A high-level progress review meeting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was on Tuesday informed that a delegation comprising financial and technical experts will visit China this month to finalize terms on the implementation of the Karakoram Highway project.
Chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the meeting was told the delegation will be led by the National Highway Authority chairman. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-track the project, declaring it time-sensitive and strategic due to the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.
The forum was informed the fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation is scheduled for April 22, for which a delegation from Pakistan will travel to Beijing. To attend the session, a batch of 300 Pakistani agriculture experts will proceed to China on April 15 for training in modern agricultural techniques. The meeting’s participants raised concerns regarding a delay in the distribution of agricultural tools and equipment delivered under the CPEC socio-economic development grant. Iqbal issued strict directions to the Food Security Ministry to ensure immediate distribution of the agricultural equipment to process on a fast-track basis.
Iqbal also directed immediate steps for the operationalization of a desalination plant in Gwadar, stressing on the need to resolve the issue within the week and ensure that the plant becomes fully functional. Further, he directed the Power Ministry to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply during the summer season to Gwadar city.
Reviewing the development of CPEC Special Economic Zones managed by FIEDMC and SIEZMC, the minister underscored the importance of formulating a targeted marketing strategy aligned with current global trends. He emphasized the need to develop a competitive tariff regime, especially in light of recent tariff decisions of the United States, and urged relevant departments to enhance marketing efforts aimed at attracting reallocation of industries.
He stressed that the speed of development must be accelerated and efforts intensified to facilitate the relocation of foreign companies to Pakistan by offering world-class facilities.
The meeting was also informed that three key meetings of Joint Working Groups on Industrial Cooperation, Gwadar, and the Long-Term Plan will take this month as part of ongoing CPEC engagements. Iqbal reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China through effective and timely execution of CPEC projects, describing them as central to Pakistan’s economic transformation.