Focus on agriculture, industrial development in CPEC 2nd phase

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will focus development of agriculture and setting-up industrial zones. 

The Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, in an interview on July 18, disclosed that energy and infrastructure development projects amounting to US$46 billion were undertaken in the first phase of the CPEC. 

Giving breakup of these invested amounts, Fawad Chaudhry pointed out an amount of $34 to 35 billion was spent in energy projects and remaining amount on construction of highways. 

Now the second phase of CPEC, being taken up under which Special Economic Zones will be set up around the infrastructure built under the first phase where factories would be established and finished goods will be exported. 

"The government has added agriculture in the CPEC second phase. I request Chinese companies to come forward and make investment along with local partners in Pakistan,” he emphasized. 

He assured whatever facilities the Chinese investors are availing in their own county, the same Pakistan will be provided.