Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would benefit all the regions of Pakistan.

“CPEC will set our country on the road to economic development and growth,” he affirmed while addressing the participants of CPEC Summit and Expo at Islamabad. The chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, along with the prime minister of AJK and the planning and development minister were also present on the occasion.

The finance minister said that the summit had provided an excellent opportunity for an exchange of ideas and enabled stakeholders to exchange information with foreign guests. “I am sure that this summit will contribute to a better understanding of CPEC besides improving coordination among various stakeholders for the effective implementation of various efforts,” he said.

He further said he was pleased to observe that there was a representation from all provinces in this event. Pakistan’s progress has been excellent during the last three years, he said. “We have the highest level of forex reserves and Pakistan is going to be the second-most attractive place for foreign direct investment soon,” he mentioned. “In 2016, Pakistan has changed, and the world is ready to do business with us. There is no doubt that CPEC is going to benefit all the regions of Pakistan. Today, we learnt from the leadership of all provinces and regions how they envision CPEC’s contribution to sub-regional socio-economic development.”

He stated, “I firmly believe that CPEC will set our country on the road to economic development and growth. The fruits of this development will be shared amongst all the regions of Pakistan.” Around $35 billion worth of energy projects are envisaged under CPEC. The electricity generated from these projects would be included in the national grid for the benefit of the people of the entire country. Likewise, the road infrastructure being set up will benefit all parts of Pakistan.

“We must all get together for a stronger and more stable Pakistan through inclusive growth and development,” he stressed.

Earlier, the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rahman, while addressing the participants, said that CPEC was a great gift by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the whole of Pakistan, including GB. The present government has kept more focus on Chitral and other areas.

He said that during the last one year, more than a million domestic and 25,000 foreign tourists visited GB and other areas. KP Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak said that the people of Pakistan shared a common destiny. KP has a huge potential for foreign investors in hydel and gas exploration projects, and we are providing security and one window operation to foreigner investors.