Make KCR, Keti Bandar part of CPEC: Nawaz

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday directed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms that Karachi Circular Railways and Keti Bandar Port projects must be taken up in the next Joint Co-operation Committee (JCC) with the Chinese for their inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While chairing a meeting to review progress on different projects of the CPEC, the Prime Minister further directed that Chinese should be briefed on the immense economic viability of these projects so that these are included in the CPEC.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the tentative agenda items for the upcoming meeting of China''s and Pakistan''s Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). He said the Sindh government has requested for inclusion of these projects in the CPEC. Explaining the procedures for inclusion of a project in CPEC, the meeting was informed that as per procedure, the project is required to be approved by the concerned working group before the final approval from the JCC. The Prime Minister was informed that Chinese automobiles, ie, Foton has expressed its interest in establishing its manufacturing plant in Pakistan.
The meeting reviewed the benchmarks set for numerous energy, transport infrastructure and industrial projects with a particular focus on development and socio-economic uplift projects in Gwadar.
Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal was also directed to consult all the chief ministers for finalisation of industrial zones'' locations in their respective provinces. An official said that around 27 to 29 sites are said to be identified for industrial zones. He added that around seven to eight sites have been identified in each province for these sites.
The Prime Minister further directed that industrial zones would be set up at places that have economic feasibility and viability for maximum economic returns and benefits for both China and Pakistan. In this regard, he directed the formation of a committee to suggest and advise the Chinese government on the economic practicability and benefits of these sites.
The Prime Minister said that China immensely helped Pakistan revive economy at a crucial juncture for which the government and people of Pakistan are grateful to the Chinese leadership and people. China and Pakistan have translated their long-term strategic ties into a strong and durable economic partnership that would greatly benefit both countries, he said. The meeting was also briefed on the energy projects under CPEC including coal, hydel, wind, solar, LNG as well as transmission lines. It was briefed that infrastructure projects including roads, rails, aviation and data connectivity are being executed on fast track basis.