Latest news with #DevelopmentandSpecialInitiatives
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Upcoming JCC session: Pakistan govt finalises CPEC deliverables after progress reviews
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level preparatory meeting of the Pakistani side of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). The meeting convened key stakeholders, including conveners of CPEC Joint Working Groups (JWGs) and secretaries from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Communications, Maritime Affairs, Science and Technology, Railways, Commerce, and Interior, to review progress and finalise deliverables for the upcoming 14th JCC session. Iqbal conducted a comprehensive review of CPEC project status across vital sectors, including Gwadar development, industrial cooperation, science and technology, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and the blue economy. He mandated all ministries to rigorously operationalise the long-term CPEC plan by ensuring their project roadmaps are fully aligned with established sectoral priorities for effective and result-oriented implementation. JCC under CPEC to meet in June: Agri tech, energy and Gwadar projects discussed The minister instructed the Board of Investment to immediately initiate strategic outreach to 20–25 major Chinese economic zones, aiming to attract experienced companies for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development and industrial relocation to Pakistan. Emphasising science and technology as the cornerstone of future export-led growth, he directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to study China's advancements in emerging scientific fields, formulate a national scientific development agenda, and identify 10 high-potential export products for targeted research and innovation support. Minister Iqbal underscored Gwadar's critical role as a blue economy hub, demanding accelerated development in coastal tourism, fisheries, and industry through enhanced engagement with Pakistani and Chinese business communities. He also directed officials to finalise a proposal for introducing a third-party participation mechanism under CPEC to facilitate broader infrastructure projects, for presentation and approval at the forthcoming JCC session. Concluding the meeting, Minister Iqbal reiterated CPEC's immense potential for investment, relocation, and joint ventures. He demanded unified, proactive efforts across all government institutions to deliver tangible, actionable outcomes for the JCC. He called for intensified inter-ministerial coordination and strategic planning to ensure the 14th JCC session serves as a landmark event in advancing CPEC 2.0 vision for a prosperous and connected Pakistan. The minister emphasised that CPEC phase-2 is now fully integrated into the broader national transformation vision under the Uraan Pakistan initiative. As a flagship development framework aimed at turning Pakistan into a $3 trillion economy by 2047, Uraan Pakistan provides a clear roadmap through its 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity. CPEC phase-2's focus on industrialisation, connectivity, science and technology, and sustainable growth directly complements these pillars. The synergies between Uraan Pakistan and CPEC will not only catalyse economic modernisation but also ensure inclusive, innovation-driven development across all regions of Pakistan. Highlighting the need to deepen business-to-business (B2B) collaboration, Minister Iqbal stressed that private sector partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese companies will be pivotal in CPEC's next phase. B2B cooperation will unlock new avenues for industrial growth, technology transfer, and job creation. It will empower local enterprises, attract FDI, boost exports, and drive innovation in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture, and ICT. A thriving B2B ecosystem under CPEC phase-2 will also foster entrepreneurship, upskill the workforce, and enhance Pakistan's global competitiveness — transforming economic zones into engines of opportunity and prosperity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Upcoming JCC session: Govt finalises CPEC deliverables after progress reviews
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level preparatory meeting of the Pakistani side of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). The meeting convened key stakeholders, including conveners of CPEC Joint Working Groups (JWGs) and secretaries from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Communications, Maritime Affairs, Science and Technology, Railways, Commerce, and Interior, to review progress and finalise deliverables for the upcoming 14th JCC session. Iqbal conducted a comprehensive review of CPEC project status across vital sectors, including Gwadar development, industrial cooperation, science and technology, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and the blue economy. He mandated all ministries to rigorously operationalise the long-term CPEC plan by ensuring their project roadmaps are fully aligned with established sectoral priorities for effective and result-oriented implementation. JCC under CPEC to meet in June: Agri tech, energy and Gwadar projects discussed The minister instructed the Board of Investment to immediately initiate strategic outreach to 20–25 major Chinese economic zones, aiming to attract experienced companies for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development and industrial relocation to Pakistan. Emphasising science and technology as the cornerstone of future export-led growth, he directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to study China's advancements in emerging scientific fields, formulate a national scientific development agenda, and identify 10 high-potential export products for targeted research and innovation support. Minister Iqbal underscored Gwadar's critical role as a blue economy hub, demanding accelerated development in coastal tourism, fisheries, and industry through enhanced engagement with Pakistani and Chinese business communities. He also directed officials to finalise a proposal for introducing a third-party participation mechanism under CPEC to facilitate broader infrastructure projects, for presentation and approval at the forthcoming JCC session. Concluding the meeting, Minister Iqbal reiterated CPEC's immense potential for investment, relocation, and joint ventures. He demanded unified, proactive efforts across all government institutions to deliver tangible, actionable outcomes for the JCC. He called for intensified inter-ministerial coordination and strategic planning to ensure the 14th JCC session serves as a landmark event in advancing CPEC 2.0 vision for a prosperous and connected Pakistan. The minister emphasised that CPEC phase-2 is now fully integrated into the broader national transformation vision under the Uraan Pakistan initiative. As a flagship development framework aimed at turning Pakistan into a $3 trillion economy by 2047, Uraan Pakistan provides a clear roadmap through its 