Daily Times

Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar on Thursday said that peace in Afghanistan is vital for regional prosperity, and many development opportunities have been missed due to ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.

He stated that political solution to Afghanistan issue will bring about regional progress and development. The Minister was addressing a Seminar on Peace and Development organized by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) in Islamabad. Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, President IPRI and foreign delegates were also present. Minister said that Pakistan is focusing on promoting cooperation in energy sector at regional level. He stated that Pakistan is heading towards industrial development noting that other countries are heavily investing in e-commerce and digital economy therefore Pakistan should also pay attention towards this end. He underscored that Pakistan should also invest in research and development and promote other modern sectors on the pattern of China.

Talking about China-Pakistan Economic Corridors, the Minister said that under CPEC framework other countries can become partners and make investments to the mutual benefit of all. He stated that the present government has quickened the pace and implementation of CPEC projects, while hurdles in the way of CPEC projects have been largely removed. Khusro Bakhtyar noted that the region’s trade potential is vast and Pakistan can play an important role for promotion of trade linkages between Central Asia and South Asia.

The Minister called for initiating joint ventures with private sector for sustained economic growth. He highlighted that a B2B forum has been formulated between the investors of Pakistan and China for the mutual benefit of both countries.