-Asad Umar says projects under CPEC flourishing
-Lauds the efforts by Chairman CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa
-Basic necessities at Rashakai SEZ underway in fast pace

From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar on Sunday said CPEC was now entering into the most important second phase. He said the projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were progressing with fast pace during the tenure of incumbent government.
The way government handled pandemic situation and made efforts to contain the spread of pandemic COVID-19, similarly the government would continue working day and night for the success of CPEC, he said while addressing the reception ceremony of first consignment, carrying equipment and machinery for Century Steel at Karachi Port, for setting up of a steel mill in Rashakai Special Economic Zone. The Minister termed the occasion as another manifestation of exceptional relation between Pakistan and China.
Asad Umar said the CPEC was now entering the most important second phase. The projects were now not limited to infrastructure only. He informed that CRBC, a Chinese firm had entered into an agreement with Pakistan under CPEC to promote foreign investments for development and marketing in Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ). He said the work for the provision of basic necessities including electricity and others at Rashakai SEZ was underway in fast pace. He said the Century Steel, a Chinese firm with the investment of $240 million, would set up a steel mill in Rashakai SEZ which would produce about 1.5 million tons of steel.
The firm would also employ over 600 Pakistanis during construction phase while in second phase over 1000 people would be provided jobs. Asad Umar said that the bilateral relation of Pakistan and China was not new, whenever Pakistan needed a friend China was there. The federal minister lauded the efforts of Chairman CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa. Chinese Consul General in Karachi Li Bijian speaking on the occasion said that due to the concerted efforts of the government of Pakistan, the economy of the country was strengthening and gaining momentum despite the negative effect of global pandemic, specially the construction sector had been witnessing faster growth and the demand for steel had increased.
Because of the brilliant efforts from both sides China and Pakistan the first phase of the CPEC had completed, he said. Li Bijian said “We are quite confident to attract more and more investments in Rashakai SEZ”.
The Consul General thanked the federal government particularly CPEC Authority Chairman for his support and efforts.
He that it was an honor for him to witness the reception of first consignment carrying equipment and machinery for Century Steel was only a beginning. On the occasion, Chairman CPEC Authority Asim Saleem Bajwa, representatives of Century Steel, officers of KPT and other were present. Earlier on Saturday, Mr. Asad Umar said scope of China Pakistan Economic Corridor has expanding as various important projects entered into advanced stage.
Talking to media persons during visit of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) here on Saturday, the federal minister said that in the second phase of the CPEC projects relating to agriculture, industry and employment were being planned.
In the first phase of CPEC basic infrastructure, energy sector particularly hydro-electrical power generation were given priority, he said and added that a multibillion dolor railway project ML-I was in advanced stage and remarkable progress has been achieved in lieu of financing of the project. The joint committee on CPEC would consider the project in its next meeting, he informed.
He said that work on Rashakae and Faisalabad trade zones was also in progress. The entire work on western corridor of the CPEC has been carried out by PTI government while during previous governments the important segment of the project was marred by conflicts and confusions, he said.
On a question regarding Karachi Package, Asad Umar informed that most of the projects would be completed in current year as federal government was actively pursuing the projects under Rs.1100 billion Karachi development package.