CPEC to ensure Pakistan’s self-reliance in energy, diverse fields: Sartaj

• CPEC to play pivotal role in transforming economy, says Ahsan Iqbal

Adviser to prime minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, on Tuesday, said that Pakistan would attain self-reliance in multiple fields, particularly energy under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Addressing a CPEC Conference organised by Pakistan Society of Development Economics, Sartaj Aziz said self-reliance in energy ensures the availability of electricity at cheaper rates.

He said that China would provide assistance to Pakistan in energy sector through different sources to produce 17,000 MW of electricity.

The adviser said completion of China’s agenda of ‘One Belt, One Road’ would encourage local and regional trade, adding that CPEC would also contribute to infrastructure development.

He said that Pakistan was interested in initiating multiple projects under the CPEC including cement, electricity products and heavy machinery.

Meanwhile, Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said at time when Pakistan’s economy was gearing up for rapid economic growth and broad based development, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the economy through better connectivity, improved energy supplies and industrial and agricultural development.

Our vision of development is based on inclusiveness and social justice,” he said in a message on the eve of 32nd Annual General Meeting and Conference on CPEC and Regional Integration organised by the Pakistan Society of Development Economics (PSDE).

Ahsan Iqbal said the task of providing the nation with a clear roadmap for economic development had been undertaken by the Vision 2025, a blue print of sustainable development agenda which aims at creating a balanced platform for development.