Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan has achieved an economic growth rate of five percent. He told that the favourable socioeconomic system would enhance political stability in the country.
Minister Iqbal remarked that favourable conditions have attracted the interest of key global investors which are now eyeing Pakistan as a potential market for investments.
Minister Iqbal expressed these views during his address to youth on Thursday at Fast School Management in a seminar named “CPEC Myths And Realities.”
Ahsan Iqbal said that CPEC presents Pakistan with a historical opportunity to uplift the country’s status as the hub of economic activity in the region.
Minister Iqbal urged the youngsters to prepare themselves in order to benefit from the opportunities offered by CPEC and play a constructive role in modernizing the economy by adding value at different levels of economic activity.
Minister apprised the audience that China is promoting regional and global connectivity across the Asia Pacific region as a part of its One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. Similarly, Pakistan’s Vision 2025 aims at leveraging Pakistan’s geo-strategic location to explore more economic opportunities in the region.
Mr Iqbal noted that CPEC is the center piece of Pakistan’s vision 2025 and it is the first node of China’s Vision of One Built One Road initiative.
He said that CPEC has changed the global narrative about Pakistan.
“The country which was ranked as the most dangerous country of the world is now recognised as the next emerging economy,” Ahsan Iqbal said. He further pointed out that Government of Pakistan has persuaded the global media through hard governance efforts to recognise Pakistan as a safe haven for investments which once called Pakistan as safe haven for extremists.
Ahsan Iqbal further noted that CPEC energy projects will generate additional 10,000 MW which will be added into national grid by 2018.
He said that the increased energy production capacity will help in overcoming the prevailing energy crisis.
He said that energy projects adopted under CPEC includes coal and renewable energy projects. He further stated that the present government for the first time under CPEC is tapping the Thar Coal reserves which can be a source of continuous energy supply for many hundred years.
Mr Iqbal categorically rejected the claims that coal power plants would create environmental hazards. He explained that Pakistan is using super critical modern technology that reduces hazardous emissions.
He said that CPEC is the platform of inclusive growth, which will create eighty five thousand new jobs for the youngsters.
Economic growth is that which shows upward trajectory, and not some miniscule economy who needs a Chinese CPR every now and then
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