CPEC projects highlighted in PSDP 2023-24

ISLAMABAD, Jun. 13 (Gwadar Pro) - In the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2023-24 unveiled last Friday, “revival of CPEC initiative” tops the salient features.

Besides facilitating industrialization, trade and market access, the blue economy, regional connectivity, and third-party participation, CPEC also focuses on poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in Pakistan. In PSDP FY 2023-24, such projects are discussed in chapter 18 under the title of “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”.

The socio-economic development programs include the establishment of the China-Pakistan Joint Agricultural Technology Laboratory by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research (NFS&R). The laboratories will be set up at Multan Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Quetta.

 NFSR will provide agricultural equipment and tools to agriculturists and farmers across Pakistan.

China-Pakistan Joint Agricultural Demonstrations is another proposed program that will be executed by NFS&R across the country.

Smart Classroom Project for Higher Education, an education program under the umbrella of CPEC, has already been initiated by HEC. During FY 2023-24, the program will be implemented in 50 universities across the country under PSDP.

The provision and maintenance/renovation of 50 schools in newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is another socio-economic development program under PSDP.

Gwadar Hospital Project, Balochistan Solar Powered Lighting Equipment Project, and Gwadar Desalination Plant Project in Gwadar Free Zone will also be implemented during FY 2023-24.

As per PSDP, several projects in Gwadar City are expected to achieve significant milestones in FY 2023-24. Pak-China Friendship Hospital Gwadar project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023-24 along with the 1.2 MGD Desalination Plant and New Gwadar International Airport. The Gwadar Free Zone is a significant initiative for industrial development and transshipment businesses in the city. 

Moreover, the 300 MW Gwadar Coal Power Plant, the construction of a breakwater, and the operational dredging of breathing areas and channels are anticipated to be launched in FY 2023-24.