STORY: New phase of CPEC to create more opportunities: Pakistani PM
DATELINE: Aug. 4, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:42
LOCATION: Islamabad
CATEGORY: ECONOMY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE (English): SHAHBAZ SHARIF, Pakistani Prime Minister
 
STORYLINE:
 
This year marks both the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
 
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said CPEC, now entering a new phase, will create more opportunities and connectivity.
 
SOUNDBITE (English): SHAHBAZ SHARIF, Pakistani Prime Minister
"Now we are entering the second phase of CPEC, which is even more interesting and extremely helpful in promoting investments, progress, and prosperity in Pakistan and also in the region. 
And you have highlighted important areas of this second phase of CPEC which is high-quality development, which is growth corridor, special economic zones, livelihood corridor, innovation corridor, green corridor, and openness and connectivity. 
There is an effort, your Excellency, to bypass Pakistan by some countries in this process of connectivity and I have no doubt that Pakistan and China together will fill in the gap and this corridor which already has been established between north and south will extend in many ways to include the entire region and also other parts of the world. 
Thank the Chinese government and people for supporting us at this critical juncture at a significant time. We shall never forget this very kind generosity and favor of yours for all time to come."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Islamabad.
(XHTV)