Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Wednesday said that the nature of the projects in CPEC phase II will be different from that of the first phase.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee for Planning, the minister said that the railways’ Main Line-I (ML-I), agricultural and industrial sector projects will be implemented under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the second phase.

“These projects will be completed in partnership with the private sector and businessmen and agriculturists, having business links with China will be given priority in these projects.”

Some Pakistani companies have already initiated joint ventures with Chinese in agriculture research.

POLITICAL OWNERSHIP OF SDGS

Asad Umar underscored political ownership of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and stressed the need for constitution of a subcommittee in this regard.

About SDGs, Asad Umar said that 90 % work on these goals will be the responsibility of provinces, adding that framework of the SDGs will be included in the Vision 2030.

“The World Bank has devised a 100 years plan for Pakistan.”

He said the MNAs could suggest the federal level development projects, which will be approved promptly.