Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP)

Islamabad, 16th September 2024: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) here in Islamabad on Monday. The meeting was attended by key Government officials, including Federal Minister for Petroleum Division, Mr. Musadiq Malik, Federal Minister for Energy, Mr. Awais Laghari, Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, and Secretaries from the relevant Ministries, along with representatives from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Secretariat and the Planning Ministry.

The agenda of the meeting revolved around expediting several ongoing projects under the CPEC framework. Discussions covered the provision of electricity to the Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ), import/export policies for Gwadar Free Zone, transit trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries via Gwadar Port, international transshipment of seafood, and the development of the Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone.

Addressing the meeting, the Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need for a proactive approach in serving investors. “We must treat our investors like customers,” he remarked. He further directed all relevant ministries to provide their comments on pending matters within few days to ensure smooth progress. “Decisions should be taken swiftly, and investors should not be kept waiting for long, as delays discourage investment,” the Minister stressed.

The Minister for planing directed secretaries of the line ministries to develop an actionable plans and address unresolved issues and pendencies.

Discussing security measures for Chinese officials working on CPEC projects, Ahsan Iqbal stressed that security protocols should not create an atmosphere of fear or hinder business operations.

The committee concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to resolving any bottlenecks faced by Chinese investors and ensuring that CPEC projects continue to progress without delays. Ahsan Iqbal called for enhanced coordination between Ministries and smooth decision-making to boost investor confidence and accelerate the realization of key projects.