ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project would have positive impact on the region but Pakistan would be the primary beneficiary, a Spokesman of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform said on Wednesday.
While clarifying a news item appeared in a section of press regarding CPEC, he in a statement issued here, termed the points raised by honourable members in a meeting of Senate Committee on CPEC as inappropriate based on lack of information.
The Spokesman maintained that CPEC was a multi-sectoral cooperation between Pakistan and our all-weather friend China.
“All decisions regarding CPEC projects and its execution are made with mutual consultation keeping in view the interests and well-being of the people of Pakistan.
Therefore, the apprehensions expressed by the honourable members of the Senate Committee on CPEC are baseless and unfair,” he added.
The spokesman said, “China brought investment of US$ 46 billion in Pakistan in the situation where investors were reluctant due to law and order situation and world was ranking Pakistan among the most dangerous countries.
Chinese investment changed the perception altogether and today Pakistan is being taken as the best destination for investment”.
He said, the importance of CPEC could be witnessed of the fact that countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan are expressing their interest to join this project.
The spokesman said that CPEC was a joint project of China and Pakistan where China was the major investor but Pakistan was also contributing in some projects aimed at ensuring development of backward areas of the country.
The spokesman strongly dispelled the assertion that Chinese companies were determining power tariff.
He said, NEPRA being an independent body was final authority to decide the tariff in light of the national policy.
Hence, the power generated through CPEC projects was no exception.
“Leaders should refrain from making statements contrary to facts about CPEC as this is a national project with strategic economic advantage for Pakistan involving our best friend,” he added.
Source: APP
