Mr. Owen
Jenkins, British Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and
Pakistan called on the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mr. Sartaj Aziz at
his office today, October 16, 2017.
British High
Commissioner Mr. Thomas Drew and other senior officials of the High Commission
also accompanied Mr. Jenkins. Secretary for Planning, Development & Reforms
Mr. Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Chief Economist Dr. Nadeem Javaid and Spokesman of
the Ministry Mr. Asim Khan also attended the meeting.
Both sides
discussed issues of the bilateral interest, mutual cooperation and situation of
peace, security and economic condition in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Deputy
Chairman Planning Commission informed the delegation about government’s
concerted efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. He maintained
that the government of Pakistan has always attached great importance to its
relations with Afghanistan since peace and stability in Afghanistan is not only
in the best interest of Afghanistan but it directly affects the domestic
security in Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan has always endeavored to remain
engaged and constructively participated in all initiatives and forums for
promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, said Sartaj Aziz.
The two sides
discussed bilateral relations, trade and transit, which is very significant for
both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mr. Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan had recently
improved its infrastructure in Chaman and Balochistan, which would further ease
the trading opportunities between the two countries. Afghanistan is an
important importer of medicine, food construction material and manufacturing
equipment from Pakistan via transit trade facility. People to people contact
strengthen economic relations.
Mr. Sartaj Aziz also said that improved security and peace conditions, significant economic progress and stability in Pakistan had paved the way for local and foreign investors which was a welcome sign to help government pay more focus on human development, fight poverty and work for the well being of the common man. Referring to the year 2013, when the incumbent government had taken the charge, He said, “We were facing serious security challenges and GDP growth rate was at 3% at that time. The government during the last four years, focused on financial discipline and improvement of economy through improved security situation, as a result, Pakistan was able to achieve the growth rate at 5.3, which is the highest one during the last 10 years”.
Sartaj Aziz
further said that investment of 46 billion USD under the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework in energy and infrastructure sectors was
another milestone which had changed country’s perception from security state to
the investment destination. CPEC would enable Pakistan overcome energy crisis.
Construction of the new roads and new rail links will improve communication not
only within Pakistan but for the whole region paving way for inter and
intra-regional trade. Pakistan, which was facing acute energy shortage, is now
coming out of the energy crisis and thereby inviting international community to
bring more investment in different sectors. In the next phase of CPEC, Pakistan
will establish industrial and trade zones that would further revive industry
and help the country to cope with the challenge of unemployment and turn
Pakistan into manufacturing hub. Furthermore, boost up in the industrial sector
would result into significant increase in export and ultimately overcome the
trade deficit.
Mr. Aziz
stressed that political stability and continuity of policies had major role in
ensuring the economic stability. He said that Pakistan vision 2025 and the SDGs
agendas offer strategy of inclusiveness. Mr. Aziz also said that agriculture
sector contributes a significant amount to GDP and employment. Pakistan is
competitive in citrus fruit, mangoes, apricots, peaches, olives, fish and fish
products. Moreover, these products have the potential to attract significant
demand. The government of Pakistan is concentrating to improve its agricultural
policies.
Mr. Owen
Jenkins, British Prime Minister’s Special representative for Afghanistan and
Pakistan reaffirmed his country’s continued support to Pakistan. He stressed on
expansion in bilateral relation and assured Islamabad of the British future
cooperation in different areas. Mr. Owen Jenkins also maintained that UK
appreciates Pakistan’s efforts for maintaining peace with Afghanistan and in
the region.
