ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday chaired a briefing on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the PM Office.
Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan, Secretary Power Irfan Ali, NHA Chairman Jawad Rafique Malik and senior government officers were present during the meeting.
The premier was briefed in detail about various projects under the umbrella of the CPEC in various sectors including, energy, infrastructure development, road and rail network, the establishment of special economic zones and development of Gwadar.
‘GWADAR’S DEVELOPMENT A FOCAL POINT’:
Minister for Planning, Development & Reform (PD&R) Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar said that the growth projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and investment thus far is built upon the successful development of Gwadar as the port city is a focal point for the corridor to take off.
He expressed these views while presiding over a steering committee meeting on Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan here at the Ministry on Thursday.
Secretary Planning, Development & Reform Zafar Hasan, CPEC Project Director , Hassan Daud and officials from Government of Balochistan, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Gwadar Development Authority, Gwadar Port Authority, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of Climate Change, Board of Investment, and Chinese companies attended the meeting.
The minister was briefed on the progress of Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan. The Minister emphasised the need to determine the comparative incentives which can be given to Gwadar in order to give it a competitive edge in the region.
The minister underscored to ensure proper provision of water and energy needs for industrial and urban development to take off in Gwadar. “The government is focusing on the provision of electricity and water and it needs to be sequenced in with our projections of development in Gwadar,” he said.
The PD&R minister has also emphasized on the safety and security aspect of the Port City. “To harness the potential of Gwadar as a transhipment hub, this government will provide a secure and conducive environment here,” he said.