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity. CPEC phase-2's focus on industrialisation, connectivity, science and technology, and sustainable growth directly complements these pillars. The synergies between Uraan Pakistan and CPEC will not only catalyse economic modernisation but also ensure inclusive, innovation-driven development across all regions of Pakistan. Highlighting the need to deepen business-to-business (B2B) collaboration, Minister Iqbal stressed that private sector partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese companies will be pivotal in CPEC's next phase. B2B cooperation will unlock new avenues for industrial growth, technology transfer, and job creation. It will empower local enterprises, attract FDI, boost exports, and drive innovation in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture, and ICT. A thriving B2B ecosystem under CPEC phase-2 will also foster entrepreneurship, upskill the workforce, and enhance Pakistan's global competitiveness — transforming economic zones into engines of opportunity and prosperity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Energy wastage: Leghari seeks support from CMs, Ahsan
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari has sought support from the provincial chief ministers and the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, for the implementation of building codes aimed at curbing energy wastage. In letters addressed to the minister for planning and provincial chief ministers, Leghari referred to his earlier communication dated January 1, 2025, regarding the 'Implementation of Energy Building Code–2023.' He emphasised that the building sector is a major contributor to the national energy crisis, accounting for over 60 per cent of total energy consumption. 'This demand peaks in the summer months due to high cooling loads resulting from conventional building designs that largely ignore energy efficiency during planning, construction, and operational phases.' Minister launches 'Energy Conservation Building Code 2023' Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Leghari recalled that the prime minister, during a strategic roadmap meeting on energy conservation held on February 1, 2023, had directed the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) to revise the Building Code of Pakistan (Energy Provisions 2011). Accordingly, development authorities were instructed to amend their building by-laws to include energy efficiency measures. The revised Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC-2023) was approved by the Federal Cabinet on August 9, 2023, and the National Economic Council (NEC) also directed all provinces to ensure its implementation. 'It is essential to recognize that both the public and private sectors play a pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape of the building sector,' the minister stated. 'Public sector investments under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), and private developments regulated by municipalities and local governments, present a vital opportunity to promote energy efficiency.' Leghari has reiterated his proposal to integrate ECBC-2023 into PSDP projects by incorporating an energy efficiency analysis section into the Planning Commission's manuals (PC-1 to PC-5). He suggested that the approval of PSDP projects—particularly infrastructure schemes—should be contingent upon achieving at least 50 per cent energy savings compared to conventional designs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
CAREC states invited to join Pakistan's SEZs
Listen to article Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday invited member states of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (Carec) to integrate their value chains with Pakistan's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and explore opportunities for cross-border industrial clusters by leveraging Pakistan's preferential trade agreements with China, Asean and the Middle East. He extended the invitation while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the fifth annual Carec Institute Research Conference, held in collaboration with the University of Sargodha. Themed "Carec Connectivity: Promoting Trade and Trade Facilitation," the conference brought together a diverse group of national and international stakeholders. "Today, intra-regional trade among Carec countries (excluding China) accounts for only 7% of total trade. In contrast, Asean bloc member countries have over 22% of total trade among themselves," he said. The Carec region, with a population of nearly two billion and vast reserves of energy, minerals and talent, was not short on potential, Iqbal said and stressed the need for a unified development strategy backed by collective action. Sharing the new development vision called Uraan Pakistan, the minister said it was based on five strategic pillars including exports, equity and empowerment, e-Pakistan, environment, energy and infrastructure. This strategy is not isolated from regional ambitions; rather it is aligned fully with the Carec Vision 2030. He pointed out that Pakistan was expanding high-value exports like IT, halal food and engineering goods. Pakistan's IT exports, for instance, have crossed $3.5 billion and are growing at an annual pace of 20%, empowering youth through digital skills.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ahsan vows to deepen cooperation with World Bank
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepening cooperation with the World Bank in pursuit of a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Pakistan. He was talking to the newly appointed Country Director of the World Bank Bolorma Amgaabazar, who called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday. The outgoing Country Director, Najy Benhassine, also participated in the meeting. Welcoming Amgaa-bazar, Minister Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the World Bank's continued partnership and acknowledged Benhass-ine's instrumental role in deepening development cooperation during his tenure. He expressed confidence that this positive trajectory will continue under Amgaabazar's leadership, especially under the evolving priorities set forth in Pakistan's long-term development road-map. Minister Iqbal emphasised that the government has launched the URAAN Pakistan initiative — a comprehensive and future-oriented development framework designed to position Pakistan as a $3 trillion economy by 2047. He noted that the initiative is rooted in five strategic pillars, known as the 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Resilience, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity, Ethics and Empowerment. The initiative is focused on smart governance, inclusive growth, and public sector transformation. 'In today's fast-changing global context, planning must be intelligent and adaptive,' said the Minister. 'URAAN Pakistan is about creating hope, harnessing innovation, and enabling long-term stability through scenario-based planning and institutional reform.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
