CPEC projects: two-month interim implementation plan formulated: Ahsan

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Ahsan Iqbal has said that two-month interim implementation plan for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects has been formulated. The minister expressed these views while talking to media on Monday after chairing the 54th CPEC progress review meeting. He said that the representatives of the provinces and federal government participated in the meeting.
He said, "A total of $30 billion out of $46 billion investment has been energized in the country under CPEC. All financial closing of $30 billion has been completed which is historic investment in the country during five years." The minister said that some projects including ML-I Railway under CPEC were delayed to due to converting a financial agency of China, China's Ministry of Commerce, into China Aid. However, he said that Chinese's ambassador told the review meting that the vice chairman has been appointed to China Aid of previous agency. He said that all financial concessional terms would be settled with a new agency of China Aid.
Ahsan said that the Planning Commission has directed the relevant ministries to prepare feasibility study of their projects till September. He said that it is also directed to National Highway (NHA) not to waste time during the next two months and continue work on the infrastructure projects. About Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the minister said that work on federal economic zone was delayed due to non-availability of land in Islamabad. He said, however, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been directed to find land for economic zone out of Islamabad near New Islamabad Airport. He said that the government has decided to give more incentives to the economic zones. "For this purpose, we asked the Board of Investment (BoI) to prepare comprehensive package," he added.
"We also directed Pakistan Railway and Sindh government to resolve the issues on Karachi Circular Railway project within four weeks to start work on it," he said. The minister said that it was also decided in the meeting to prepare a comprehensive master plan of Gwadar city within four month. "We want to make Gwadar as safe city from every aspect," he added. Answering a question, the minister said that there is need of stability in the country with continuity of policy and economic developments.
He said that international import expo is being held in China in November and Pakistan would participate in it. He said that a task force is being set up for preparation to show exports in the exhibition. "We also directed the agriculture ministry to resolve all issues and obstacles with China to export agriculture food items with it and prepare roadmap within 10 days," he said.
Answering a political question about announcement of 100 days agenda of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, the minister said that Imran could not fulfill his agenda of 90 days even in 1825 days which had been given in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said now Imran is giving lollypop to the nation in the name of 100-day agenda.