Pak-China working group reviews progress

Agrees to monitor pace of project implementation to meet deadlines

ISLAMABAD:

The second meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Socio-economic Development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework discussed and reviewed progress on projects under the $1 billion Chinese grant.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over progress on the projects being undertaken under the JWG in the areas of agriculture, education, health, poverty alleviation and vocational training.

Pakistani officials appreciated China’s support for improving socio-economic conditions and acknowledged its assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was highlighted that socio-economic cooperation between the two countries was according to the vision of the two leaderships.

The meeting reviewed progress on fast-track and priority projects. The projects including agriculture technology laboratories, provision of equipment and tools and demonstration stations in the agriculture sector, smart classrooms and overseas student scholarships in the education sector, vocational schools’ equipment and solarisation in Balochistan in addition to drinking water supply for Azad Jammu and Kashmir and K-P were reviewed.

Moreover, discussions were also held on projects of Pak-China Friendship Hospital, Vocational Technical School and a desalination plant in Gwadar. It was reiterated that the ongoing projects should be implemented as per agreed timelines. Furthermore, the Pakistani side discussed a poverty alleviation research project with the Chinese side and desired to learn from the Chinese experience. Chinese officials appreciated the level of preparation and commitment of Pakistan for early implementation of the projects and acknowledged the level of coordination from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2020.

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