Departure is difficult decision; Pakistanis would always live in my heart, says outgoing Chinese envoy
ISLAMABAD – Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on Friday said that eight Agricultural Research Centers would be constructed under the Agricultural Cooperation between Pakistan and China under the China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Addressing a farewell briefing to media on the end of his three-year stay in Pakistan, Ambassador Yao Jing said that under agricultural cooperation, there would be two modes of cooperation.
“One would be government to government research cooperation while there would be B2B cooperation between private companies,” he said.
He said that under the G2G mode, a pest control center would be established in Karachi.
He said that under the B2B, Pakistani companies would forge cooperation with Chinese private companies. He said that two Pakistani companies have also been identified. He said that under trade agricultural cooperation, agriculture processing would be promoted.
“For southern Balochistan, the Pakistani government wants to build dates processing factory. Mango processing is also being discussed. Oil seeds plants to be promoted while meat processing also on the cards. Cattle raising farms and milk processing also on plan.
Some Chinese companies also looking for halal foods promotions in Pakistan,” he said.
Ambassador Yao Jing said that he had served in Pakistan for eleven years and he loved staying here.
“I cherished my stay here and it’s a very emotional departure as I won’t be appointed in Pakistan anymore. I spent one thirds of my career in serving China, Pakistan friendship,” he said.
Yao Jing said the CPEC cooperation has been further consolidated in past three years and he was very happy with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistani government has stabilised over the past few years.
“Pakistan is also contributing to regional peace and peace process in Afghanistan is great. Kashmir issue is also highlighted. CPEC cooperation has expanded further. We have eight areas of joint working groups in agriculture, science and technology,” he said.
He said that 16 projects have been completed under the CPEC including the Karakorum Highway (KKH) second phase, Orange Line Metro Train and others.
He said mega projects are also in pipeline and Hydro Power Stations, agricultural components have been finalised.
“CPEC has entered its high-quality stage. Suspicions and concerns are of two categories. These may further improve CPEC but some concerns allegations, accusations and allegations we have to reject it”.
“We are not rejecting with counter allegations and rather we will reject them with facts about the CPEC projects. CPEC is not the whole of bilateral relations. May 2021 will mark 70 years of bilateral cooperation. Our cooperation is not limited. We both are peace loving nations and we want a peaceful neighbourhood,” he said.
Referring to the recent border skirmishes between Chinese and Indian troops in Ladakh, Ambassador Yao Jing said China wants to have a peaceful coexistence with its neighbours and during this period, Pakistan has done great sacrifices and efforts for a peaceful coexistence and neighbourhood.
He said with efforts of Pakistani government and armed forces, Pakistan has become an attractive destination of foreign direct investment.
“China would always stand by Pakistan to help and assist it in development and prosperity.
I have a lifelong attachment to Pakistan and leaving back is a very difficult time for me. Pakistanis would always live in my heart,” he concluded.
