National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf stated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an epic representation of the two countries’ unwavering friendship and all-weather strategic cooperative collaboration. Speaking at the inauguration of the All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association (APCEA)'s Sustainable Development Report 2022, he said that the project is viable and can benefit the entire region in addition to both Pakistan and China. The event was jointly hosted by the National Assembly of Pakistan's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretariat in cooperation with APCEA. According to Raja Pervez, despite difficulties, Pakistan has always placed a high priority on sustainable economic growth. CPEC, through improved connectivity and socioeconomic growth, has significantly contributed to the achievement of the aforementioned goal.

The launch of the "APCEA Sustainable Development Report 2022" was coordinated by the SDGs Secretariat and APCEA. The report highlights the CPEC's role in implementing the 2030 agenda while providing a thorough analysis of the CPEC projects in Pakistan. Raja Pervez said CPEC is a key strategic necessity that has drawn attention in Pakistan and around the world. The second phase of the initiative, which is still ongoing, has moved its focus to Pakistan's education sector, economy, infrastructure, and sustainability, including the launch and growth of student exchange programmes. He also mentioned the establishment of technical education institutes. In his welcoming speech, Executive Vice Chairman of APCEA and CEO of Bank of China Limited Pakistan Operations Wang Jie emphasised the critical necessity of understanding the significance of sustainable development and implementing all appropriate corrective measures.

The accomplishments of Chinese businesses in sustainable development in 2022 are succinctly outlined in the APCEA Sustainable Development Report 2022, he said. He articulated the views of APCEA about the concepts of "sustainability" and "sustainable development," which extend beyond the production of renewable energy. In order to strengthen ties between Pakistan and China, he said that Chinese businesses practise sustainable development in all areas. As a result, their guiding concept is the realisation of corporate social responsibility, which also includes dependability, technical improvement, the well-being of the neighbourhood, and the development of their abilities. Convener of National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs Romina Khurshid Alam stated that in light of Pakistan's youth bulge and Phase II of the CPEC, it is critical to prioritise the construction of new schools, technical and vocational training facilities, and higher education institutions while also renovating those already in place.

She emphasised the contribution of CPEC to the SDGs, particularly SDGs 7 (Clean Energy), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Protect the Planet), and 17 (Partnership for Goals). Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha asserted that the CPEC will support Pakistan's socioeconomic growth because the region's greatest advantage is its enormous human potential. According to her, the CPEC projects have given Pakistan's citizens new prospects for socioeconomic progress. She mentioned that Pakistan offers investment opportunities worth several billions of dollars in sectors that directly serve the SDGs as part of CPEC Phase II. The industries covered in the project include transportation and logistics, healthcare, education, alternative and renewable energy, technology and communication, and finance.

CPEC also offers tremendous opportunities for talent development and the development of regional value chains with China. Speaking on behalf of Challenge Fashion Private Limited, Chief Executive Officer Chen Yen stated that CPEC is a modern-day economic miracle. She said that the region will actually reap numerous benefits from CPEC. These are not only economic in nature, but will also help Pakistan achieve economic growth through environmentally friendly development, she added. Pakistan's economic growth would undoubtedly reach greater heights with the constant and committed efforts of both countries, she said.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk