China's help sought to set up industrial zones

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said China has been requested to develop two model industrial zones in Pakistan on a turnkey basis for their replication in other areas of the country.

"These model zones will serve as benchmarks for other industrial zones across the country," he said while chairing a progress-review meeting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a news release said.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, additional secretary of the Ministry of Planning, members of the Planning Commission, secretaries of various ministries and divisions, besides senior officials from relevant departments.

The minister also directed the Board of Investment (BOI) to finalise the availability of land for the SEZ development in Islamabad.

The meeting reviewed progress in key sectors, including Energy, Infrastructure, Food & Agriculture, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The Ministry of Railways and Communications updated the participants on the recent progress of the ML-1 and Karakoram Highway (KKH) projects and outlined their future course of action.

Discussing the ML-1 project, Iqbal noted the commitment made by the Chinese premier for the visit of a team of Chinese technical experts to Pakistan. During a recent meeting with the Chinese ambassador, it was also agreed that a team of financial experts would accompany them to ensure the simultaneous and efficient resolution of all matters related to the project.

Regarding KKH, the minister directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite progress in coordination with the Chinese side to ensure its timely completion, as it was a strategic project under CPEC Phase II.

The minister directed the Power Division and PESCO to immediately energise the internal network of Rashakai SEZ and provide electricity to meet its current requirements.