CPEC to help increasing economic growth up to 7pc

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Sartaj Aziz Wednesday said that despite security issues, present government successfully increased the growth rate to 5 percent and it would further be increased by two to three percent after the completion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

International institutions showed positive indicator for Pakistan’s economic situation and government would leave no stone unturned to further increase the stable economic condition, he said while addressing the inaugural session of a 2nd national conference on “Emerging Macroeconomics Issues in Pakistan; Challenges and Future Perspectives” organized by the Department of Economics National University of Modern Languages (NUML) here at NUML auditorium. Prof. Dr. Naheed Zia Khan, Dr. Waqar Masood, deans, registrar, directors, faculty members and large number of students also attended the event.

Sartaj Aziz said that there were visible positive indicator of economic growth. He said that energy crisis and security issues destroyed the economic activities but now the situation was improved. "Load shedding will be eliminated by the mid of coming year." He confessed that exports reduced due to certain reasons and this issue would be resolved soon.

Earlier, Rector NUML Major General (r) Zia Uddin Najam welcomed all the distinguished guests and said that Pakistan had 60 percent youth of its population but this asset had become a liability due to the unavailability of resources.

He said Pakistan had highest population growth rate which was also affecting the growth rate.

Eight research papers were presented by the scholars from the various universities and in closing session Member National Assembly Asad Umar was the chief guest and Director General NUML Mohammad Ibrahim welcomed him.