Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtyar Wednesday said the CPEC has now entered into its second phase with focus on poverty alleviation, agriculture and B2B industrial cooperation.

"The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's economic reform measures will strengthen the country's economy as the investors' confidence is rebounding due to corrective measures," the minister expressed these views while talking to Australian High Commissioner Dr Geoffrey Shaw who called on him on Wednesday. Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan was also present in the meeting.

While discussing bilateral relations and foreign investment in various sectors in Pakistan especially in Gwadar, the minister said that ongoing phase of CPEC will bring about socioeconomic benefits for the welfare of the people. He said that CPEC offers enormous potential to boost national economy and reduce poverty.

The minister informed the Australian high commissioner about the steps taken by the federal government for welfare of the people. He said that the government is focusing on promotion of ICT, artificial intelligence, tourism and agriculture. He also said, "Less-developed areas are top priority of the government and, therefore, it has put in more resources for the marginalized areas of Balochistan, KPK, southern Punjab and interior Sindh."

Dr Geoffrey Shaw expressed pleasure at the government's emphasis on socioeconomic welfare of the people and making interventions for achieving sustained economic growth and development. He said that Pakistan and Australia can expand the scope of bilateral relations by cooperating in various sectors.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019