Parliamentary committee reviews progress on special economic zones

ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Committee on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) met (in-camera) on Thursday at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Sher Ali Arbab.

The Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms secretary briefed the committee about the overall progress of CPEC as well as on recommendations made by the committee in its last meeting.

Moreover, the respective provincial secretaries

also briefed the committee about the special economic zones that were included
in the early harvest programme of the CPEC.

The members and the chairman pointed out different ambiguities and shortcomings, particularly with regard to job opportunities for local people of the project areas.

Nevertheless, the committee appreciated the progress made so far on the Allama Iqbal Industrial City, Faisalabad. The members said that timely completion of the project would not only fulfil the expectations of all stakeholders but would also play a significant role in enhancing the country's exports.

Meanwhile, the chairman welcomed Senator Mir Kabir Ahmed Muhammad Shahi and Senator Dr Shehzad Waseem who were nominated recently to the committee by the Senate chairman.

“The committee will benefit greatly from the

experience and contribution of such senior parliamentarians,” he remarked.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Noor Alam

Khan, Umar Aslam Khan, Zille Huma, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mehnaz Akber Aziz, Zahid
Akram Durrani, Secretaries, Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms,
Board of Investment and senior officers of Provincial Governments.