ISLAMABAD, SEPT 6 (DNA) – Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance & Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said that CPEC is one of central focus of the government as it is a special manifestation of our close economic relations with our great neighbour China.

He said this while talking to Mr. Yao Jing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, who called on the Adviser at his office in the Ministry of Finance today.

Dr. Hafeez Shaikh told the Chinese envoy that CPEC projects were bringing a transformation in the economy of Pakistan and all its projects were receiving top priority in their implementation. “We value the Chinese assistance and support in building infrastructure, road networks and energy projects and we look forward to exploring more avenues for further enhancing our bilateral cooperation for regional connectivity and stability,” he said.

The Adviser said that Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet of Pakistan had recently approved several proposals and measures to fast-track rollout of various projects as part of the Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone and relevant authorities had been instructed to implement the ECC decisions.

He thanked the Chinese government in providing technical assistance in the implementation of FATF recommendations and highlighted the steps and measures, particularly increased coordination between various government agencies acting under a multi-agency coordination body headed by the Minister of Economic Affairs, taken by Pakistan to demonstrate our seriousness in complying with FATF regime.

The Chinese envoy conveyed the desire and commitment of his country to extend any support and assistance for further boosting the bilateral relations, particularly further increasing the Chinese investment in Pakistan. He also informed of the keen interest of Chinese government and entrepreneurs for extending cooperation with regard to joint ventures in various fields between the two countries.=DNA