ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong called on Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Monday.
During the meeting matters related to the upcoming 10th JCC and Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings and economic cooperation between the two countries came under discussion.
The secretary of the planning department and the chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority were present on the occasion.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the progress and work done by the JWG and said that pace of CPEC projects’ implementation would be accelerated in the weeks and months to come. He said the establishment and operationalisation of the Special Economic Zones is currently among the government’s top priorities.
Asad Umar state-owned entities failed to deliver except the period of 60s. AFP/File
LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Saturday reposed confidence in the private sector for Pakistan attaining economic viability in future.
“In the 21st century, I personally believe that only private sector-led development and growth can take Pakistan forward as the state-owned entities (SOEs) have failed to deliver except the period of 60s,” he said.
Speaking at a webinar titled ‘Role of the State in economic development’ organised by the Institute for Policy Reforms (IPR), the minister said that countries other than Pakistan passed through various experiences of development including SOEs. In the world of energy, the SOEs dominated the global energy market, he said.