ISLAMABAD – Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtyar saysChina will provide one billion dollars grant for socio economic developmentin Pakistan.
Addressing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor forum in Islamabad on Friday,he said cooperation in education, health, water, poverty alleviation andother sectors has been included in socio-economic development.
The Minister said industrial and agricultural development will be focusedin the next phase of CPEC.
He urged the private sector to take lead in industrial development. He saidcooperation in industrial sector will further strengthen relationshipbetween Pakistan and China.
Khusro Bakhtyar said China has offered free access for export of 313Pakistani items.
He said the PTI government wants to increase business opportunities underCPEC; and for the purpose, Pakistan-China Business Forum is being set up.
He said memorandum of understanding has been signed with China forestablishing foot and mouth disease free zones.
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Khusro Bakhtyar said huge investment was made in energy sector under CPECin Pakistan during the last six years.
He said in infrastructure sector, railway network and development ofcoastal areas, including Gwadar Port, are being given special importance.He said Gwadar Master Plan will give impetus to economic activity in Gwadar.
He said Pakistan desires to benefit from Chinese experience in differentsectors, including livestock, fishing and research.
The Minister said structural reforms are being introduced in the country.The government is committed to strengthening of institutions. He said taxnet will have to be expanded to increase economic growth. He said measuresare being taken to enhance exports.
