Imran Khan to resolve Chinese companies complaints on priority basis

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the concerned departments to resolve the complaints of the Chinese companies on priority basis to expedite the work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cabinet member said.

Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar mentioned that PM Khan was serious in resolving all the problems faced by the Chinese companies, investors and workers who were contributing towards Pakistan’s progress.

“We are in regular contact with the Chinese companies working in Pakistan and have been trying to resolve any complaints they have. There are no big issues now,” he contended.

Umar informed that PM Khan had ordered to resolve the issues of the Chinese companies and workers on a priority basis as the CPEC projects move on.

Recently, a Senate standing committee has asked the government to implement the CPEC projects on a fast-track basis, adding that Beijing was “not happy with the current progress.”

The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives held a meeting in which the committee’s chairman, Saleem Mandviwalla, maintained that the Chinese had approached him to get the project implemented quickly.

“According to my personal sources, the Chinese (concerned people) are not happy with the current progress of CPEC projects as they have approached me to help remove the bottlenecks,” he claimed.

Mandviwalla asked Special Assistant to Prime Minister on CPEC Affairs Khalid Mansoor to take responsibility for the timely completion of projects.

Mandviwalla urged the prime minister’s aide to also remove bottlenecks from various mega projects, such as the upgradation of the ML-1 project and completion of other hydropower projects, within a suitable time.

“My number one priority is to regain the Chinese confidence,” Khalid Mansoor responded, adding that he had personally met representatives of 40 out of 135 Chinese companies working in Pakistan.

He added: “I will take responsibility of the implementation of the projects and I will go personally to all the concerned ministries and divisions to implement the CPEC projects.”

According to overall CPEC progress so far, 21 projects worth US $15.2 billion have been completed, while 21 projects worth of US $9.3 billion are under implementation. Another 36 projects of US $28 billion are under consideration.