Latest news with #e-Pakistan
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.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt to revive development forum this year
Listen to article Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reiterated the government's resolve to revive the Pakistan Development Forum later this year – a platform that fosters strategic dialogue between the government of Pakistan and its development partners. During a meeting with newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolorma Amgaabazar on Wednesday, the minister appreciated the World Bank's continued partnership with Pakistan. Departing country director Najy Benhassine also participated in the meeting, according to a press release issued by the ministry. Iqbal acknowledged the instrumental role played by Benhassine in deepening development cooperation during his tenure. He expressed confidence that the positive trajectory would continue under the new World Bank official, especially under the evolving priorities set forth in Pakistan's long-term development road map. He pointed out that the government had launched Uraan Pakistan – a comprehensive and future-oriented development framework designed to turn the country into a $3 trillion economy by 2047. He noted that the initiative was rooted in five strategic pillars, known as 5Es, which comprised exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate resilience, energy and infrastructure, and equity, ethics and empowerment. This programme is focused on smart governance, inclusive growth and public sector transformation. "In today's fast-changing global context, planning must be intelligent and adaptive," the minister remarked. "Uraan is about creating hope, harnessing innovation and enabling long-term stability through scenario-based planning and institutional reform." The minister underscored the planning ministry's leadership during the recent national emergencies, including the 2022 floods and the Covid-19 pandemic. He cited the examples as successful case studies of integrated planning and swift execution – the core principles being institutionalised under Uraan. Iqbal told the World Bank officials that his ministry was leading an extensive consultative process to modernise civil services and improve public sector delivery. The World Bank officials offered continued support for advancing reforms and strengthening the implementation capacity, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and social development projects. Discussions between the two sides included the significance of collaborative planning, federal-provincial coordination and institutional resilience. At the conclusion, the minister reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation with the World Bank in pursuit of a resilient, inclusive and future-ready Pakistan.
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Planning ministry reviews PSDP projects
Listen to article Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday chaired a meeting to prioritise projects under the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for fiscal year 2025-26. Members of the Planning Commission and senior officials of the ministry briefed the minister about the priority projects in different sectors, a news release said. The meeting shows signs of resolve on the part of the government not to let anything derail Pakistan's development and economic growth agenda, and to continue working for economic transformation with enhanced efforts. The meeting focused on prioritising essential development projects aligned with the Uraan Pakistan, 5Es National Economic Transformation Framework and how to address economic constraints. The minister emphasised the resolve of the government, saying, "Despite the challenges we face, our commitment to the growth of the country remains firm. We will not compromise on the betterment of our people and the progress of our nation." Ahsan Iqbal also spoke about Pakistan's defence capabilities and economic stability. "While we are committed to peace, but let me be clear – Pakistan possesses a strong defence. We will not allow India to play havoc with efforts to stabilise our economy and pursue our development agenda. No challenge is too big when we have the determination to succeed." The minister emphasised that the current and upcoming PSDP was completely aligned with the Uraan Pakistan initiative and prioritised the enhancement of productivity as defined in the framework based on 5Es – exports, equity & empowerment, e-Pakistan, environment & climate, and energy & infrastructure. "In prioritising critical development projects for the upcoming fiscal year, we are keenly focused on ensuring the continuity of essential initiatives, especially those that are near completion, those of strategic national importance and projects with allocated block funding. It is being ensured that approved projects for the coming year are adequately funded," he said. Through a rigorous process of rationalisation and prioritisation, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives is working towards a development portfolio which enhances productivity and ensures impactful outcomes. The projects included would be aligned with the vision of Uraan Pakistan and build vital infrastructure for enhanced productivity, invest in future of the country, provide essential operational support, develop human capital and strengthen Pakistan's soft power. Ahsan Iqbal said the challenges were immense, but the government was committed to continuing to focus on all areas for the well-being of the people of Pakistan.
