Workshop on CPEC concluded at NUST

ISLAMABAD, Apr 13 (APP):A 3-day workshop on Harnessing the Opportunities and Addressing the Challenges of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Friday concluded at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
The workshop was jointly organized by Chinese Study Centre and Professional Development Centre-NUST which was inaugurated by Chinese Charge D Affairs Mr Zhao Li Jianl, said a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Samaira Nazir Siddiqui, Secretary Board of Investment (BOI) highlighted the significance of CPEC for Pakistan as well as other countries of the region.
Being one of the most important components of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, it aims to connect over 68 countries of the world through roads, rails, seaports, airports and Telecommunication Networks, she added.
She appreciated the Chinese continued commitment towards CEPC projects as well as friendly policies of the government of Pakistan that made the country an investment-lucrative destination thus enabling FDI of over USD 50B by the Chinese companies.
Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan, Principal NUST School of Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted the workshop proceedings and outcomes.
He apprised the audience about the workshop participants representing various chambers, leading business houses from China and Pakistan, trade bodies, government representatives, academicians and researchers, for their candid deliberations to propose specific recommendations to the government in further optimizing the dividends of CPEC.
Significant topics covered during the workshop included taxation, ease of doing business, regulatory framework, special economic zones, infrastructure projects and learning from the Chinese experience with special reference to SEZs success.
Participants developed conceptual clarity on the salient features of various aspects of the CPEC, establishment of special economic zones in Pakistan under CPEC, progress achieved for the launching of nine special economic zones, lessons from China’s template of special economic zones, major hurdles in the way of launching of SEZs and corrective measures in order to fast-track them, issues responsible for the high cost of doing business, lengthy procedures and regulatory frameworks.