In this regard, he highlighted the importance of the key economic sectors including an all-weather modern road network, macro and micro hydropower projects, promotion of tourism in all parts of Azad Kashmir, development of mines and minerals sectors, floriculture, horticulture and telecommunications.
The AJK President expressed these views while talking to the newly appointed Chief Secretary to Azad Kashmir, Mian Waheeduddudin, who called on him at the Jammu and Kashmir House on Friday.
The President congratulated the Chief Secretary on his appointment to this prestigious post.
“Azad Kashmir has pristine beauty, no doubt. But in promoting tourism, the focus would be on sound infrastructure as well as foolproof safety and security of tourists”, Pesident Masood said.
Sardar Masood Khan underlined the need for the investment in skill development and participation of the private sector in economic activities in Azad Kashmir to help enhance and expand job opportunities for youth and pave the way for growth of businesses.
“The private sector and skill development together will create an environment for assimilation of a new generation of workforce and professionals coming out of the educational system in Azad Kashmir”, he said.
The Chief Secretary said that during his tenure he has worked with the Azad Kashmir government to take it to a higher level of productivity in all fields.
President Masood Khan said that now that the development budget of Azad Kashmir had been increased substantially, the emphasis would be on streamlining the procedures for expedited implementation of various projects so that tangible results could be demonstrated within the yearly development budget cycle and lay the foundation for multi-year projects.
The President said that Azad Kashmir is moving to a higher platform of economic performance and it was the vision of the leadership to transform Azad Kashmir into a model state, in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan.
The pressing problems, he said, water scarcity, quality education and universal access to health to all segments of society, which need to be prioritized and resolved expeditiously.