ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior and Planning Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said on Friday that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had played a transformational role in Pakistan by providing a strong economic platform, ensuring inclusive development and integration with regional economies. He expressed these views while chairing the CPEC 50th Progress Review Meeting at Ministry of Planning, Islamabad. Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, officials from Chinese companies, federal ministries and provincial governments attended the meeting. The minister said that CPEC had transformed Pakistan completely, making at an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. “The country known as terrorist hub, turned into a safe haven for billion dollar investment,” he said. He said that China’s FDI was 13 percent of the total foreign investment in 2013, far behind other countries. “But now after the CPEC, China has emerged as the top country in respect of FDI in Pakistan,” he said. “The size of a country’s economy now matters in world politics. Economic strength of a country defines security and future prospects. CPEC has created conducive environment in Pakistan, guarantying its security and bright future,” he said. The minister further instructed to fast-track projects approved in 6th Joint Cooperation Committee of CPEC held last year. “The 7th JCC meeting, expected at the end of this year, will take the journey of CPEC towards new heights. Development milestones will be achieved,” he said. The minister further said that support and unity from the provinces on CPEC had contributed to speedy implementation and completion of projects. “Provinces’ role is important to provide adequate security to workers engaged in construction of CPEC projects,” the minister said. Ahsan Iqbal instructed the provinces to complete feasibilities of special economic zones, being developed under CPEC in 60 days. He further stressed on restructuring of Board of Investment, asking for recommendations within a week. “Reforms and strengthening of this board will contribute in bringing more investment,” he said. The minister asked officials of Higher Education Commission to ensure that the CPEC Business Schools Consortium worked closely with Chinese officials to explore new investment avenues. The minister urged officials for speedy implementation and completion of Gwadar water supply and power plant projects, which were necessary for the social uplift of local population at this port city. The minister further directed to ensure ground breaking of Gwadar International Airport and Eastbay Expressway this year. Pakistan Railway officials briefed the participants about ML-1 up-gradation project. It is a CPEC initiative that will transform railway system in Pakistan. The minister said that financial matters of the project would be resolved soon. The initiative will be launched by the end of this year. The Ministry of Communication and National Highway Authority officials briefed the participants regarding transport infrastructure projects, informing that work on all the routes including KKH, Multan-Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan-Burhan motorway projects were going according to the schedule. Ahsan Iqbal instructed for speedy completion of eastern and western route besides the new provincial projects, identified in 6th JJC. Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2017.