Islamabad: Pakistan and China are set to sign multiple agreements on special economic zones, including a concession agreement for Rashakai Economic Zone, a news source reported. The agreements, pertaining to the development of industrial sector under the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, will be signed at the 8th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting in Beijing.
Sources close to the development said the two sides are nearing completion of the agenda relating to the agreements that would be presented before the cabinet for approval. Several new projects, including Gwadar Port, fishing, boat-making industry and Gwadar City, have been made part of the agenda.
Separately, Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar has directed officials concerned to expedite industrial cooperation by developing a holistic framework with China, besides initiating development work on ready SEZs.
He was chairing the 57th China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Progress Review meeting, which discussed preparations for the 8th JCC meeting and reviewed progress on CPEC projects. Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan, Project Director CPEC Hassan Daud and officials concerned attended the meeting.
The minister said he expects major breakthrough at the JCC meeting with respect to the Gwadar social sector development projects, including new airport, hospital, and vocational institute. He ordered finalisation of all processes for 300MW power project in Gwadar.
The Joint Working Group has already formed a committee to expedite related developments on various projects including the Gwadar International Airport. Other projects that require immediate implementation include the construction of China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital, development of vocational and technical institute, and setting up projects regarding Gwadar’s social sector. These will be the main deliverables at the 8th JCC meeting, which is to be held next month.
