Paving the Way for Efficient Progress in China Pakistan Economic Corridor Initiatives

Establishment of CPEC Authority on September 12 to Ensure On-Time and Targeted Project Execution


The Federal Cabinet was poised to endorse the creation of a CPEC Authority on September 12, 2019, following Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) approval of an Ordinance. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform underscored that CPEC was advancing into a new phase, encompassing trade and market access, industrial cooperation, socio-economic development, poverty reduction, agriculture, Gwadar development, the blue economy, regional connectivity, and third-country involvement. Consequently, a fresh management body was deemed essential.

In a May 20, 2019 meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, the decision to establish the CPEC Authority was reached. During an August 26, 2019 Cabinet Committee on CPEC (CCoCPEC) meeting, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity, endorsed the idea of an Authority while advocating for a more streamlined approach to enhance effectiveness and manageability. He stressed the importance of recruiting highly skilled professionals with extensive experience.

Abdul Razak Dawood, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, Industry, and Investment, also proposed a leaner structure for the Authority. The Authority would comprise a Chairman, two Executive Directors, and six members, all appointed by the Prime Minister for four-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment.

The Authority's powers and responsibilities include:

- Coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and ensuring the implementation of CPEC activities.
- Facilitating cooperation projects and meetings with China, Joint Cooperation Committee, and Joint Working Groups.
- Ensuring inter-provincial and inter-ministerial coordination for CPEC activities, along with communication and narrative development related to CPEC.
- Conducting sectoral research to inform decision-making and long-term planning.

Resignation from office by the Chairman, Executive Directors, or Members can be tendered in writing to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister retains the authority to remove any of these individuals from their posts if they are found to be inefficient, incapable due to mental or physical disability, or engaged in misconduct following an inquiry conducted under the Prime Minister's directive.