ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China have decided to open New GwadarInternational Airport by the end of this year.

The both sides have reached an agreement to develop transportinfrastructure projects.

Realigning the goals of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistanhas introduced new targets of socio-economic and regional development underthis unprecedented mega project.

“This development initiative would prove as a bright future for Pakistan”,expressed Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (PD&R), MakhdumKhusro Bakhtyar in a meeting with his counterpart, the Vice ChairmenNational Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China Ning Jizhe hereon Sunday here.

Secretary Planning, Zafar Hassan, Project Director CPEC, Hassan Daud andofficials from NDRC as well Chinese Embassy also attended the meeting.

Reaffirming the present government’s commitment on CPEC, the ministercategorically said that all out efforts to be made for the success of thisproject of economic development and prosperity. “CPEC is a reality andbright future of Pakistan, aimed at initiating a modern era of trade andeconomic growth,” he added.

He said that new dimensions are being added to take CPEC to further height.”To achieve the new set targets, the government is dedicated to put allenergies together to make progress at the earliest,” Makhdum KhusroBakhtyar reiterated.

During the meeting, both the sides expressed their agreement that CPEC- anicon of Built and Road Initiative (BRI) is an engine of rapid growth inPakistan and manifestation of Pak-China relations that would furtherpromote inclusivity. Both the countries agreed on introducing a mechanismto ensure 3rd country participation in CPEC.

Bakhtyar said that the present government accords top priority to thedevelopment of Gwadar as a stand-alone project. The Port City is going tobe transformed as a transshipment hub and a centre for industrialisationwith a special focus on heavy industries with a kind of incentives thatproduce a high rate of return, he added.