ISLAMABAD – Planning Minister Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar says scope of CPEChas been expanded with focus on industrial and agriculture cooperation,socio-economic development, trade and market access.

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Friday, he said creation of CPECBusiness Council, with representation from private sector leadingassociations and companies in various areas, will accelerate the pace ofindustrialization under the umbrella of mega project.

The Minister said focus is to boost Pakistan’s industrial capacity throughjoint ventures in priority areas, relocation of labor-intensive export ledindustry, SME’s collaboration and enhance vocational training capacity.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister’s Advisor Abdul Razak Dawood saidthe stage is now set to expedite industrial collaboration to attractprivate investments and diversify country’s exports.

He said production of finished goods is the topmost priority, which willhelp Pakistan in reducing trade deficit.