President of the United Business Group (UBG) Zubair Tufail, Secretary General (Sindh) Hanif Gohar, Central Spokesman Gulzar Firoz and Central Leader Malik Khuda Bakhsh is elated to welcome China’s Vice Premier, He Lifeng, to Pakistan and anticipates that his visit will invigorate the progress of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and contribute significantly to its second phase (2030). UBG acknowledges that Vice Premier He Lifeng’s role as the Chairman of the National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) is paramount for the success of CPEC.

During his visit, UBG hopes that new opportunities for business-to-business cooperation between both nations will be explored, fostering industrialisation and investment in previously untapped sectors. Furthermore, using Chinese technology is expected to enhance agriculture productivity, addressing the pressing need of the hour. Collaborative efforts in information technology and socio-economic development are also envisioned to uplift the respective sectors.

UBG emphasises the urgency of working on the scope and technical parameters of ML-1, an essential phase that should be undertaken promptly. Additionally, UBG highlights the importance of initiating power projects under CPEC, including coal, hydel, and renewable energy projects, and leveraging Thar coal assets to produce cost-effective power.

The visit of Vice Premier He Lifeng is expected to expedite the operationalisation of the optional fiber installed to bolster Pakistan’s digital backbone, complementing existing infrastructure developments like motorways, roads, Economic Zones, and the Gwadar Port.

UBG is eagerly looking forward to the ten-year celebrations in connection with CPEC, where Vice Premier He Lifeng will be present. This momentous event is anticipated to inspire and fuel new aspirations within the business communities of both countries, leading to greater economic cooperation and prosperity.