President Asif Ali Zardari said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a crucial project for boosting trade in the region.

In his address at the Global Connectivity Conference in Islamabad, he emphasised the importance of CPEC in contributing to regional development, recalling how he had highlighted the strategic significance of Gwadar long before it became globally recognised.

According to him, business activities in the region have been growing ever since.

The conference, organised by the Pakistan China Institute, saw the participation of diplomats, experts, and a large audience. The concluding session took place at the President House, where President Zardari addressed the gathered community.

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He mentioned that water is being brought to Balochistan from Tajikistan via the Wakhan Corridor, located 14 miles away.

The United Arab Emirates has invested in this project, and China has been invited to join as well. He expressed hope that China would consider this proposal.

President Zardari pointed out that Pakistan’s strategic location is of great importance. In the current global trade war, trade is the key factor driving growth in any country.

During the conference, experts highlighted Pakistan’s geographical significance as a potential source of regional economic prosperity.

The participants described CPEC as a game-changer that will bring economic development and stability to both Pakistan and the wider region.

They also noted that through the Gwadar port and digital technology, Pakistan can strengthen its role in global trade.

Experts further emphasised that Pakistan’s strategic location makes it an ideal bridge between the East and the West.

According to them, new opportunities are emerging in Pakistan across sectors like investment, transportation, trade, and technology.