Minister directs speedy completion of CPEC projects

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday directed to expedite pace of work of the projects being completed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

Presiding over a review meeting of the CPEC projects, he said that CPEC is a flagship programme of mutual cooperation between Pakistan and China.

The pace of work should be increased to ensure timely completion of CPEC projects, he said.

According to official sources, the first phase of multibillion dollars CPEC framework will be completed by 2018.

The production of 10,000MW under this important initiative will also help overcome the energy crisis by 2018. Under the CPEC, the existing road network of the country would be upgraded.

The western route through construction of missing links on it would provide the safest and shortest passage of cargo from Gwadar seaport to upcountry for their onward movement to China's western provinces.

Pakistan and China are working closely and wholeheartedly to implement the CPEC projects in the speediest manner.

Both the sides are in constant touch through forums under the CPEC framework and are moving ahead smoothly and promptly to complete the projects.