ISLAMABAD:  Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Friday reaffirmed commitment to the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its successful implementation.

“We are taking all necessary steps to address pressing issues and enhance the country’s exports, and we are grateful to China for its continued support in this regard,” the minister said while chairing a meeting to review progress on CPEC-related projects.

The meeting, according to a press release, also discussed progress on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), ML-1, Karachi Circular Railway and various new development initiatives that would be taken up in upcoming sittings of Joint Working Groups.

Says all necessary steps being taken to address pressing issues, enhance exports

During the meeting, the planning minister emphasised on the importance of strengthening the country’s export sector, directing the quarters concerned to follow up on the PM’s proposal with regard to seeking Chinese professionals’ help in the development of Pakistan’s export sector.

Mr Iqbal said the top priority of the government’s 5Es agenda was to enhance exports, and Pakistan could benefit from China’s expertise in that regard.

He said special economic zones should be turned into a medium to enhance exports, adding that these zones could foster collaboration and innovation, which could lead to the development of new products and services that were better suited to the demands of international markets.

The meeting also discussed proposals for upcoming sittings of joint working groups including the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), solar projects and identification study of pumped storage hydropower projects.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for close collaboration between Pakistan and China to ensure the successful implementation of CPEC and to achieve the common goal of regional prosperity.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2023