ISLAMABAD – Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms and StatisticsDivision, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar has underlined the need for harnessingthe vast reservoirs of natural resources and minerals to spur economic andtrade activity.
Addressing a session on ‘Development Priorities for Pakistan’ organized byUNDP and Planning Commission in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the incumbentgovernment is giving priority to equal development of all areas of thecountry as part of national development strategy.
He said the Equal Regional Development Strategy is aimed at bringingunderdeveloped areas of the country at par with the developed ones.
The Minister said measures are afoot to revive national economy and thegovernment has taken a number of initiatives,announcing incentives topromote trade and industry with particular focus on SME sector.
He said agriculture sector maintains huge potential, which will be tappedoptimally to achieve higher economic growth.
Khusro Bakhtiar said that population planning, reaping potentialdemographic dividend, and ensuring equal gender participation willcontribute to sustained economic growth.
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He said the government is committed to extend the outreach of social safetynets to improve standard of living for marginalized segments of society.
He highlighted that the present Government is establishing PovertyAlleviation Coordination Council to have a robust framework and synergizethe efforts of various organizations for poverty alleviation.
The Minister also appreciated UNDP support for socio-economic developmentand in realization of global agenda of SDGs.
