Latest news with #CCoCIP
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CPEC protection strategy approved
The government has decided to strictly implement a "neighbourhood watch strategy" to prevent insurgents from disrupting the Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) in a recent meeting has highlighted the importance of the neighbourhood watch strategy as a pre-emptive measure to counter terrorism. The cabinet body stressed the need to approach the problem holistically by extending the area of operation to include the facilitators of terrorist activities. It also directed that Chinese enterprises should be consulted in formulating and implementing SOPs for their effectiveness. During the discussion, the cabinet body was informed that providing security for CPEC projects falls under the mandate of state-owned institutions, while the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (MoINC) is responsible for the security of non-CPEC project sites and Chinese nationals employed there. It was also informed the Interior Ministry had undertaken extensive deliberations with stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the optimum level of security for Chinese nationals. While outlining key elements of the SOP, the interior ministry informed the cabinet body that a security categorisation matrix had been developed to categorise the security companies. It was further informed that threat level assessments are carried out by NACTA, and a helpline had also been established to facilitate foreigners, including Chinese nationals. The cabinet body further observed that SOPs should be designed and implemented in a way that portrays a soft image. This means adopting a holistic approach to address security concerns, including awareness campaigns for the local communities hosting Chinese nationals, to ensure they feel facilitated rather than overwhelmed by security protocols. Further, it was directed that implementation committees at the provincial and federal levels should regularly meet to ensure the SOPs are implemented in their entirety. The cabinet body also sought details from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MoPD&SI) regarding the amount earmarked for security arrangements out of the projects' budgets to evaluate whether the funds had been utilised for their intended purposes. It also emphasised that police communication should be digitised to avoid interception of sensitive information by miscreants. The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control briefed the forum that the "Security of Chinese Nationals in Pakistan" was discussed in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) held on 16 September 2024, wherein the Interior Division had been directed to submit a summary to the CCoCIP on the status of security arrangements after consultation with Chinese companies through the CPEC Secretariat for consideration of the CCoCIP. It was stated that a consultative session was held on 3 August 2024, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control and the Deputy Head of the Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. Representatives of Special Economic Zones, Chinese companies, and representatives of CCoCIP were present in the meeting. The participants discussed the current difficulties faced by Chinese businessmen in Pakistan. The Secretary of the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control stressed the importance of adherence to security SOPs issued by the Government of Pakistan. On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, the Secretary reaffirmed the assurance to provide foolproof security to Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) considered the summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control titled "Status of Security Arrangements of Chinese Nationals in Pakistan." It directed that the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (MoINC) shall, within one week, hold meetings with Chinese enterprises to apprise them of the measures taken for their security and obtain their feedback on the implementation and impact of the SOPs introduced by the Ministry.
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt eyes Gwadar for China industry relocation
Listen to article Pakistan has initiated efforts to devise a roadmap aimed at attracting Chinese industries for potential relocation to the country in wake of the ongoing tariff dispute between China and the United States. Since US President Donald Trump took office, a series of high tariffs have been imposed on Chinese products in a bid to revive domestic American manufacturing. Pakistan views this escalating trade conflict as an opening to position itself as an attractive destination for Chinese businesses seeking new bases of operation. To support this ambition, Pakistan is preparing a strategic framework to offer incentives designed to lure Chinese industries to Gwadar, the deep-sea port city at the heart of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In parallel, the government is implementing several additional measures to rejuvenate economic activity in the area. Sources told The Express Tribune that the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP), in a recent session, tasked the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Ministry of Industries & Production to jointly deliver a roadmap within five days. This plan will outline steps to identify and attract Chinese industries willing to relocate operations to Pakistan in light of the US-China tariff battle. The CCoCIP also reviewed a summary from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs titled "Review/Compliance of decisions taken during previous CCoCIP meetings." The committee noted the ministry's report and made several strategic decisions to advance Pakistan's position as a relocation hub. Among the key directives was an order to the Ministry of Commerce to immediately issue a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) that would allow the export of Potassium Sulphate fertiliser from Gwadar Port, overriding current restrictions under the Export Policy Order. This move had already been approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and ratified by the federal cabinet but had not yet been formally notified. In another decision, the CCoCIP directed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to convene a high-level meeting involving representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries & Production, the Board of Investment, and the State Bank of Pakistan. This meeting, scheduled for the coming week, will explore the implementation of Foreign Currency Facilitation as a pilot project within the Gwadar Free Zone. The Finance Division has been tasked with preparing a one-page briefing for the session. The committee also urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to engage in meaningful dialogue with local fishermen to enable international seafood transshipment through Gwadar Port. A report on the outcomes of these consultations is to be submitted for review at the committee's next meeting. In regard to the Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone (KCCDZ), the committee directed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to form a committee comprising the ministers of Planning, BOI, and Maritime Affairs. This team will engage with the Sindh chief minister of Sindh to address outstanding issues related to the KCCDZ and work towards a viable resolution. Addressing infrastructure challenges, the committee instructed the Power Division to coordinate with Naval Authorities to ensure electricity supply to the Gwadar Desalination Plant from the Naval Grid. This interim arrangement is necessary due to the temporary suspension of power imports from Iran. Additionally, the Power Division was directed to work with the Gwadar Port Authority to link the plant to the National Grid via an extension of the power distribution line from Panjgur and present their proposal at the next CCoCIP meeting. The committee further called on the Power Division, in collaboration with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), to accelerate the implementation of a cabinet decision concerning the electricity supply mechanism for the Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ). An implementation report is to be submitted at the upcoming committee meeting, while NEPRA has been instructed to expedite its processes in this regard. Lastly, the Board of Investment has been ordered to act on all pending CCoCIP decisions without delay and provide a comprehensive progress report for review at the committee's next session.
