Work on CPEC projects to be accelerated

Planning minister says SEZs are govt's top priority

ISLAMABAD: The pace at which projects under the CPEC are being implemented would be accelerated in the coming weeks and months, said Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar.

Talking to Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on matters relating to CPEC and bilateral economic cooperation on Friday, the minister expressed his satisfaction at the progress on various projects under CPEC.

He emphasised that the establishment and operationalisation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Pakistan was currently the government's top priority as SEZs would lead to joint-venture agreements in manufacturing, which would integrate enterprises from both sides.

'CPEC projects completed or near completion'

The minister stressed the need for Pakistani manufacturing industries to be included in the global value chain by partnering with Chinese companies.

The ambassador assured the minister that the Chinese government was keen to promote such relationships between businesses and manufacturing industries of both the countries. The minister emphasised that the huge potential in the sector could be explored by modernising its various sub-sectors.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2020.

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