The 2nd meeting of the Pak-China Relations Steering Committee was held today on Monday here in Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar

Dated : 2 August 2021

The 2nd meeting of the Pak-China Relations Steering Committee was held today on Monday here in Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar. The ongoing projects under CPEC and the issues facing their investors were discussed in detail in the meeting.

While discussing CPEC Energy projects facing delays owing to CoVID-19 pandemic, the Committee directed Power Division to formulate a policy to deal with COD extensions issues of the power projects. Power Division was also directed to ensure the availability of sufficient power for the operationalization of the 660 KV HVDC Matari Lahore Transmission Linefrom 1st September 2021. The Committee also directed NEPRA to finalize Tariff for the project during the testing stage.

The meeting also discussed the 884 MW Suki Kinari project and gave directions to relevant authorities to settle the project operational issues on priority.

The Chair also directed Ministry of Communication to expedite work on the Thakot – Raikot Roadand, Zhob-Quetta road project and submit proposals in this regard to the Cabinet by next week to move the projects to next level of development.

The Committee was apprised of the growing interest of local and foreign investors in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, it was pointed out that any delay in the finalization of the developer would be detrimental to the project. Minister Planning informed that he would take up this issue with CM Sindh. On Allama Iqbal Industrial City, representative from Board of Investment informed the Committee that Board member list for FIEDMC has been finalized and will soon be notified.

Utilities provision to Gwadar Port and Free Zone also came under discussion. The meeting was informed of prospective investments in LNG at Gwadar. Chair directed Ministry of Petroleum to help facilitate investors and coordinate with relevant Ministry including Ministry of Maritime Affairs to resolve the investors issues on priority.

Secretary Planning, Secretary Foreign, Secretary Interior, Secretary Railways, Secretary Power, Secretary Finance, National Security Adviser, Chairman NHA, Chairman, CPEC Authority, and Chairman Gwadar Development Authority, Director-General of the Joint Staff Headquarters, Chief of General Staff/Director General Military Operations, Chief of Staff Naval Headquarters, Director General Intelligence/Analysis of the ISI and senior officers of the Ministries/Divisions attended the meeting.