The Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) has directed the ministries concerned to expedite work on finalising a road map for the relocation of Chinese industries to Gwadar along with other Chinese projects before the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing.
In a recent meeting, the cabinet committee reviewed the implementation status presented by the respective ministries and divisions and took several decisions. It underscored the need for swift implementation of previous decisions to ensure an environment conducive for Chinese investors.
The road map is being finalised, which will be tabled before the Chinese authorities during the upcoming visit of PM Sharif.
The Board of Investment (Bol) highlighted the progress made on preparing the road map, which was being developed in coordination with the Ministry of Industries and Production. The CCoCIP directed the Bol to finalise the road map at the earliest and present it to the committee for consideration and approval.
It noted with concern that the project linking the Gwadar desalination plant with the national grid through the extension of power distribution lines from Panjgur had not yet been completed. It directed the Power Division to submit recommendations within three days as to how a project of national strategic importance could be fast-tracked for early completion.
Additionally, the CCoCIP voiced concern that despite repeated efforts, the cabinet's decision on the revision of electricity supply mechanism for the Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) had not been implemented. It urged the BoI to prepare a detailed case study, with specific timelines, regarding the delay.
It also noted that the Power Division had submitted that the committee's decision to supply electricity to the Gwadar desalination plant from the national grid had been implemented.
The CCoCIP directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to conclude deliberations with local fishermen on starting the international transshipment of seafood from the Gwadar Port and submit a compliance report in that regard.
It instructed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to discuss and settle all the unresolved issues with the government of Sindh related to the proposed Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone and prepare a compliance report.
It also observed the position submitted by the Ministry of Commerce, stating that the Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) facilitating the export of potassium sulphate fertiliser from the Gwadar Port by relaxing the Export Policy Order had been issued.
The cabinet body directed the Ministry of Planning to conclude deliberations with the relevant ministries and divisions on the foreign currency facilitation pilot project in the Gwadar Free Zone and submit a report regarding the implementation status of the project.
It gave directives that the Power Division, in consultation with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), should fast-track the implementation of the cabinet's decision on the revision of electricity supply mechanism for the Rashakai SEZ and come up with an implementation report for review in the next CCoCIP meeting. In that regard, Nepra was asked to expedite the matter at its end.
The committee emphasised that the Bol should implement the pending decisions forthwith as well as prepare a relevant report.
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