Framework of CPEC discussed

With the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Pakistan including Azad Jammu & Kashmir will witness an unprecedented era of progress which will make her the most important country in the region.
Speakers said this while addressing a seminar hosted by the Punjab Planning and Development Department on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) here on Monday.
The participants discussed the framework of CPEC regarding industrial co-operation and long-term plan 2030. They hoped that the whole country including AJ&K will get rid of the menace of load shedding after completion of the ongoing projects by 2018.
Punjab Minister for P&D Malik Nadeem Kamran, Minister for Industries Punjab Sheikh Allauddin, Minister for Irrigation Punjab Amanatullah Khan, Punjab Minister for Mines and Mineral Sher Ali Khan and Minister for Environment Punjab Begum Zakia Shah Nawaz attended the seminar.
The provincial secretaries of departments concerned, heads of government agencies and representatives from academia also participated in the seminar.
While addressing the seminar, Malik Nadeem Kamran said that all provincial departments must build their capacity to address all provincial and CPEC-related issues in a timely manner. He stressed the need of mutual co-ordination among the government departments to prepare a comprehensive and all-inclusive long-term plan by 15th March, 2017. He also apprised the stakeholders for showing key interest in the seminar and the debate on CPEC.
Chairman P&D Board Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan highlighted the working of Joint Co-operation Committee on CPEC. The first phase of the CPEC has been completed which will improve the overall connectivity. He also emphasised that the industrial zones are an important part of CPEC. He advised that all relevant sectors must prioritise projects for inclusion in the long-term plan by 31st March, 2017.
Minster Industries Sheikh Allauddin emphasised for focusing on the industry for relocation from China to Pakistan which may not hamper the local industry.
Minister for Irrigation Amanatullah Khan suggested to establish industrial parks and special economic zones on non-irrigated land to avoid wastage of agriculture land.
Punjab Secretary Industries gave a detailed presentation to the participants regarding progress achieved recently and mechanism approved for further approval/inclusion of new projects under the CPEC. He deliberated on the importance of CPEC and highlighted the provincial share of the energy and transport projects under the CPEC.
The seminar was followed by a discussion session. Comments and suggestions were taken from the participants on how to include the priority sectors within the long-term plan favouring the Pakistani side.