2023 is a year of great historical significance. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the the Belt and Road Initiative and the tenth year of the launch of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Looking back on the past decade, the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has injected strong impetus into the infrastructure development, energy production, industrial cooperation, and socio-economic development of various parts of Pakistan, making indelible contributions to the prosperity and development of Pakistan.

In an exclusive interview, the chairman of the National Defense Committee of the Senate of Pakistan and the chairman of the Pakistan China Society, Mushahid Hussain Said, spoke highly of the the Belt and Road Initiative. He said that the the Belt and Road has provided a new path for world development and a new framework for global economic cooperation. In the past 10 years, China's investment in energy, ports, roads and railways has not only promoted the development of Asia and the the Belt and Road, but also benefited the whole world.

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is an important pilot project of the the Belt and Road Initiative. Mushahid pointed out that in the past 10 years, China's total investment in Pakistan has reached 26 billion US dollars, creating 250000 jobs and 28000 Pakistanis studying in China, greatly promoting Pakistan's development in areas such as roads, energy, resources, and IT infrastructure.

He described the changes brought about by the the Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan. He mentioned that the province where Gwadar Port is located in southern Pakistan is an underdeveloped region. China has not only built Gwadar Port and Gwadar International Airport in the area, but also ensured the supply of clean drinking water for people. It has established university research institutions, China Pakistan friendly hospitals, etc., which have brought education and job opportunities to the local people. And Gwadar Port has also become a trade hub between Pakistan and neighboring countries.

In addition, Mushahid told the story that the Thar Desert in central Pakistan benefited from the the Belt and Road Initiative, local coal resources were exploited, and local women gained employment opportunities through mineral projects, greatly improving their living standards.

When talking about future development, President Mushahid said that the the Belt and Road Initiative will continue to play an important role in providing more cooperation opportunities and development space for countries around the world. He hoped that all countries could actively participate in the the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly promote global economic cooperation and people to people and cultural exchanges, and achieve common development and prosperity. At the same time, he also hopes that China can play a more active role in the global economic governance system and make greater contributions to promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Editor/Zhao E