ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid Thursday said the construction of an international-level airport as well as access roads in Gwadar will generate job opportunities to thousands of local people,besides offsetting the rising trend of extremism in the region.
Federal Minister while commenting on recent visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China said the port city has the potential to take the country's economy to great heights, and the Pakistan-China economic corridor could bring it in line with developed countries.
He said " Landmark visit of Pakistani premier was significant in more ways than one as the two countries signed eight Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and agreements following the meeting between Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Premier Li Keqiang including Pakistan-China Economic Corridor accord".
Zahid Hamid said traders and decision makers of both countries are optimistic that trade between the two countries will take it to USD 15 billion in next three years.
" Pakistan got a new lease of life as all weather friend China promised to pull Pakistan out of its economic woes and horrendous energy crisis that has slowed down economic growth to a mere 2.4 percent of GDP", he stated.
The Federal Minister was of the view that the MoU and agreements signed between the two countries are expected to start inflow of dollars in the country and boost economic prospects for the country.
Pakistan and China signed eight cooperation agreements as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif successfully concluded multi pronged wide ranging talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, paving the way for inflow of multi-billion dollar Chinese investment in Pakistan and further strengthening the mutually-cherished bilateral strategic relationship.
As a result of agreements, the net investment in Pakistan is expected to swell to a staggering USD 6 billion.
Zahid Hamid also hailed the prospect of cross-country motorway and said the feasibility of the project is expected to be completed in mere three months period followed by concrete steps to start the project.
He said the boom in the construction industry will help offset the rising unemployment especially in South Punjab and interior Sindh where educated youth does not find respectable jobs to make both ends meet.
"Once completed, the motorway would further generate additional employment facilities in terms of restaurants, hotels, CNG and petrol pumps and transportation", Minister concluded.
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