CPEC's Role in Advancing Pakistan's Prosperity: Insights from Khusro Bakhtyar
The 58th progress review session for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) unfolded on a recent Friday, presided over by Minister Mukhdum Khusro Bakhtyar, responsible for Planning, Development, and Reform.
In attendance were prominent figures, including Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, DCPC's Dr. Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, Secretary of Planning Zafar Hasan, as well as representatives from Chinese enterprises and high-ranking officials from relevant ministries.
This meeting of CPEC stakeholders tackled the challenges confronting various projects within the initiative, with a collective resolve to expedite their resolution, ensuring the timely accomplishment of all endeavors.
Minister Bakhtyar emphasized the importance of adhering to project timelines and urged an escalation in the momentum of CPEC projects. He reiterated the project's national significance, echoing Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of CPEC as a catalyst for Pakistan's development and regional prosperity.
Highlighting the government's collaboration with China, Bakhtyar noted that the CPEC framework has been broadened to encompass vital areas such as socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, and agricultural and industrial cooperation. He expressed gratitude for the expansion of the framework, which aligns with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision for the second phase, focusing on welfare projects for Pakistan's people.
The Minister reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to realizing CPEC's potential and opportunities.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing lauded CPEC's positive trajectory and underscored its unique character among Belt and Road initiatives. He emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations and the promise of prosperity and progress for Pakistan. CPEC, he noted, embodies a shared vision, transcending mere business transactions.
Yao Jing stressed that the project will continue at an accelerated pace, as reiterated by Prime Minister Imran Khan, for the timely completion of all ventures.
The meeting delved into various CPEC projects. The Secretary of Power assured that a synchronized demand-supply study for CPEC energy projects would be finalized by October 2019. NEPRA expressed its commitment to resolving pending tariff issues, including those concerning the Port Qasim and Gwadar 300 MW coal project.
The Kohala Hydro power project was deemed crucial, with gratitude extended to China and Three Gorges for their cooperation. The establishment of an appellate tribunal for addressing future tariff issues of energy projects was prioritized.
Updates included the Gwadar Development Authority's approval of the Gwadar city master plan, while the Multan-Sukkur motorway was nearing completion. The East Bay Expressway, Orange Line Train project, and Gwadar's ongoing initiatives were discussed in detail.
Minister Bakhtyar highlighted the potential of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to boost Pakistan's exports and foster sustainable economic growth.