ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday presided over a high-level meeting to discuss matters related to his upcoming visit to China and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project in Islamabad.
During the meeting, PM Imran Khan said that durable ties with China are the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He also directed to complete ongoing development projects as early as possible.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umer, Information Minister Ch. Fawad Hussain, Planning Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar, Power Minister Omar Ayub Khan, Advisors to Prime Minister Abdul Razak Dawood and Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Foreign Secretary, Secretary Planning and other senior officials.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that strengthening all-weather Pakistan China strategic cooperative partnership is cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and early implementation of CPEC projects would help realize the true potential of Pakistan China economic relations not only for the two countries but for the entire region.
The Prime Minister said that CPEC was a great opportunity to learn from the Chinese experience especially in social sector, agriculture and other areas. He said that the agricultural output of the country, considered as the backbone of economy, can be enhanced manifold by learning from Chinese expertise and employing latest technologies and efficient methods.
The Prime Minister emphasized on the need to focus on early establishment of Special Economic Zones in various parts of the country which would help the local industry to grow through industrialization and would also create huge employment opportunities for the youth.
The Prime Minister said that the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor under BRI initiative of President Xi Jinping also offered opportunities to other countries to invest in CPEC projects and reap benefits in various sectors.
Earlier, PM Imran Khan pledged that his 100 Days Agenda would bear fruits, urging the nation to “give time” to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar.
During a detailed interaction with media persons in Lahore Khan said that the Government is working on policies and that its policies will give results after 100 days.
“We have issued notices to 300 people holding offshore properties. They won’t be spared this time. We have contacted the governments of United Kingdom and Switzerland in this regard,” he added.
Talking of measures towards corruption elimination PM Khan vowed indiscriminate action would be ensured against looters and plunderers, saying the former governments damaged institutions to shield their vested interests. NNI