JWG discusses science, IT-related CPEC projects

Planning Minister Asad Umar directs for finalising action plans for the projects

ISLAMABAD:

The newly-created joint working group (JWG) on science and information technology (IT) cooperation convened on Friday to review four projects, which were made part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the 10th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting last month.

Planning Minister Asad Umar presided over the review meetings, which were attended by Science & Technology Minister Shibli Faraz, IT Minister Aminul Haq, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Minister Atif Khan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on CPEC Khalid Mansoor and others.

The projects that came under discussion were the establishment of the China Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Science; acquisition of Oceanographic Research Vessel; establishment of the Institute of Smart Semiconductor and Establishment of Silicon Solar Cells and the PV Panel Fabrication Facility.

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Science and Technology Minister Shibli Faraz informed the meeting that a proper plan and strategy was needed so that Pakistan could benefit from the technology and expertise of the Chinese side. On the occasion, Umar directed for finalising the action plans for these projects within 30 days.

In another meeting, sectors related to the newly-formed JWGs, approved recently by the JCC, were discussed. The sectors, broadband connectivity, technology parks/IT parks, cyber security, software and hardware development were also discussed.

IT Minister Aminul Haq stressed the need for launching a new technical assistance programme for Pakistan to meet the requirements of the growing IT Industry. Umar directed the IT ministry to submit concept notes on these sectors so that the strategic initiatives could be discussed in the upcoming JWG.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)