Fair distribution of CPEC fruits urged

PM expresses satisfaction over progress made so far

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects but underscored the importance of ensuring equitable distribution of its benefits among all provinces.

“It is commendable that provinces are represented in the CPEC projects. It is, however, important that the benefits of these projects are equitably distributed among the federating units,” PM Nawaz said on Wednesday.



The prime minister’s remarks came at a high-level meeting in which he was briefed on the progress made in the 6th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on the CPEC held in Beijing on December 29.



According to a statement issued by the PM House, Nawaz was briefed that an agreement on a 300MW power project had been signed in the meeting and the project would be started soon.

The PM was told that China has agreed to consider and examine Indus Cascade projects in the CPEC. He was also informed that projects for construction of Gwadar water supply line and hospitals, technical institutes and mass transit railway projects in the provincial headquarters were also discussed in the JCC.

The premier congratulated the water and power ministry for securing the $1.5billion for Lahore-Matiari Transmission Line project agreement to be funded under the CPEC and directed to actively pursue its implementation.

He also felicitated the Pakistani team for inclusion of mass transit projects in the four provinces and directed Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique to facilitate the provinces by giving his ministry’s technical advice for the projects’ feasibilities.

“International investors are now showing keen interest in investing in Pakistan which is a manifestation of our successful economic policies and investor-friendly environment. Road connectivity projects will open up underdeveloped areas of Pakistan to investment,” Nawaz was quoted as saying.



The PM directed federal authorities to initiate the process of providing electricity, gas and telecommunication infrastructure for establishment of industrial parks.

The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, Secretary to PM Fawad Hassan Fawad and other senior officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2017.