ISLAMABAD, December 19: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said that China and Pakistan have translated its long-term strategic ties into a strong and durable economic partnership that would greatly benefit both the countries.
He expressed these views while chairing a meeting to review progress on different projects under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at PM House.
The meeting reviewed the benchmarks set for numerous energy, transport infrastructure and industrial projects with particular focus on development and socio-economic uplift projects in Gwadar, said a statement issued by the PM’s media office.
The Prime Minister further said that, “China helped us a great deal in the economic revival at a crucial juncture for which the government and people of Pakistan are grateful to the Chinese leadership and people.”
The prime Minister was briefed on the tentative plan for the upcoming meeting of China and Pakistan’s Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). Explaining the procedures for inclusion of a project in CPEC, the meeting was informed that an approval must be given by the concerned working group, before it is finally approved by JCC.
The Prime Minister directed that Karachi Circular Railways and Keti Bunder Port project must be taken up in the next JCC for inclusion in CPEC, as conveyed by the Sindh government. The Prime Minister said that the Chinese should be briefed on the immense economic viability of these projects so that they are included in CPEC.
The Prime Minister directed Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal to consult all the Chief Ministers for finalization of industrial zones’ locations in their respective provinces.
The Prime Minister further directed that industrial zones would be set up at places that have economic feasibility and viability for maximum economic returns and benefits for both China and Pakistan. In this regard, the Prime Minister directed the formation of a committee to suggest and advise the Chinese Government on the economic practicability and benefits of these sites.
The meeting was also briefed on the Energy projects under CPEC including Coal, Hydel, Wind, Solar, as well as transmission lines. It was briefed that infrastructure projects including Road, Rail, Aviation and Data Connectivity are being executed on fast track basis.
The meeting was attended by, Federal Minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Panning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Chief Minister Punjab hahbaz Sharif, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials of the government. -DNA
