CPEC: Agri cooperation, focus on energy projects, operationalization of key infrastructure in Gwadar ordered

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with a particular focus on agricultural cooperation, energy projects, and the operationalization of key infrastructure in Gwadar.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Communications, Economic Affairs Division, Board of Investment, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), National Highway Authority (NHA), Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), and included online participation from representatives of all four provincial governments.

The session, held at the Ministry of Planning, focused on ensuring timely completion of strategic initiatives ahead of the upcoming Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting scheduled for June 2025, said an official statement.

Among the key items on the agenda were the formation of Agricultural Technology Working Groups, preparations for the 5th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting to be hosted in Pakistan, and acceleration of various field-level projects. The Planning Minister was briefed on the distribution plan for agricultural machinery donated by China-part of a Rs. 12 billion assistance package that includes 40 tractors, 40 multipurpose harvesters, and other state-of-the-art agricultural equipment.

The PARC informed the Minister that the equipment would enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen institutional research capabilities across the country. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized, “All provinces must shift towards agricultural mechanization to enhance Pakistan’s agricultural production capacity.”

He issued clear directives to provincial agricultural secretaries to distribute all equipment to grassroots departments within ten days, urging them to expedite coordination with local stakeholders. Most provincial representatives confirmed that stakeholder meetings had been concluded and that demand had been recorded from field offices.

Another critical focus of the meeting was the installation of 15,000 Chinese-donated solar power lighting units across Balochistan. Officials from Balochistan’s Energy Department reported that installation has been completed in seven districts, with progress ongoing in the remaining 29. The Minister reiterated the importance of ensuring transparency, reminding officials to upload beneficiary data on the provincial website.

In a significant directive, Ahsan Iqbal instructed the Power Division, QESCO, and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to complete the transmission line to Gwadar South Free Zone at the earliest. This move will enable the operationalization of the 1.2 million gallon-per-day (MGD) desalination plant-a vital facility for addressing water scarcity in the region.

Minister Iqbal stressed that the synergy between federal and provincial departments is critical for the timely execution of CPEC-linked development projects, which remain central to Pakistan’s economic transformation and regional connectivity.