Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commends the efficient approach of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and praises the unprecedented contributions of the army chief. He assures Chinese investors of simplified procedures under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and emphasizes the importance of true implementation.
Islamabad, Pakistan – The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) held its third apex committee meeting on Monday, where multiple projects were approved to attract investments from friendly countries. These projects, which focus on key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, mining, minerals, information technology, and energy, were presented by various ministries. The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir, chief ministers, federal and provincial ministers, and other top officials.
The operationalization and functioning of SIFC were credited for its efficient and collaborative approach. The ongoing outreach strategy through seminars and project inaugurations was praised for its global impact and will be further augmented by the launch of SIFC’s website in the near future. The apex committee also expressed full support for the upcoming high-level delegation visit from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and emphasized the importance of making it a momentous event.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his commitment to Chinese investors, assuring them of simplified procedures, especially under the umbrella of CPEC. He emphasized the need for true implementation, stating, “We are going to do this under one umbrella as a one-window operation, and this I mean in letter and spirit… not just words but true implementation.”
During an award ceremony, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the significant contributions of the Chinese government and companies to Pakistan’s industrial advancement and bilateral economic ties. He presented awards to top-performing Chinese companies, particularly those working on CPEC projects in Pakistan, highlighting the transformative impact of the $30 billion investment under CPEC on Pakistan’s economic landscape.
The PM also expressed gratitude for the army chief’s unprecedented contributions to SIFC, emphasizing his dedication to promoting the cause of Pakistan and supporting talented individuals who are unemployed. He further stated that the SIFC program will play a vital role in propelling Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural progress and align with the overall CPEC mechanism.
Pang Chunxue, the Charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of CPEC to the socio-economic development of the local people since its launch in 2013. She reiterated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and its commitment to collaborating on development and security efforts.