Amid rising concerns over delays and operational hurdles faced by Chinese companies, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to swiftly resolving all pending issues related to Chinese investment projects in Pakistan.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects, the minister said that addressing investor grievances — particularly those involving security, regulatory bottlenecks, and utility provision — remains a top government priority. The meeting was attended by senior officials from key ministries and departments involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“The government is fully committed to providing a safe, secure, and investor-friendly environment for our Chinese partners,” Ahsan Iqbal said. “Resolving their challenges is essential for attracting further investment under CPEC Phase II, which aims to diversify cooperation into sectors like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.”
The minister acknowledged persistent issues faced by Chinese investors, including delays in project approvals, power and water shortages in industrial zones, and concerns about the safety of personnel — particularly in Gwadar and other high-risk regions. He instructed ministries to fast-track pending cases and ensure timely resolution of disputes and procedural delays.
Focus on Gwadar and Local Concerns .
Ahsan Iqbal also emphasized the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, calling it a potential “hub of regional trade and logistics.” However, he stressed that progress in water and power infrastructure must accelerate to meet the port’s operational needs and to address the livelihood concerns of local fishermen — a long-standing issue that has led to social tensions around CPEC projects.
The minister reminded participants that increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) and local employment is central to the government’s economic agenda. “We cannot afford delays that create frustration for our foreign partners or deny economic benefits to our local communities,” he added.
CPEC Phase II: A Turning Point
With CPEC entering its second phase, the focus is shifting from infrastructure to industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and special economic zones (SEZs). Officials said smooth coordination among ministries and provincial authorities is essential to maintain Chinese investor confidence and to ensure that Pakistan does not miss out on regional investment flows.
The meeting concluded with clear directives: pending issues in Chinese-led projects must be resolved without further delay, and ministries must coordinate closely to remove bureaucratic hurdles and provide real-time updates to the Planning Commission. – ERMD
