Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Prof Ahsan Iqbal and Vice Chairman, National Development and Reforms Commission (NDRC) China, Zhang Xiaoqiang jointly inaugurated the Secretariat at the Planning Division.

Earlier the inaugural meeting of Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of Pak-China Economic Corridor was held between the Chinese delegation and representatives of different ministries led by Zhang Xiaoqiang and Prof Ahsan Iqbal respectively.

The Chinese delegation comprised high government officials and prominent entrepreneurs.

Ahsan Iqbal, in his opening remarks, said, "It is high time to transform our strongest political relations into economic relations. These relations are of great significance for the people of Pakistan."

He said the corridor was not merely a transportation link but energy and telecommunication corridor also.

China's development experience of past three decades is a role model for the people of Pakistan, he added.

Pakistan, he said, supported one China policy on every forum.

He said after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, there would be a vacuum, which could only be filled by creating economic opportunities in the region to create jobs and economic alternatives.

In this regard, he said, the economic corridor was of high potential for the people of Afghanistan.

"Pak-China economic corridor has bilateral links with India, Afghanistan and Iran and would bolster the development in South Asia, and the Middle East," he remarked.

Prof Iqbal said, "Gawadar offers strategic opportunities not only

to Pakistan and China but also to the rest of the world. We are keen to

have Chinese investment in energy and infrastructure. We are already

working with Chinese companies in Gaddani coastal energy park and in

solar energy projects."

He further said the main challenge was to make economic relations as

stronger as the political relations.

He assured his Chinese counterpart of full cooperation from the government to materialize economic relations.

Zhang Xioqiang said that Pakistan and China had great potential for economic cooperation in future, which would further strengthen brotherly relations with both countries.

"This will not only promote trade but also bring stability in the region by creating jobs", He added.

"This project is important for the whole region", he added.

Prof Iqbal briefed the delegation about functions and working of the

Planning Commission. (APP)