Nine special economic zones to set up along CPEC: minister

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that nine economic zones being set up under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will strengthen the economy.

Addressing a high level ‘preparatory meeting for special economic zones’, the federal minister said that the enemies of Pakistan want to prevent development in the country by earlier trying to create a rift between provinces and the federation and are now trying to sabotage the project.

He regretted that rumors are being spread among the business community about economic zones. He said that the nine zones will offer value proposition for economic development and growth.

The Planning minister said that the mega project is not a charity but rather an opportunity, and this is best time to reap the benefits of the projects.

Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan should be able to show best option to investors. He said that creation of jobs is important because the country needs two million jobs every year.

He expressed desire said that local investors should start joint ventures with Chinese investors to boost the economic growth of the country.