Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed government's commitment to ensure the timely implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects for economic growth and development.

He was chairing a review meeting on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Islamabad on Friday.

The meeting reviewed progress in key sectors, including Energy, Infrastructure, Food & Agriculture, and Special Economic Zones.

Addressing the development of industrial zones, the Minister emphasized China's extensive expertise in this area. He highlighted that Pakistan has requested China to develop two model industrial zones, which would be done in turnkey basis. These model zones would serve as benchmarks for other industrial zones across the country.

Ahsan Iqbal directed the Board of Investment to finalize the availability of land for Special Economic Zone development in Islamabad.

He instructed the Power Division and PESCO to immediately energize the internal network of Rashakai Special Economic Zone and provide electricity to meet its current requirements.

Reviewing the progress on the training of 1,000 agriculture graduates in China, the Minister directed that experts traveling for agricultural training should be fully facilitated. These trainees, selected from public and private sector on merit, will learn latest technology and farm mechanization techniques from China and help in modernizing Pakistan's agriculture.

The Minister for Planning reiterated the vital role of the agriculture sector in Pakistan's development.

He said the Prime Minister will soon announce the 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan Framework, which is homegrown.

He said this framework will be integrated into the five-year development plan, followed by the formulation of a comprehensive National Agriculture and Industrial Policy to advance the agriculture sector under a structured policy framework.

The Ministry of Railways and Communications updated on the recent progress of the ML-1 and Karakoram Highway projects and outlined their future course of action.

The Minister directed the National Highway Authority regarding Karakoram Highway projects to expedite progress in coordination with the Chinese side to ensure its timely completion, as it is a strategic project under CPEC Phase- II.