A video conference of Joint Working Group on Socio Economic Development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was held today. The meeting was chaired by Additional Secretary Implementation, Syed Waqar ul Hasan. Ministry of Planning Development and Reform and it was co-chaired by Deng Boqing, Vice Chairman CIDCA, China.
Project Director CPEC, Dr. Liaqat Ali Shah, along with the senior officials from line ministries were also present on the occasion.
Additional Secretary Syed Waqar ul Hasan said that with the emphasis on trade, socio-economic development, people to people contact and knowledge sharing, CPEC would be a real driver of change.
He said that the collaborative effort has forged and deepened the brotherly relations between Pakistan and China.
Mr. Waqar ul Hasan expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far and stated that Pakistan is well poised for the fruition of the second phase which is focused on socio-economic sectors, agriculture and industrial development.
The additional secretary noted that China has given grant of $1 Billion to carry out projects in six key sectors including; agriculture, health, education, drinking water supply, poverty alleviation, vocational and technical education and that both countries have agreed to cooperate for prioritized 27 projects in aforementioned six domains.
He noted that provision of affordable houses to the masses is among the top priorities of the incumbent government which is also an important part of the socio economic development. Mr. Hasan further mentioned that the visit of the experts on agriculture may also be expedited.
Chinese side assured that experts would be sent to Pakistan to conduct feasibility studies for the agricultural sector projects.
Both sides affirmed that implementation of 27 prioritized projects would be fast-tracked.
China also assured that it has accumulated abundant experience in building economically affordable housing and is therefore willing for technical cooperation with Pakistan on affordable housing and would also share the viable models in this relevance.
Both sides agreed to give priority to the projects related to social welfare to continue to have close communication, and strengthen internal coordination to expedite the implementation of prioritized projects which include agriculture equipment, medical equipment, solar powered lightening equipment for 10,000 household in Baluchistan, safe drinking water project and vocational schools.
Deng Boqing, Vice Chairman CIDCA, China hoped that the 9th Joint Coordination Committee would be a great success with better results.