ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Monday directed setting up of industrial zones at sites that were economically feasible and viable for maximum economic returns and benefits both for China and Pakistan.
Chairing a meeting to review progress on different projects under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) here at the PM House, the prime minister directed the formation of a committee to suggest and advise the Chinese government on the economic practicability and benefits of these sites.
He said China helped Pakistan a great deal in the economic revival at a crucial juncture for which the government and people of Pakistan were grateful to the Chinese leadership and people. China and Pakistan have translated their long-term strategic ties into a strong and durable economic partnership that would greatly benefit both the countries, he added.
The meeting reviewed the benchmarks set for numerous energy, transport infrastructure and industrial projects with particular focus on development and socio-economic uplift projects in Gwadar. The prime minister was briefed on the tentative agenda items for the upcoming meeting of China and Pakistan’s Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC).
Explaining the procedures for inclusion of a project in CPEC, the meeting was informed that approval by the concerned working group, before it was finally approved by JCC.
The prime minister directed that Karachi Circular Railways and Keti Bunder Port project must be taken up in the next JCC for inclusion in CPEC, as conveyed by the Sindh government.
He said the Chinese government should be briefed on the immense economic viability of these projects so that they were included in CPEC. The prime minister directed Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Ahsan Iqbal to consult all the chief ministers for finalization of industrial zones’ locations in their respective provinces.
The meeting was also briefed on the energy projects under CPEC including coal, hydel, wind, solar, as well as transmission lines. It was informed that infrastructure projects including road, rail, aviation and data connectivity were being executed on fast track.
The meeting was attended by, Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Minister for Panning, Development & Reform Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials of the government.
