Scope of CPEC being extended: Pakistani Planning Minister

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Chairman National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Asad Umar has said that the scope of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was being extended.

Participating in a session at Wilson at Center Washington on the topic “What Next for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” Umar gave a detailed presentation on CPEC focusing on its current status, future plans and CPEC’s importance in the larger dynamics shaping the regional economic activity by promoting regional connectivity.

The event was moderated by Ambassador David Hale, Former US Ambassador to Pakistan and Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow at Atlantic Council, according to the official details released here.

Umar highlighted that the four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the Gwadar Free zone being established under CPEC were open for investment by investors from any country.

“The scope of the CPEC is being extended. Our government wants development. A (Pakistani) Rs 800 billion budget was presented last year. Rs 600 billion have been was allocated for development projects in it,” he added.

Umar underscored that the government was taking measures to expedite investment in Pakistan to generate employment and other benefits.

“Pakistan gives great importance to its trade relations with the Central Asian countries,” Umar said, adding that the route to these countries goes through Afghanistan.

Umer expressed his gratitude to the people on achieving the milestone of 100 million inoculations of Covid-19 vaccines to eligible population in the country.

He underlined that single dose or partial vaccination ensured limited immunity to the deadly contagious disease whereas complete vaccination was necessary to ensure complete protection from the disease.

Asad Umar urged the non-vaccinated individuals to get Coronavirus Vaccine for the safety of their family, society and themselves as soon as possible.