Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said the “National Economic Corridor” between Pakistan and China from Khunjerab to Gwadar will open new avenues in trade and economy between the two countries. Talking to PTV from Beijing, he said that the government will expand ties with China on economic grounds and trade corridor between two countries will open new vistas for development in the region. Federal Minister said China will assist Pakistan for converting oil based power plants to coal based plants.
He stated that Pakistan will complete feasibility reports of all developmental projects within one year’s time and these projects will start benefiting masses with in 1-2 years.
He said to boost the development projects his Chinese counterpart will soon visit Pakistan with his team to finalize the projects feasibility.
He said Chinese PM Li Keqiang, during composite dialogues between two leaders, has termed Nawaz Sharif as key leader for enhancing Pak-China ties.
He said that Chinese PM has also shown determination to complete this new initiative between two brother countries as soon as possible for economic development in the region.
To a question, he said that among the 8th Sino-Pak agreements, most important is the “National Economic Corridor” through which roads and trains track will be constructed between China Pakistan.
“Besides, on these corridors economic cities in Gwadar will be developed,” he claimed.
He said that Chinese PM has emphasized Pakistan should be given loan on soft conditions; in this way it will not only benefit Pakistan with billion of Dollars but also to those Chinese companies that are interested in investing in Pakistan.
He said that Chinese PM has assured that china will assist Pakistan with its expertise in Coal-Power generation and will cooperate in coal based Power plants adding he said that the oil and electricity factories into coal based power plants with the assistance of China.
He said that Chinese companies will provide their services in solar energy sector while projects like Neelum-Jehlum and Bhasha dam are also under consideration.
He hoped that different projects will be starting with in a year that will make the economic relations between the two countries stronger.