2nd Recent Meeting of CPEC Project in Pakistan
Recently the 2nd meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) had held under CPEC Framework on Socio-economic Development via video link. It was on the discussion on the review of the projects under the Chinese grant of the US $1 Billion.
Vice-Chairman, Mr Boqing co-chaired the meeting from the Chinese side (CIDCA) and Mr Mathar Niaz Rana, Secretary, Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives presented from Pakistan’s side. The satisfaction from both sides was expressed for the progress of the project, and that is being undertaken under this JWG in the key areas of, health, agriculture, education, vocational training, and poverty alleviation. The meeting was attended by the senior officials from both the countries.
The appreciation was made from Pakistan’s side for the assistance by the Government of the People Republic of China that boost in socio-economic of the country. Acknowledgement for the support extended during the pandemic of COVID-19 was also made especially for the medical supplies and equipment. The Socio-economic cooperation between Pakistan and China are as per the vision of the two leaders.
A review for the progress of priority projects and fast-tracks was discussed in the meeting. However, the projects, including agriculture technological laboratories, provision of equipment & tools, and the demonstration stations in the sector of agriculture were discussed in the meeting. And projects for smart classrooms and overseas scholarship programmes for students in the education sector. Pakistan Vocational Schools Equipment and Solar projects in Balochistan along with drinking water supply project for AJK and KP were also reviewed with high-satisfaction.
Vocational Technical School and desalination plant and Pak-China Friendship Hospital were also discussed that were repeated to implement the on-going projects as per the given timelines and schedules.
It was a satisfying meeting from both ends where the Chinese side appreciated the level of commitment and preparation of Pakistan for the early implementation of the projects and also acknowledged the level of coordination provided by the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.
The Secretary Planning also suggested for holding monthly review meeting to stay in contact with the updates and to speed up the implementation of the projects under the guidelines and framework of the project. The implementation in the time of pandemic period of COVID-19 was also discussed.
The meeting was concluded smoothly with the decision to prepare official documents for signing as deliverables of upcoming 10th JCC. It was also decided in the meeting to prepare projects for the 3rd phase. A request was made to the Chinese side by Pakistan to send their experts for the implementation of the CPEC priority projects which were highlighted in the meeting.
