ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China and Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms of Pakistan have agreed to expedite the pace of work on development projects in Gwadar under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
This agreement was reached in a meeting between Chairman NDRC Xu Shaoshi and Federal Minister Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal in Beijing.
They also discussed the holding of meetings of working groups of CPEC next month and construction of Gwadar-Nawabshah Gas Pipeline.
They underlined the importance of constitution of working group on industrial zones and said that it would accelerate the pace on industrial zones establishment in Pakistan.
They also reviewed the pace of work on CPEC projects. On this occasion, Chairman NDRC commended the role of Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms.
He said CPEC is a testimony of hard efforts put in by leadership and best teams in two countries. He noted that China is a true friend of Pakistan, but it couldn’t benefit from the industrial growth and development of China in the past.
Ahsan Iqbal said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted to turn the strong ties between China and Pakistan into sustainable economic partnership. He also extended invitation to Chairman NDRC to visit Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Iqbal addressing Chinese investors conference said “With 200 million population of which two third are youth and 80 million middle income group people and business friendly policies and improved security and economic situation, Pakistan offers excellent opportunities
to Chinese investors,” he said.
Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan aspires to increase productivity in agriculture and industrial sector though optimal use of technology. Minister for Planning and Development said that 10,000 MGW of power would be added in national grid by 2018 and modern communication infrastructure would be built under CPEC.
“The big target of CPEC is to turn Pakistan into modern industrial country, he added. Ahsan Iqbal said that Chinese investors in joint ventures with Pakistani entrepreneurs can create far-reaching positive impact in Pakistan’s business sector.
He also ruled out any threat to political stability in the country. The seminar was jointly organized by Pakistan Embassy in China and NDRC.