PM Imran Khan appoints new aide on CPEC
Shafqat Ali
ISLAMABAD, August 4: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday afternoon appointed business leader Khalid Mansoor as his Special Assistant onCPEC affairs as Asim Saleem Bajwa (retd) resigned.
Masoor is a well-known business leader and has served as President of Overseas Chamber of Commerce of Industry (OICCI). He has also worked closely with international financial institutions, like the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Deutsche Investitions, the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), as well as Chinese financial institutions such as China Development Bank, China Exim Bank, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Sinosure.
The Ministry of Planning said Mansoor brings with him over four decades of experience working with multiple organizations in energy, petrochemicals, and fertilizer industries. He is expected to lead the second phase of CPEC which will focus on industrial cooperation.
Mansoor has extensive experience of working with Chinese companies and has a deep understanding of joint ventures, project development and execution with Chinese partners.
Earlier, announcing his resignation, Bajwa said in a tweet “I bow my head before Allah Almighty for giving me an opportunity to raise & steer the important institution of CPEC Authority as one window for all CPEC projects, charting the future direction.”
He said it would not have been possible without full confidence and support of the Prime Minister and his government.
He said the course is set for future progression of CPEC, this journey will go on. “My best wishes to Kahlid Mansoor, who is fully equipped to take it forward. CPEC is a lifeline for Pakistan, it will transform us into a progressive and fully developed country, Insha Allah (God willing),” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar in his tweet welcomed the newly appointed SAPM.
“I welcome Khalid Mansoor to the team as SAPM for CPEC affairs”, he said and added that his vast corporate experience, with extensive work with Chinese companies and his direct involvement in leading some of the biggest CPEC projects makes him an ideal person to lead the next phase of CPEC.
In another tweet, the minister eulogised the services of the outgoing Chairman CPEC. “I want to thank Asim Saleem Bajwa for his services in moving CPEC forward and playing a vital role in broadening of the CPEC scope with a transition to the second phase of CPEC”. His dedication and commitment was a source of great strength and support, he added.
