ISLAMABAD, JUN 13 (DNA) – The Secretary Planning, Development and Reform (PD&R), Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui has said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being a long-term national project has to play a huge role in the development of remote regions of the country, particularly Balochistan.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting on CPEC related issues on Wednesday here at Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform. The meeting was attended by CPEC Project Director, Hassan Daud Butt, officials from the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), Government of Balochistan, and the Government of Sindh.

Secretary PD&R called for making all-out efforts for the resolution of outstanding issues.

Siddiqui, while highlighting the importance of Gwadar development as a modern world-class port city, emphasized on creating اa conducive environment for investment as the investors are keenly watching development at Gwadar.

On this occasion, representative of Balochistan Government intimated that the process of issuance of NOCs and land acquisition for 300MW Coal Power Project has been expedited. “Completion of the process is expected shortly that would facilitate the power project to enter into implementation stage”, he informed.

Officials from the Ministry of Energy apprised regarding the progress of power projects under CPEC. The chair instructed for expediting procedures to ensure smooth implementation of CPEC projects and win investors’ confidence.