ISLAMABAD – As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prepares for his upcoming visit to Beijing, the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) has directed all relevant ministries to accelerate progress on critical initiatives related to Chinese investments — particularly the relocation of industries to Gwadar and infrastructure projects in special economic zones.
In a recent high-level meeting, the committee reviewed the implementation status of prior decisions and pushed ministries to remove bottlenecks. It stressed the need to create a business-friendly environment to attract and retain Chinese investors, who are seen as key to Pakistan’s economic development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
One of the top priorities discussed was the finalisation of a road map for relocating Chinese industries to Gwadar. The Board of Investment (BoI) briefed the committee on the road map, prepared in coordination with the Ministry of Industries and Production. The committee directed BoI to finalise and present the document before PM Shehbaz’s departure.
The committee expressed concern over delays in connecting the Gwadar desalination plant to the national grid via Panjgur and ordered the Power Division to submit fast-track recommendations within three days.
It also noted that the decision to revise the electricity supply mechanism for the Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) had not been implemented despite repeated instructions. The BoI was tasked with preparing a detailed case study, outlining reasons for the delay and providing a clear timeline for resolution.
The Power Division, however, confirmed that power supply from the national grid to the Gwadar desalination plant had already been implemented.
In another key development, the committee directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to wrap up consultations with local fishermen regarding the launch of international seafood transshipment operations from Gwadar Port and submit a compliance report.
To address regional development concerns, the committee instructed the Ministry of Planning to resolve outstanding issues with the Sindh government concerning the Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone and report back with progress.
The committee also acknowledged the Ministry of Commerce’s update that a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) had been issued to ease the export of potassium sulphate fertiliser via Gwadar by relaxing the Export Policy Order.
Additionally, the Planning Ministry was asked to report on the status of the foreign currency facilitation pilot project in the Gwadar Free Zone after concluding talks with other ministries.
Lastly, the committee urged the Power Division and Nepra to urgently implement the revised power supply mechanism for Rashakai SEZ and report progress at the next CCoCIP meeting.
The BoI was instructed to immediately implement all pending decisions and submit a consolidated report on their status.
