CPEC: PM Imran Khan orders to complete SEZs at the earliest, clear hurdles

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered to complete the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the earliest and resolve any issues or hurdles.

Prime Minister Imran Khan issued these directions while chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on under construction CPEC SEZs.

The PM directed the concerned authorities to resolve issues of the SEZs on a priority basis and measures for facilitating the investors should be implemented in the given timeframe, said an official statement issued by the PM’s Office.

The meeting briefed PM Khan in detail about the steps taken by the government to facilitate investors in the SEZs across the country.

It was informed that Rashkai, Bolan and Allama Iqbal Industrial City have become fully functional and work on Dhabeji Special Economic Zones was ongoing with full swing and it will be made operational soon.

The participants were told about the land available for industries in special economic zones and approval and allotment of 1500 acres of land in 2021 to 130 companies for the construction of industries.

It was informed that the supply of electricity and gas was ensured in the functional Special Economic Zones.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Asad Umar, Hammad Azhar, Fawad Chaudhry, National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf, Chairman CPEC Authority Khalid Mansoor, Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) Azfar Ahsan and high level officials.

PM Imran Khan is set to visit China early next month to attend the inauguration of the Winter Olympics. He will also hold meetings with the Chinese leadership during his stay in China.