ISLAMABAD, Oct 06 (Online): Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar: has said world is setting eyes on CPEC as it is desire of several world powers that CPEC should not succeed.
“anti Pakistan forces are persistently propagating against CPEC. Debt related to CPEC are not upto alarming level. Foundation stone of several projects under CPEC has been laid due to government efforts and work is underway. Maximum projects under CPEC have been started by PTI government.
Separate committees of both the houses of parliament and joint parliamentary committee have also been formed. Thousands of jobs opportunities will be created when new industrial projects will start”, he said this addressing a press conference along with SAPM on CPEC Khalid Mansoor here Wednesday.
“ several forces want that CPEC project should not succeed. Every tactics except war is used to foment despair so that impression could be given to the world there is despair only. Some of our own people are affected by propaganda. Report of US think tank is referred to that information are not provided with reference to CPEC. Information regarding CPEC projects were repeated umpteen times.
He pointed out there are separate committees of both the houses of parliament and a joint parliamentary committee
Wrong information was fomented with regard to CPEC in a US report saying that information with respect to CPEC were kept secret, he remarked. On the other hand information regarding CPEC have been given on parliamentary forum. All the information of power generation projects are available on NEPRA website.
He underlined sovereign guarantee is given by the government. This is not a secret debt.
Costly loans were talked of but interest rate on average loans is 4 percent. Average interest rate is quarter past four percent.
The Minister clarified that the Chinese debt is only twenty six percent of the total external liabilities of Pakistan. He said Pakistan has a debt servicing challenge which we are meeting but clarified that they do not have any problem with the Chinese debt.
To a question he said decision bas been taken to start IT Joint working group. Agriculture has assumed most important position in our economy. But future world is world of IT and technology.; China and US are competing each other in technology. Pakistan IT industry is progressing on fast track basis.
He indicated IT export has gone up by 47 percent, he held. We hope IT sector export will boost this year as well. Youths in large number are working in IT sector.
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