The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on Friday directed reverent authorities to finalize action plans within 30 days for four mega-projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including the establishment of China Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Science.
In this regard, Federal Minister for PDSI Asad Umar presided over the review meetings of the newly constituted Working Groups on Science and Technology and Information Technology Cooperation at the 10th JCC of CPEC. The minister directed the action plans for four projects including the establishment of the China Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Science, the acquisition of Oceanographic Research Vessel, the establishment of the Institute of Smart Semiconductor and the establishment of Silicon Solar Cells, PV Panel Fabrication Facility of 500 MW/annum. These projects were made part of CPEC in the 10th JCC meeting.
Minister for Science & Technology Shibli Faraz said that with the joint efforts of both countries, science and technology applications should be used to “accelerate the growth of the economy” and solve the problems of the citizens. “We need to go for a proper plan & strategy with a regular monitoring system so that Pakistan can obtain maximum benefit from technology and expertise of the Chinese side,” Mr. Faraz added.
The newly formed JWG on Information Technology, which was approved during the 10th JCC, was also discussed in another meeting. The participants discussed Broadband Connectivity, Technology Parks/ IT Parks, Cyber Security, Software and Hardware development in detail.
“Information technology is the future of Pakistan and in the last one or two years, Pakistan has witnessed rapid growth in this sector,” said Federal Minister for Information Technology Aminul Haq and he added that Pakistan’s software exports increased almost 47% in the information technology sector.
“This sector now will further develop and expand through technical collaboration with China,” according to Mr. Haq, adding there is also a need to launch new technical assistance programs for Pakistan to meet the professional requirements of the growing IT Industry in the country.
Federal Minister Asad Umar directed the IT Ministry to submit concept notes on the above sectors to M/o PDSI within 30 days so that the fast-moving and strategic initiatives could be discussed in the upcoming JWG. “The role of the Ministry of IT must be appreciated as they are striving hard to meet the international standards of technological advancement and progress,” Asad Umar added.
