ISLAMABAD, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the cabinet on Thursday that the projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were the top priority of the government and concerted efforts should be made to ensure timely progress.
The cabinet was given a detailed briefing on the progress of the CPEC projects and the prime minister directed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform to ensure completion of the first batch of projects in energy and infrastructure sectors by 2017-18.
Sharif told the ministers that speedy progress on these projects was necessary for addressing the existing shortfalls and future demands, a statement from the PM Office said.
"The completion of early harvest projects will go a long way in elimination of load shedding by summer of 2018," the statement quoted the premier as saying.
He noted that significant progress was being made on the western route of the CPEC project. Employment opportunities would be generated for the local populace which would generate economic activity and enhance national wealth.
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