China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has attracted more than $25.9 billion in direct investment, according to Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong.
The ambassador said the initiative has also created more than 260,000 jobs in Pakistan.
He described CPEC as a major contributor to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. He made the remarks during a briefing organised by the Chinese Embassy and Institute of Regional Studies.
The briefing focused on “Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building.”
According to Jiang, CPEC has expanded Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy capacity. The corridor has added more than 8,000 megawatts to the country’s power generation capacity.
It has also helped build 510 kilometres of highways. Furthermore, CPEC has developed 886 kilometres of national-level power transmission infrastructure.
Chinese Envoy Calls for Wider CPEC Benefits
Jiang said Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently focused on Pakistan’s development and people’s well-being.
He added that China’s friendly policy towards Pakistan aims to benefit the country’s entire population.
Therefore, Jiang stressed the importance of including all regions in CPEC planning and development.
He said broader participation could help ensure that development benefits reach people across Pakistan.
According to the envoy, Xi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building emphasises putting people first and serving the public interest.
Jiang said China-Pakistan cooperation should follow a similar people-centred approach. Development, he added, should translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
China Highlights Poverty Alleviation Experience
Jiang also discussed China’s poverty alleviation programme during the briefing.
He said Xi Jinping conducted more than 50 field visits across 14 previously disadvantaged regions.
These visits supported the development of targeted poverty alleviation policies, according to the ambassador.
Jiang said more than three million first party secretaries and cadres participated in related efforts. Nearly two million township officials also took part.
Millions of grassroots cadres contributed to the wider campaign, which ultimately eliminated absolute poverty in China.
Faisalabad Industrial Park Sees Chinese Investment
The ambassador also highlighted economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Jiang referred to a recent visit to Faisalabad Industrial Park. He said 39 Chinese private companies currently operate there.
Most of these companies, he added, are operating successfully and profitably.
Five ceramic companies alone reportedly pay around $20 million in taxes annually. Together, they also employ more than 5,000 local workers.
Jiang said China remains ready to cooperate with Pakistan on major projects and smaller public welfare initiatives.
He stressed that such cooperation should follow a people-centred development approach.
China-Pakistan Political Exchanges Also Growing
Jiang also pointed to expanding exchanges between the Communist Party of China and Pakistani political parties.
These efforts include an MoU on inter-party cooperation. They also include the CPEC political party consultation mechanism and China-Pakistan Political Parties Forum.
The ambassador said China would continue working with political parties in Pakistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He added that continued engagement could help carry the longstanding friendship between the two countries into future generations.
The remarks place CPEC’s investment, employment and infrastructure contributions alongside a broader focus on ensuring that development reaches communities across Pakistan.
