ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the government will make Pakistan energy self-sufficient country by 2018.
He was addressing the concluding ceremony of China Pakistan Economic Corridor Conference and Expo in Islamabad this evening.
He said that the government has started a number of power projects across the country utilizing all resources including hydel, coal and wind to cater the energy needs. He said the CPEC energy projects will boost this initiative and Pakistan will be able to able to export electricity to the neighbouring countries.
The Finance Minister said that Pakistan is an attractive country for investment. He said Pakistan has great potential of growth and excellent future. He said during the last three years great achievements have been made in the economy of the country.
He said Pakistan will jump to 18th from 40th biggest economy of the world by 2050. He said Pakistan’s Stock Exchange is declared as Asian Tiger stock market of the region. He said the foreign exchange reserves are highest in the history of the country.
Ishaq Dar said we have focused on the education and social services sector development. He said the CPEC has great contribution in the development of the country. He said along with CPEC the government is also focusing on other mega projects like TAPI and CASA-1000.
The Finance Minister said the government is also focusing on the development of water reservoirs to meet the future water demands of the country besides generating electricity.
He said negotiation is also underway for connectivity of Afghanistan with CPEC. He said the CPEC will act as a game changer in the region.
He said when the government took over; it has to address four-Es including energy, economy, education and extremism. He said that due to the government’s prudent policies all these areas have been addressed considerably.
The Finance Minister said that due to improving law and order situation in the country, highest number of tourist are visiting Pakistan for the last two years. He said that situation will improve further in future.