The CPEC project’s scope will be expanded by Pakistan and China from infrastructure development to the improvement of Pakistan’s industrial capability. The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad between Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong and Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal. During the meeting, topics pertaining to shared cooperation on energy and electrical projects were covered. Speaking at the event, the planning minister claimed that achieving energy independence will stabilise the nation’s economy. He praised China’s role in the success of the Special Economic Zones and asserted that the true goal of the CPEC is the development of Pakistani industries.
Pakistan and China have agreed to broaden the scope of China Pakistan Economic Corridor project from infrastructural development to enhancing industrial capacity of Pakistan.
The understanding was reached at a meeting between Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong in Islamabad on Monday.
The meeting discussed issues related to mutual cooperation on energy and electricity projects.
Speaking on the occasion, the Planning Minister said self-reliance in the energy sector will bring economic stability in the country.
Commending China’s contribution in making the Special Economic Zones a success, he said the real objective of CPEC is promotion of industries in Pakistan.
Emphasizing that prosperity of Balochistan is linked with development of Gwadar, Ahsan Iqbal said work on electricity transmission lines in Gwadar has been speeded up on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He said electricity supply to Gwadar from Iran will start by December 2022 and from national grid by March 2023.
Source: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor