*Islamabad, 6th November 2023* (Adnan Hameed) – The All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises’ Association (APCEA), in collaboration with the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), proudly hosted the launch event for their ambitious project, “Thousands of Miles with CPEC: The Symbol of Pakistan-China Relations.” The event took place at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), and it symbolizes the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been a monumental achievement, solidifying the bonds between the two nations. It originated from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2015 visit to Pakistan, where the “1+4” cooperation formula was established, focusing on Gwadar Port, Energy, Infrastructure, and Industrial Cooperation. CPEC’s far-reaching impact is felt across various sectors, from industries to education.
“Thousands of Miles with CPEC” delves into the human side of this mega-project, capturing the experiences of individuals who have directly witnessed its transformative power. While recognizing CPEC’s macro-economic contributions in sectors like Power, Infrastructure, IT, and Agriculture, the project also highlights its cultural role in building a Pak-China community of shared interests.
The launch event was graced by distinguished guests from both Chinese and Pakistani leadership, including H.E. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, H.E. Murtaza Solangi, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Excellency Li Yong, Counsellor for Commercial Affairs, and Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman Senate Defense Committee. Chinese enterprises, local and Chinese journalists, and many others participated, making the event a resounding success.
Executive Director of PCI, Mr. Mustafa Hyder Syed, emphasized the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. Mr. Yang Jianduo, Chairman of APCEA, and Country Representative of POWERCHINA, highlighted the contributions of key CPEC projects and the unwavering support provided by the Chinese community for their Pakistani counterparts.
Senator Mushahid Hussain, in his keynote speech, lauded CPEC as a miracle for Pakistan and its positive impact on various communities. Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, expressed the ministry’s commitment to fostering cooperation with Chinese enterprises.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reiterated the visions of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC, emphasizing inclusivity, open global corridors, green pathways, connectivity, and shared prosperity. He stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in information and media, in line with the Federal Minister’s remarks.
The event featured an exclusive documentary showcasing the significance and contributions of CPEC, with a special focus on Gwadar as the zenith of the project. A feature report titled “Thousands of Miles with CPEC: The Symbol of Pakistan-China Relations” was also launched, highlighting CPEC’s achievements and the remarkable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Chinese companies.
The project also includes mini documentaries from Chinese enterprises across Pakistan, featuring project employees’ and local people’s testimonials and experiences. These will be released as docuseries under the “Thousands of Miles with CPEC” initiative, as the journey continues towards a prosperous future for Pakistan and China.