Socioeconomic Development New Doors Of CPEC: Planning Minister

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtiar Tuesday said that promotion of trade and industrialization, cooperation in the field of agriculture, socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation were new vistas of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Nov, 2018 ) :Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtiar Tuesday said that promotion of trade and industrialization, cooperation in the field of agriculture, socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation were new vistas of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Chairing the 57th China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Progress Review meeting, he said that the governments of both sides are committed towards uplift of the less developed areas.

Secretary Planning, Zafar Hasan, Project Director CPEC, Hassan Daud and officials from Federal and provincial governments attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed preparation for CPEC 8th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), being planned in the coming weeks at Beijing, China besides reviewing progress of the ongoing projects.

Makhdum Khusro Bakhtiar highlighted that socio economic development areas were focused of the recent Prime Minister visit to China where not only enhancement of scope of CPEC was agreed but also opening of new avenues for bringing prosperity and a positive change in livelihoods of people of Pakistan.

This is reflected with the formation of new Joint Working Group on Socio-Economic Development Sector and Poverty alleviation, he added.

This will open new doors for education, health, vocational training and agriculture" he said. He further believed that the steps will contribute to reducing regional disparities and social inequality, and improve life expectancy and quality, he added. The minister also said that the economic attractiveness of CPEC serves as an irresistible magnet for us to utilize its potential in facilitating trade objectives and enhancing bilateral cooperation with China.

As it enters new phase we should endeavor to explore new vistas of mutual growth and development, he added.

While reviewing preparation for the upcoming 8th Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting of CPEC, the minister said we all would work together as one team towards success of 8th JCC.

He instructed to fast-track industrial cooperation by developing holistic framework with China besides initiating development work on ready special economic zones. He said that SEZs would help in boosting Pakistan's exports and achieving sustainable economic growth.

Minister emphasized on Gwadar projects and said that major breakthrough is expected in JCC with respect to Gwadar social sector development projects including new airport, hospital, and vocational institute.

He further instructed to ensure finalization of all processes of Gwadar 300 MW Power project before next JCC.

Makhdum Khusro Bakhtiar reiterated present government stance regarding energy sector development said that projects based on indigenous sources including Thar Coal, hydel and renewable would be promoted in future.

He also instructed to work out new transmission lines projects under CPEC energy cooperation.

The minister emphasized that CPEC will bring equal benefits in all aspects to both Pakistan and China. The government of Pakistan remains committed to realize the opportunities that CPEC and we all must work to achievethe targets set for the new phase, he stressed.