Govt can decide about third partner in CPEC projects: Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Asad Umar on Thursday said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a big project and government can decide about a third partner in projects being executed under the CPEC.

Speaking at a conference organised under the aegis of Pakistan chapter of World Memon Organisation (WMO) through video link, Asad Umar said CPEC was basically an initiative of two countries, and very important projects were being undertaken under its banner.

He was of the view that China’s experience will help boost the Pakistan agriculture sector.

Mr. Umar said China was leading in the world in various sectors and Pakistan would also learn from it. He underlined that research work was not carried out in agriculture sector of Pakistan.

Without naming any political party, the finance minister said that the previous governments should have focused on bringing new technology and following research in the agriculture sector.

He reiterated that vast investment opportunities exist in Pakistan and foreign countries must make the most of it. The minister said increase in tax collection was necessary for economic progress.

He was of the view that transparency in real estate business will open more windows for investment in the country. The finance minister invited businessmen to invest in country’s information technology sector.

He informed that government would abolish a number of incentives for non-tax filers.

Earlier during the conference, Mr. Umar said he had an old association with the Memon community, as their services for Pakistan were immense.