Minister for Planning, Development & Reform
Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistani and Chinese entrepreneurs
should enter into joint ventures and take advantage of the opportunity
created by China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to ensure sustainable
development and eradication of poverty.
He expressed these views while speaking to a Pakistani delegation that
is going to participate in a three day “One Belt One Road Entrepreneurs
Summit” scheduled to be held in Beijing, China. Headed by Project
Director CPEC Major General ® Dr. Zahir Shah, the delegation is
constituted by 20 business community representatives from four
provinces, FATA, Kashmir and Gilgit Balitistan.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that government is
ensuring connectivity in the form of road and rail infrastructure,
building airports and sea port, so the entrepreneurs can take advantage
of these developments and initiate joint ventures with the Chinese.
He further said that labor cost in China is rising while in Pakistan it
is still low so the Pakistani companies can offer Chinese counterparts a
platform for manufacturing. “This opportunity will not only create jobs
but will pave new ways for development” he added.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that despite huge investment in the country
and improvement in global ranking, some elements are defaming the
country by leveling baseless allegations against government and the
investors. He added that selection of construction companies for CPEC
project is fully transparent as the responsibility rests with China to
give three names for any project where Pakistan can select the lowest
bidders. “Leveling allegations despite transparency is tantamount to
corruption charges against China” said Ahsan Iqbal.
