ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 (INP): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Sun Wiedong terming China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a win-win scenario for both China and Pakistan, has stated that there was no country other than China that wanted to see a stronger, stable and developed Pakistan. The Chinese Envoy was delivering an exclusive talk on the topic of ‘Pakistan-China Relations: CPEC and Beyond CPEC’ organized by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad here on Thursday. The session was chaired by leader of the House in Senate, Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq. Summing up the breadth and depth of Pak-China cooperation in three words: All-Weather, All-Round and Iron Brothers, the Sun Wiedong said the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 paved way for the new era of bilateral relationship which to-date has seen comprehensive promotion of exchanges in the areas of trade, investment, culture, education, science and technology between the two countries. According to the ambassador, the CPEC has entered the stage of giving some early harvest. Among the projects with the total worth of $18.5 billion investment, the projects pertaining to energy – the dire most need of Pakistan at present – had been at the forefront with six projects in progress and five have already been built. He said that the speed of the completion of Sahiwal Coal Power Project has been a record in Pakistan and it is expected that the completion of all eleven energy projects will add about 11000 megawatts of electricity to the Pakistan’s national grid, eventually significantly alleviating the energy shortage in Pakistan and adding strong impetus to the country’s economic development. The construction of road connections were termed another vital area of investment by the diplomat stating that the up-gradation of Karakoram Highway and the highway from Peshawar to Karachi will unlock the transportation arteries in Pakistan that will effectively stimulate economic vitality. Social effects were another emerging area pointed by the ambassador, with about 60,000 Pakistani workers already employed by Chinese enterprises under and outside the umbrella of CPEC as per some statistics. These Chinese companies, according to the ambassador, were not only bringing the investment as well as the tax revenue to Pakistan, but also playing an important role of transforming locals into skilled and productive workforce in numerous areas. He viewed that such contributions by the Chinese organizations will eventually result in the development and transformation of complete industry chain in Pakistan. Sun Wiedong also commented about the ongoing situation of academic exchanges between the two countries stating that around 18,000 Pakistan students were studying in China at present whereas the number of Pakistani students enjoying scholarships by the Chinese government accumulated to nearly ten per cent of the total offerings. He also shared that Pakistan’s trade deficit in this regard was already improving while revealing that a special delegation of investors was on visit to Pakistan at present with an aim of taking Pakistani products into the Chinese markets. Raja Zafar-ul-Haq in his speech stated that while Pakistan was keen to share with Chinese friends the advantages accruing from the country’s strategic position at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, it also feels indebted to its Northern friend for its cooperation that has fueled progress and growth in Pakistan in all important areas of energy, infrastructure, science and technology, manufacturing, electronics, transport, construction, mining, etc. He viewed that while the two countries shared common interests and aspirations of mutual growth and development, the significance of this strategic partnership – that will serve as a pivot for regional connectivity, peace and stability – will eventually extend and benefit everyone far beyond. INP/SB/AK