Beijing, July 11 (Online): Pakistan and China agreed to fast-track the implementation of ML-1and Special Economic Zones SEZs so that projects can be executed timely.
The agreement was reached between Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Mr Zheng Shanjie during a meeting held in Beijing on Tuesday.
The Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal is on a four-day official visit to China over the 10 -year celebrations of CPEC. During his visit, he co-chaired a special Joint Cooperation Committee meetings (JCC) meeting with the Vice Chairman, National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC). Besides, several meetings were held with key Chinese officials which included Chairman NDRC and other key officials.
During one to one meeting with Chairman NDRC, Mr Zheng Shanjie, the Planning Minister conveyed felicitations of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Chairman Zheng on assuming his new role and assured him of full support in smooth implementation of CPEC projects.
On the proposal of the Planning Minister, Chairmen Zheng offered to share Chinese expertise and knowledge to enhance Pakistan’s export earnings and accelerate Special Economic Zones SEZs development.
Both sides decided to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Groups (JWGs) to review ongoing cooperation under the CPEC framework and work closely for the next phase which is much wider in scope and focuses more on industrialization, agriculture, Science & Technology and Socio-economic development.
Since the government came into power in April 2022, the CPEC projects have been revived which remained halted by the previous government. Prime Minister Shahbaz already reiterated his full commitment to complete the CPEC projects and in this regard the premier visited China when he took charge as a PM.
Similarly, both sides have decided to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Groups to review ongoing cooperation under the CPEC framework and work closely for the next phase which is much wider in scope and focuses more on industrialization, agriculture, science & technology and socio-economic development.
Recalling the launch of CPEC a decade ago, the Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal noted that the development of CPEC has been a remarkable journey.
He remarked that since 2013, the relevant institutions from the two sides worked as one team and successfully implemented key energy and physical infrastructure projects, laying a strong foundation for the next phase of CPEC.
Chairman NDRC remarked that China and Pakistan are good friends and partners. Despite the vicissitudes of global politics, the two countries have always stood together and extended complete support to each other. He also appreciated the key role played by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal in the development of CPEC.
It is noted that Chinese authorities have already declared Ahsan Iqbal as Mr CPEC. Out of 12 Joint Cooperation Committee meetings (JCC), the nine meetings of the JCC have co-chaired by Ahsan Iqbal.
Follow the PNI Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
