ISLAMABAD: The caretaker Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed on Friday asked all the ministries and divisions to expedite the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
The minister said this while chairing a meeting to review the progress of CPEC projects. The meeting was attended by the chief economist of Pakistan and representatives of the various ministries and divisions.
During the meeting, the minister was apprised about the progress of the CPEC projects particularly after the 12th JCC meeting held in July 2023. The CPEC agreement was signed between Pakistan and China on July 5, 2013.
Minister underscores need for expediting work on SEZs under CPEC projects
The representatives of various ministries and divisions gave a detailed briefing on the implementation status of their respective projects in different sectors such as energy, infrastructure, information technology, Gwadar International Airport, special economic zones (SEZs), and other key areas.
The official told the meeting during the briefing that in the early harvest projects of the CPEC, six mega infrastructure projects were completed including, Havelian-Thakot section of KKH, Multan-Sukkur (M-5) Motorway, Hakla-DIKhan Motorway, Optical Fiber Cable, Eastbay Expressway and Orange Line Metro Train.
Furthermore, on the western alignment of the CPEC, work on different sections is under implementation which will be completed by 2024. Since most of these highways pass through the far-flung areas of Pakistan, it has opened those areas for business which will bring prosperity. During the meeting, it was further informed that the meeting of Joint Working Groups (JWG) on (infrastructure) will be held next week to review the projects.
The minister also asked the relevant ministry to expedite the work on SEZs which include Rashakai Special Economic Zone, Dhabeji Special Economic Zone; Allama Iqbal Industrial City; Bostan Special Economic Zone; ICT Model Industrial Zone; Industrial Park on Pakistan Steel Mill Land; Mirpur Industrial Zone; Mohmand Marble City and Moqpondass Special Economic Zone.
Similarly, during the meeting, a briefing was also given on the upcoming Belt and Road Forum to be held in China.
The CPEC enters a significant milestone as it celebrates a decade of remarkable achievements in fostering economic growth, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity.
The year 2023 marks the Decade of CPEC and the strong partnership between Pakistan and China.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023