CPEC project to uplift socially backward areas of Pakistan: Ahsan Iqbal

PakistanCPEC project to uplift socially backward areas of Pakistan: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal Thursday said that scope of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been enlarged by including social sector development along with energy, infrastructure and transport.

It will help to uplift socially the backward areas of the country particularly Gwadar, the gateway of China.

In his opening remarks at 5th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of CPEC in Karachi, Ahsan Iqbal said that development of CPEC would not only help in achieving China’s growth momentum but will also translate accelerating growth rate resulting in peace, harmony and progress as a fruit of our generation long friendship.

The minister emphasized that long term plan for the corridor should be developed in a comprehensive manner including utilization of spatial planning, identifying the needs of improvement in various forms and means of communication, focusing on industrial and agricultural cooperation, which should be in the interest of both countries.

Further, the establishment of industrial parks and creating opportunities for improvement in employment and livelihood, identifying tourism prospects, efficient and effective utilization and conservation of resources including water, and identifying ways and means of financial cooperation to ensure the implementation of all these projects, he mentioned.

Minister Planning and Development stated, “Energy is a big constraint for Pakistan’s development objective and has multifaceted challenges.

“In the backdrop of our facilitation agreement, we had to jointly manage the completion of the project as per energy planning timelines”, he added.

Necessary implementation steps and technical formalities have almost been completed and for those prioritized, which have matured for completing financing arrangements. Minister hoped that financial close of these projects should be achieved soon.

“We also look forward to hear about the review process of energy projects and sign supplemental agreements to reflect the results including new projects agreed by the working group”, Ahsan Iqbal added.

About infrastructure projects, Minister noted that implementation of infrastructure projects is the backbone for the development of CPEC.

It is essential that commercial contracts for the two big transport infrastructure early harvest projects, KKH Phase-II Thakot-Havelian section and KLM Multan Sukhur section are concluded at the earliest so that projects are completed as per the agreed time lines.

On Gwadar, the minister said it is the gateway of CPEC and need to work together for implementation of identified key initiatives to make Gawadar one of the most strategic port cities of the world and thereby creating immense opportunities and value for both the countries.

He commended the cooperation of Chinese government for considering the grant funding for development of Gwadar Port City master plan.

“We would like that work on master plan should start as soon as possible”, Ahsan stated.

Minister said that handing over of land for development of free zone has taken place which is a milestone in CPEC.

He appreciated the support and cooperation of the Chinese government, investors and financial institutions for development of CPEC and stated that we look forward to further enhance this engagement through exchange programs of private sector.

Minister said that both Pakistan and China are committed to pursue their agreed economic agenda.

“We firmly believe that building this corridor would change dynamics the economic growth in the region and would bring prosperity and harmony in both countries as well as in the entire region.”

Source: APP

Mati
Mati
Mati-Ullah is the Online Editor For DND. He is the real man to handle the team around the Country and get news from them and provide to you instantly.

Must read

Recent News

Lt. Gen. S M Kamr-ul-Hassan of Bangladesh met COAS Gen Asim Munir and CJCSC...

0
Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Lieutenant General S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, is visiting Pakistan and met with...
Remembering Operation Zarb-e-Azb--- An action to clean terrorism from Pakistan

Pakistan’s Security Situation 2024: 444 terrorist attacks against security forces, resulting in 685 personnel...

0
Monitoring Desk: The year 2024 has proven to be the deadliest year in Pakistan in terms of security forces and civilian casualties in the...
Pakistani students participate in Harvard Model United Nations Dubai 2025

Pakistani students participate in Harvard Model United Nations Dubai 2025

0
Press ReleaseDubai, UAE: Harvard University’s International Relations Council (IRC), in collaboration with WorldView Education, organized the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) Dubai 2025 from...

Indian Visa Bumper Sale for Afghans

0
Monitoring Desk: After establishing a strategic partnership, India reopened the "e-Emergency X-Misc Visa" category for Afghans this week in Dubai so both countries can...
Hassan Niazi convicted for May 9 mutiny

Is there any legal justification to set up Judicial Commission on May 9 events...

0
Islamabad, Pakistan: There is a debate going on in journalistic circles about why the should government entertain the demand of PTI to set up...
Advertisement