Iqbal Seeks to Clear Roadblocks to Chinese Investment.

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Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has urged swift resolution of issues deterring Chinese investment, emphasizing the importance of removing obstacles to advance key projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for urgent steps to address issues blocking Chinese investment in Pakistan. Speaking during a high-level meeting, Iqbal emphasized the need to create a smooth and investor-friendly environment to keep Chinese partners engaged and committed to long-term collaboration, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The minister stressed that Chinese investors have shown continued interest in Pakistan’s development, but delays and unresolved issues have created uncertainty. He warned that failure to address these problems could undermine the country’s credibility and discourage further foreign investment.

Iqbal highlighted that many of the concerns raised by Chinese companies are related to bureaucratic delays, regulatory challenges, and lack of coordination between government departments. He directed relevant ministries and institutions to take swift and coordinated action to resolve these matters and to ensure that existing agreements with Chinese companies are fully honored.

“Chinese investment is crucial for Pakistan’s economic stability and growth. We must not allow administrative inefficiencies or lack of communication to create hurdles for our most trusted partners,” Iqbal said.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has brought significant investment into Pakistan since its launch in 2013. Projects under CPEC include major infrastructure developments such as roads, power plants, and special economic zones. While progress has been made, several projects have faced delays due to administrative, legal, and financial bottlenecks.

Iqbal noted that CPEC is not just an economic partnership but a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening this relationship by ensuring a favorable investment climate.

In response to the minister’s concerns, officials from various departments agreed to streamline procedures, remove unnecessary red tape, and improve inter-agency coordination. Iqbal also called for regular follow-ups and performance reviews to monitor progress on pending issues.

He urged all stakeholders to treat investor concerns as a top priority and adopt a proactive approach in facilitating investment. The minister concluded by saying that Pakistan must present itself as a reliable and efficient partner to retain the confidence of Chinese investors and ensure the successful implementation of CPEC projects.

By removing these roadblocks, Pakistan hopes to unlock new opportunities for economic development, job creation, and regional connectivity goals at the heart of the long-standing cooperation between the two nations.