Islamabad:
Planning Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday was chairman of a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Chinese investment projects to review the progress of various projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The meeting attended by senior officers from relevant ministries focused on making decisions made at the previous meeting and tackling questions facing Chinese investors.
Iqbal said that solving problems facing Chinese investors was a highest priority for the government.
“The government is obliged to ensure a safe and conducive environment for Chinese investment, which is crucial for bilateral cooperation in new sectors during CPEC phase II,” he added.
The minister said CPEC has the potential to play a significant role in increasing regional cooperation, where the Gwadar port is ready to become a hub for regional trade.
He highlighted the importance of protecting the interests and employment of local fishermen in Gwadar, adding that the pace of water and power projects in the area is accelerated.
The meeting instructed that pending problems in projects built with Chinese investment will be resolved immediately.
Iqbal reiterated that increasing foreign investment opportunities and employment opportunities were an important part of the government’s manifesto.
“We work tirelessly to ensure that CPEC projects have been completed on time and that they benefit the local population,” he noted.
