ISLAMABAD, NOV 5 (DNA) -Welcoming Vice Chairman Ning Jizhe, the Prime Minister underscored that CPEC was Pakistan’s top priority. He added that CPEC was pivotal both for Pakistan’s economic transformation as well as for further fortifying the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister noted that the Vice Chairman’s visit was of great significance as it would help consolidate the gains made during the 1st phase of CPEC and accelerate the implementation of the 2nd phase.

While recalling his recent visit to China, the Prime Minister deeply appreciated the support extended by the Chinese leadership to Pakistan on all issues. Among other things, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ML-1 for modernizing Pakistan’s railway system and also invited the NDRC Vice Chairman to explore opportunities in steel industry, copper and gold mining, and increased agricultural productivity. The new projects will impart a strong impetus to the 2nd phase of CPEC and usher in a new era of cooperation between the two countries for the benefit of the people of Pakistan, he added.

The Vice Chairman NDRC expressed gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to him and conveyed cordial greetings of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang for Prime Minister Imran Khan. He reiterated China’s commitment to further deepening the Pakistan-China partnership in all fields. Appreciating the steps taken by Pakistan to enhance coordination and accelerate completion of CPEC projects, he expressed the hope that CPEC will, including through early harvest projects, provide practical benefits to the people of Pakistan.

Vice Chairman Ning Jizhe is visiting Pakistan along with his delegation to co-chair the 9th Meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of CPEC.