Musharraf for Speedy Efforts to benefit from Geo-strategic Significance of Pakistan
By Aziz Malik 'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau Chief

RAWALPINDI: President General Pervez Musharraf Friday said that concerted efforts need to be made on a fast track to translate the geo-strategic importance of Pakistan into economic opportunities for the country.

He made this observation at a high level meeting also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

The Meeting reviewed initiatives that are being taken to convert Pakistan into a developed, industrialized and knowledge based economy by utilizing its geo-strategic location as an energy, transport and industrial corridor for the countries of the region including Middle East, Central Asian Republics, China, South Asia and South-East Asia.

President Musharraf said that the Gwadar Port can play a very major role to achieve this objective and emphasized the need for fast track development of rail, road, fiber optics, oil and gas pipeline linkages with the rest of the country and the region.

He said all the concerned Ministries and Departments need closer interaction and coordination for achieving the desired objectives.

The President and the Prime Minister said continuity of policies of the last seven years have brought major dividends for the country in terms of macro economic development, industrialization and infrastructure development.

The President expressed his firm commitment that these policies will be ensured and sustained in the medium and long term so that the fast paced economic growth was maintained.

He said the long term vision of Gwadar Port as an energy hub and gateway for the countries of the region is in line with the vision for economic prosperity of the country.

The President and the Prime Minister noted marked improvement in environment for investment and increase in the quantum of foreign direct investment.

They said there is improved security environment and policies are investor-friendly.

The meeting decided that there will be a policy and supervisory board which will be providing strategic vision, lay down policy guidelines, ensure timely decisions and regularly review and monitor the progress on various infrastructure and other projects related to the Gwadar Port.

There will also be a steering committee under this Board which will be headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and will be entrusted with the implementation of the entire process and finalization of terms to achieve the objective.

The meeting also decided to create special economic zones in Gwadar and other suitable areas to promote investment, industrialization and job creation.

The meeting was also attended by the Ministers for Industries and Water and Power, Governor and Chief Minister Balochistan, Ministers of State for Investment and Petroleum and Natural Resources, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Secretary General Finance, Chairman Central Board of Revenue, Foreign Secretary, Chairman National Highway Authority and Advisor on Energy.●