Planning & Development Department, Ministry of Planning, Development organises lecture on CPEC
The Punjab Planning & Development Department in collaboration with Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms Pakistan organized a lecture on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at P&D Complex, Lahore. The lecture session was chaired by Punjab Chairman Planning & Development Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan while Provincial Secretaries, Members P&D Board and other major Government officials attended the session.
The lecture titled “The Strategic Importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Its Role in Uplifting the Economy of Punjab” was delivered by Maj. Gen (Retd.) Dr. Zahir Shah, Projector Director/Coordinator CPEC at Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform, Islamabad. The objective of the lecture was to provide a platform to all provincial departments and stakeholders to learn about the significance and impact of this ‘Game Changer’ project and be aware of the core issues and various factors such as finance, economics, governance, management, etc. entailing this project.
Dr. Zahir deliberated on the importance of CPEC with respect to Punjab’s economy stating that Punjab was pivotal and the heart of Pakistan thus it was imperative to have a conducive business environment in the Province. He also said the potential sectors such as light industry, electronic, textile, chemicals industry, IT, Minerals, Automotive industry and infrastructure sector which could benefit from the CPEC. The lecture concluded with recommendations for project identification under CPEC, policy support and increased research and Development (R&D) in the context of the Economic Corridor. Dr. Zahir emphasized that focus must be placed on the underlying basis of partnership and business models and strategies must be evaluated to involve other sectors as well.
The lecture was followed by remarks by the Chairman, P&D Board Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan who commented on the objectives of both the Governments of China & Pakistan. The P&D Chairman highlighted that CPEC was a way of building ‘educational, fraternal and cultural bonds’ with China. The network was expected to bring opportunities for both sides and Pakistan needs to have a key understanding of their needs and demands. He commended the efforts of the Planning Commission and the Provincial Governments with regards to CPEC. Secretary P&D Iftikhar Ali Sahoo also speaking on the occasion said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was the network of logistic of all the potential centers. The seminar concluded with a Question & Answer session.