Following his official assumption of the portfolio of the Ministry of Planning and Development, Federal Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal addressed the media on March 12, 2024 shedding light on the government's priorities and laying out a comprehensive roadmap for the nation's economic future.
In his statement, Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the critical importance of political stability and policy continuity for the country's development.
Speaking about the upcoming priority action plan, Minister Ahsan Iqbal outlined a concrete strategy to generate employment opportunities through meticulous planning. He stressed the need for modern infrastructure development over the next decade to lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
Highlighting the urgency of integrating technology into various sectors, Minister Ahsan Iqbal underscored the government's commitment to bringing advancements in agriculture, industry, and production processes. This, he believes, is crucial for achieving national economic development and global competitiveness.
Commenting on the country's current challenge of inherited debt, Minister Ahsan Iqbal lamented the burden placed on Pakistan by the previous governments. Despite this challenge, he expressed confidence in the government's ability to overcome obstacles and lead the nation towards economic stability.
Addressing the future of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the implementation of five new corridors in the second phase. These corridors include;
Corridore of Growth,
Corridore of Job Creation,
Corridore of Innovation,
Corridore of Green Energy, and
Corridore of Inclusive Regional Development, are set to usher in a new era of economic prosperity and cooperation.
In closing, Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the future of Pakistan hinges on the growth of key sectors such as agriculture, industry, services, and the adoption of technological advancements. The ambitious goal is to transform Pakistan into a $100 billion export-oriented economy within the next seven to eight years, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
