Islamabad: The Cabinet Committee for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has decided to work on social and economic development of Gwadar, upgradation of Pakistan Railways Main Line-1 and construction of special economic zones on a priority basis, reported a news source. The committee held its first meeting with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Khusro Bakhtiar in the chair, while secretaries of the concerned ministers, senior official and members of the committee were also present.
During the session, Bakhtiar shared details on his talks held with National Development and Reforms Commission China chairman one week ago. Talking about various projects initiated under the CPEC, he said that pace of development work on these projects will be increased to ensure that they are delivered on time. During the same session, Secretary Planning Zafar Hassan briefed the members on preparations in place for the 8th Joint Cooperation Committee’s meeting.
The conveyers of Joint Working Groups were also instructed to share detailed agenda for the upcoming meetings by September 30. It’s because the CPEC Joint Working Groups’ meeting is to take place in October, while that for the 8th Joint Cooperation Committee is expected by the first week of December.
Talking to the state news channel, Bakhtiar said that to improve the condition of the common man in Gwadar, the government is looking to make the port city’s social and economic development part of CPEC. Adding to that, he said the country’s economic revival, creation of employment opportunities, and promotion and rise in number of locally manufactured goods are on government’s priority list. He also stressed that the cooperation between the two countries cannot be limited to setting up economic zones in the country.
