Benefits from CPEC already showing, says prime minister
Pakistan’s economy is growing six per cent annually. Over the mediumterm, our growth rates are expected to surpass global averages. And by 2050, we will be the world’s fifteenth largest economy. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
islamabad — Regional connectivity, open trade and increased economic growth were the key to promote tolerance and deny space to extremism, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said while addressing the opening ceremony of the Boao economic forum in China’s Hainan province on Tuesday
“In Pakistan today, step by step, brick by brick, a brave new Asia is taking shape,” he added.
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is fast reaching fruition, said the premier, terming it an excellent example of an open, coordinated, and inclusive development paradigm that benefits all stakeholders.
“We have already begun reaping dividends of CPEC rail, road and infrastructure projects. CPEC investment and its spinoff effects have generated thousands of jobs. Over 10,000 mw have been added to our national grid, ameliorating our chronic energy shortages.”
He said the development of the deep seaport of Gwadar was proceeding at a fast track, at the southern tip of this Corridor.
“On completion, it would not only serve as a transit and transshipment hub, but become an economic nucleus,” Abbasi said.
“Pakistan’s economy is growing six per cent annually,” he said.
“Over the medium-term, our growth rates are expected to surpass global averages. And by 2050, we will be the worlds fifteenth largest economy.”
The prime minister said establishment of several Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along highways and motorways was integral to CPEC plans.