China's Silk Road iniatives to benefit the entire asian region: Mustafa

By Muhammad Arif

Islamabad, Feb 18: Mustafa Hayder Sayed ( Executive Director ) Pakistan China Institute talks to Channel News Asia's program “Between the lines” focusing on the Pakistan China economic partnership, role of China in Afghanistan peace process, China’s initiatives for the economic growth of the region, USA China strategic competition.

The program was broadcast during the visit of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to Pakistan from Feb.13-14, 2015.

Speaking on the peopolitical significance of Pakistan China economic partnership, Mustafa said Pakistan China Economic Corridor, a mega investment project, has positive regional impact both for the Central- South Asia in terms of economic integration and ifrastructure development.

Pakistan China Economic Corridor is a rail, road and fiber link between the western part of China and North Pakistan.

Responding to a question on the role of China for Afghanistan, he said China has positive engagement in Afghan peace process and China is facilitating in the peace, stability and economic development of Afghanistan throgh infrastructure development projects and by enhancing security cooperation.

Commenting on prevailing misperceptions about China’s mega investment projects for the Asian region, he said these projects are in the interest of the region and will contribute positively for peace, progress, prosperity of the nations along Silk Road.

He further added that China is challenging the existing financial infrastructure dominated by USA in the form of IMF, WB, ADB but USA and China can play win-win cooperation role in the region as Asia is big region for common interests.

China is investing in the regional infrastructure projects such as Asian Infrastructure development Bank, Maritime Silk Road, Silk Road Economic Belt for the economic and cultural integration, Mustafa added.