The Prime Minister highlighted that economic progress in the country could only take place in a peaceful environment….reports Asian Lite News
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the country’s economic future was linked to the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Gwadar Port as its “main component”.
At the passing out parade of the 117th Midshipman and 25th Short Service Commission course at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, he stressed the need for a “strong and vibrant” navy had become more important than ever before because of the growing blue economy, marine security and strategic defence, Dawn news reported.
“The maritime domain is continuously evolving due to technological advancements and changing geopolitical realities,” the premier said, noting that these changes were taking place both globally and regionally.
“And I am glad that Pakistan Navy with its available resources continues to perform and fulfil our international obligations most effectively,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister highlighted that economic progress in the country could only take place in a peaceful environment.
“It is, therefore, our government’s resolve to make all necessary resources available to strengthen Pakistan Navy for making the seaward defence impregnable,” Dawn news quoted Sharif as saying.
Pakistan believed in “peaceful co-existence and wanted to promote a friendly neighbourhood, he said, adding: “We do not harbour any aggressive designs against any country. However, our desire for peace must not be misconceived as a sign of weakness or indifference.
“Any disguised or unnatural arrangement for supremacy would neither succeed nor serve the purpose for peace and stability.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Sharif said that the special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC will play a vital role in the country’s economic development and prosperity.
The government has been focusing on establishing SEZs across the country which would boost industrialization and exports while generating employment, Sharif said during his visit to the Rashakai SEZ, which is being developed under CPEC in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
A total of nine SEZs have been identified under CPEC where joint businesses and ventures from Pakistan, China and other countries will be set up to boost industrial progress and uplift the national economy, reports Xinhua news agency.
“The government of Pakistan is committed to promoting industrial development to make Pakistan an economically-progressive country,” Sharif said.
With CPEC entering the most crucial second phase of implementation, the Prime Minister said that it is important to focus on the establishment of SEZs to make them the model of development.
ALSO READ: Pakistan in fix over detection of poliovirus in London
