Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan's Minister of Planning, Development and Special Projects, has been vigorously promoting CPEC cooperation and is known as "Mr. CPEC". At a recent press conference, he said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has changed Pakistan's energy and infrastructure landscape, promoted Pakistan's economic development, and greatly benefited the local people.
Iqbal said that when the CPEC was launched in 2013, Pakistan faced a severe power shortage, and China helped Pakistan tide over the difficulties.
Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development and Special Projects, Pakistan: In 2013, Pakistan was facing severe power shortages of up to 16 hours a day, and Pakistan's economic and security situation was also facing many challenges. We will never forget China's trust and confidence in Pakistan's economy and people, which helped Pakistan tide over difficulties.
Iqbal said that many Pakistanis have been trained in CPEC projects and have acquired new technologies and knowledge.
Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development and Special Projects of Pakistan: CPEC has helped Pakistan transform its energy and infrastructure sectors, creating more than 2 million jobs. It has enhanced the connectivity of multiple regions in Pakistan and allowed them to share the fruits of development.
In the blueprint for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Iqbal hopes that the two countries can deepen cooperation in areas such as climate change, green energy and renewable energy.
Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development and Special Projects of Pakistan: China is a leader in the field of new energy vehicles, and Pakistan hopes to transform the transportation sector with China's help. Because we have also set a target to increase the proportion of new energy vehicles to reduce urban pollution.