KARACHI, Nov 23 (DNA): Federal Minister for planning Asad Umar on Saturday said China-Pakistan relations are not against anyone. He said concerns of U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Alice Wells on CPEC are not right.
Addressing a press conference, he said first phase of CPEC has been completed and to expedite progress of CPEC remains the top priority of the government. He said China-Pakistan relations could not be derailed over concerns of others.
Asad said Pakistan got $4.9 billion loans under CPEC, adding that Pakistan would get benefit from Chinese technology. He said China always helped Pakistan through thick and thin.
The PTI minister said foreign loans are hampering the economic progress and circular debt is the beigest challenge for the government.
He said $74 billion foreign loans would be paid by Pakistani taxpayers, adding that tade deficit would be reduced in 2 to 3 years.
He said Pakistan wants to welcome investment from US and Europe. Umar said US president Donald Trump has appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process and Pakistan wants an Indian government that promotes regional peace.=DNA
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