exchanges for business and educational purposes.

Under the revised policies, Pakistani students are now able to pursue further education in China and subsequently participate in the CPEC projects, fostering friendship between the two countries.

Ambassador Nong Rong also shared encouraging updates from various sectors under the CPEC initiative:

1. The China-funded Eastbay Expressway at Gwadar port commenced operations in June, enhancing port connectivity and enabling the transportation of 200,000 tons of fertilizer.

2. The Karot Hydropower project began commercial operations in June, providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly electricity while reducing annual carbon emissions by 3.5 million metric tons.

3. The TEL and Nova power plants in Thar are now operational, utilizing local coal resources.

4. The Shanghai Electric Thar coal-based power plant is connected to the national grid.

5. Six model farms under the Pakistan-China Red Chilli Contract Farming Project in Punjab and Sindh Province are yielding an estimated 700 tons of dried chili, showcasing the agricultural cooperation potential between the two countries.

Ambassador Nong Rong emphasized that CPEC, as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan cooperation in the new era, offers a significant platform for individuals to demonstrate their abilities and realize their personal goals. He expressed hope that Chinese and Pakistani staff members would seize this opportunity, actively contribute to CPEC construction, and continue to strengthen the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan.

During the event, China's Deputy Director-General of the National Development and Reform Committee, Pan Jiang, reiterated China's long-term strategic perspective on its relationship with Pakistan, emphasizing Pakistan's high priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy. He stressed the commitment of both nations to leverage the Joint Cooperation Committee of CPEC for more efficient advancement, aiming to make CPEC an exemplar of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, the event's chief guest, later presented awards to outstanding Pakistani personnel involved in the CPEC projects.