CPEC: PM Imran Khan orders to immediately remove barriers in issuing long-term visas to Chinese investors
China Economic Net
Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to remove barriers in issuing long-term visas to the Chinese investors.
Chairing a review meeting on the progress of the CPEC projects and promotion of investment here, he also directed ease long-term visas for other foreign investors also, said an official statement released by the PM’s office here.
“The meeting also considered introduction of separate category for the people associated with the CPEC and the prime minister directed the ministry of interior to submit a summary before the cabinet in this regard. The PM directed for immediate removal of issues being faced by the Chinese investors regarding issuance of long-term visas,” the statement said.
The PM approved establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Karachi under the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said that the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China was exemplary in the world.
The premier said that CPEC was not only a harbinger of economic growth for Pakistan but also a path to development for the entire region, read an official statement.
PM Khan said that all possible incentives should be provided to investors. He directed the Board of Investment (BoI) to formulate and present a detailed plan, with consultation of the business community, for the promotion of foreign investment in specific sectors.
He expressed satisfaction over the progress of SEZs. The PM said that it was necessary to promote investment in areas of mutual interest in order to transform these relations into strong economic ties.
The meeting was attended by interior minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmed and federal ministers including Hammad Azhar and Khusru Bakhtiar.
The meeting discussed in detail, the investments under CPEC, facilities extended to the Chinese investors, related issues and the steps for their resolution.
The establishment of green channel to facilitate investors also came under discussion, added the statement.
“The Board of Investment authorities apprised the Prime Minister of the facilities being provided to the Chinese investors. The Prime Minister stressed upon removal of hurdles on priority basis in way of investment and provision of all possible incentives to the investors,” the statement said.
