Consensus developed on Gwadar City Master Plan: Khusro

Khusro Bakhtyar was talking to Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, who called on him on Wednesday.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar said consensus among stakeholders had been developed on the Gwadar City Master Plan, which would be finalized at the earliest.

The minister was talking to Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, who called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday. Matters of mutual interest, including progress on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, came under discussion during the meeting, a press statement issued by the ministry here said.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan and Project Director CPEC Hasaan Daud Butt.

Khusro Bakhtyar highlighted the need to expedite progress on Gwadar projects such as New International Airport, Hospital, Vocational Institutes and Power Plant.

“These projects would not only create conducive environment for future investment but would help to upgrade facilities for local population,” he added.

He said that ground is set to attract more trilateral investment here in future. He intimated that stakeholders’ consensus has been achieved on Gwadar City Master Plan and the document would be finalized at the earliest.

Minister appreciated that Chinese experts on Socio Economic Development are visiting Pakistan this month to discuss cooperation in agriculture, education, medical treatment, poverty alleviation, water supply and vocational training projects.

He hailed Chinese Government for financial support to initiate pilot projects for poverty alleviation and informed that Pakistan side will identify sites for workable as well as impact creating projects with the input of provincial governments in the same sector.

Bakhtyar reiterated that all measures would be taken to fast track the industrial cooperation by ensuring development of Special Economic Zones. Ground breaking of the Rashakai SEZ will be done soon, Minister informed.