by Shafqat Ali 

 

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 24 (Gwadar Pro) - Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Chairman National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Asad Umar said on Saturday evening that the scope of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was being extended.

 

Participating in a session at Wilson at Center Washington on the topic “What Next for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” Umar gave a detailed presentation on CPEC focusing on its current status, future plans and CPEC’s importance in the larger dynamics shaping the regional economic activity by promoting regional connectivity.

 

The event was moderated by Ambassador David Hale, Former US Ambassador to Pakistan and Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow at Atlantic Council, according to the official details released here.

 

Umar highlighted that four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Gwadar Free zone being established under CPEC were open to investment from any country.

 

“The scope of CPEC is being extended. Our government wants development. A (Pakistani) Rs 800 billion budget was presented last year. Rs 600 billion has been allocated for development projects in it,” he added.

 

Umar underscored that the government was taking measures to expedite investment in Pakistan to generate employment and other benefits.

 

“Pakistan gives great importance to its trade relations with the Central Asian countries,” Umar said, adding that the route to these countries goes through Afghanistan.

 

This article originally appeared on Gwadar Pro.