CPEC back on track? ML-I, SEZs put on fast track

Railways’ Main Line – I (ML-I) is being put on a fast track besides Special Economic Zones in Pakistan, reports pouring in from a moot held in China suggest.
This as reports suggest is one of the outputs of Ahsan Iqbal’s meeting with Zheng Shanjie, Chairman National Development and Reform Commission. Pakistan’s federal minister for Federal Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives was on a four-day official visit to China over the 10-year celebrations of CPEC.
Iqbal and Shanjie aided by their respective teams held the 12th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The official website of CPE says: The meeting of the 12th (Special) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was held in Beijing last Tuesday.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal & Vice Chairman, National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC), China Mr. Cong Liang co-chaired the meeting. Senior officials and representatives of various Ministries and departments dealing with CPEC matters from both sides were also present at the occasion.
In his remarks, the Minister noted that CPEC is a remarkable endeavor that symbolizes the deep-rooted ties between China and Pakistan. He recalled that this monumental project, initiated under the visionary leadership of President Xi and then Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Nawaz Sharif, had been instrumental in transforming the economic landscape of the region. It has fostered connectivity, enhanced trade, and opened up new avenues for shared prosperity.
It is noted that since the government came into power in April 2022 the CPEC projects have been revived which remained halted.
Out of the total of 12 JCC moots, Ahsan Iqbal has chaired 9 so far. The Chinese authorities have already declared the Minister of Planning as ‘Mr. CPEC’. The Minister emphasized that CPEC is the topmost national priority of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and these avenues provided an opportunity to consolidate successes and further enhance potential future cooperation.
He also noted that while numerous milestones had already been achieved, there was massive potential for expanding and developing in the agriculture, industry, technology, and mining sectors. He also conveyed the deep appreciation of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the hard work of the JCC and reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to providing consistent policies and a conducive environment for Chinese companies and citizens working in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the conveners of the Joint Working Groups (JWGs) on Energy, Transport Infrastructure, and Gwadar Port made presentations highlighting the progress in their specific areas and informed them about the future plans of action. The JCC also highlighted the significance of the key projects for energy and infrastructure development; which are now operational and providing a myriad of opportunities for socio-economic development in Pakistan.
On the proposal of the planning minister, Chairman Zheng offered to share Chinese expertise and knowledge to enhance Pakistan’s export earnings and accelerate Special Economic Zones (SEZs) development, says another report.
Both sides decided to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Groups (JWGs) to review ongoing cooperation under the CPEC framework and work closely for the next phase which is much wider in scope and focuses more on industrialization, agriculture, science and technology, and socio-economic development.
Ahsan Iqbal said since 2013, the relevant institutions from the two sides worked as one team and successfully implemented key energy and physical infrastructure projects, laying a strong foundation for the next phase of CPEC.
Chairman NDRC remarked that China and Pakistan are good friends and partners. Despite the vicissitudes of global politics, the two countries have always stood together and extended complete support to each other. He also appreciated the key role played by Ahsan Iqbal in the development of CPEC.