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Saturday, June 22, 2013
‘Sino-Pak road, rail projects to bring economic prosperity’ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday stressed the need for establishing state-of-the-art fast-moving railway tracks and expressway to connect China with Pakistan through Khunjrab, Gwadar and Karachi, which he said, would usher in a new era of economic prosperity for both countries and the entire region.
“Projects benefiting maximum number of population of the region will be pursued, which will enhance economic activities, provide jobs and change the destiny of millions,” he observed in a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefed the meeting on the ongoing projects and areas for future projects with the Chinese government, including the railway network, energy sector and road network.
The prime minister said that he had held in-depth discussions on the proposed projects with the Chinese premier during his recent visit to Pakistan, and was happy to note that the Chinese government was equally interested in the projects.
“We want concrete projects and tangible results to benefit the people of Pakistan and China,” Nawaz said.
He further said that the projects were in the greater interest of China, as they would reduce distance inside the Chinese territory; thus resulting in reduction of cost of transportation and giving access to Chinese trade with India, Central Asia and the whole region.
Nawaz highlighted that the future belonged to this region due to its huge potential, thick population and massive business opportunities.
He directed the Ministry of Railways to submit solid proposals for building new railway tracks to facilitate fast-moving trains for passenger and cargo services, before a delegation leaves for China in a couple of days.
He, however, asked for out-of-the-box thinking and identifying doable projects that could benefit maximum population.
The prime minister proposed to work on an alignment i.e. Havelian-Ratodero-Gwadar-Karachi-Quetta and Havelian-Islamabad-Lahore Railway track and expressways that would substantially enhance trade activities and open up this region to China and the world. He also directed the Planning and Development Division for identification of economic zones alongside the proposed railway and expressway. The prime minister underlined the importance of special economic zones and converting Gwadar into an international city and economic hub to bring about prosperity for the people of Balochistan and the country.
He said that the missing links in the existing roads and railway tracks must be built “but the need of the day is to establish new linkages to connect China with Pakistan and give Chinese access of trade to India and Central Asia”. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk