ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal Thursday said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a national mega project and it would further strengthen the national economy.
Talking to PTV, he said the national consensus was evolved
on the corridor and it would bring economic revolution and provide equal benefits to all the provinces.
The minister said the mutual understanding was developed
when the Chinese Prime Minister came to Pakistan to felicitate Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif after taking oath as a premier.
He said Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of CPEC was signed in 2013. It was properly launched in April 2015 and was delayed due to Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) sit in in the country.
Ahsan Iqbal said the paper work was converted into reality
as China is investing $ 46 billion through CPEC out of it $ 35
billion would be spent in energy sector through private investor and the Pakistan government would purchase low cost electricity from private investor to meet the growing demand.
He said that through the corridor, 10,000 MW electricity
would be added in national grid till 2018. Some 1,320 MW
electricity would be produce through Karachi port.
He said, “We are focusing to update Gawador, overcome energy crisis and building the infrastructure to improve connectivity between Pakistan and China.”
The minister said the roads from Gawador to Khazdar via
Ratodero would be constructed in accordance to National Highway Plan (NHP). One industrial zone would be established in each province to acquire equal benefits from the zones.
He said that free trade zones would be set up in Gawador on
2,000 acre and Gawador International Airport would be constructed in upcoming two years.
Multan Sukkur highway is also part of CPEC that would be
completed in 2018, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal said there was immense improvement in economy, law & order and energy issues. The country was moved in a right path of development.
He said there was massive investment in the country through CPEC. The world acknowledged that Pakistan is emerging economy country.
The security of CPEC was handed over to Pakistan army and
civil government was monitoring the corridor under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
Replying to a question, he said Pakistan is enjoying state
to state relations with China, who always played a pivotal role to strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
He said Pakistan wanted good cordial relations with all
countries.
