Source: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) (Pakistan)
Source type: Newspaper
Published on: 25 Oct 2011
Posted on: 31 Oct 2011
ISLAMABAD, Oct 25 (APP): Federal Minister for Communications Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan was developing a road infrastructure of international standard to make a most attractive and the shortest transit route between South and Central Asia.
The Federal Minister said that the government and the people of Pakistan were determined to transform the country into a developed, industrialized, just and knowledge based economy by using its geo-political location and by enhancing economic partnership particularly in the region.
The Minister for Communications said this while giving a keynote speech at 2nd ASEM (Asia Europe Meeting) Transport Ministers Meeting being held in Chengdu, China, said a message received here.He informed the participants that the government of Pakistan had launched National Trade Corridor Improvement Programme (NTCIP) to improve transport infrastructure and improve regional connectivity. This programme, with an investment cost of US$ 6-9 billion, will reduce present travel time by 50 per cent and operating cost by 10 per cent, he added.
With the introduction of reforms supplemented by a strong investment programme, the Minister added, NTCIP had evolved a strategic framework to modernize and streamline trade and transport logistics, practices and customs;improve port efficiency, reduce the costs for port users and enhance port management accountability; create a commercial and accountable environment in Pakistan Railways; modernize the trucking industry; sustain delivery of an efficient, safe and reliable National Highways System; develop along NTC, the energy corridor linking China and Afghanistan / CARs.
He said under an overall improvement programme border crossing were also being upgraded to international standards. Pakistan had signed several bilateral agreements and was signatory of all important regional and international framework agreements to facilitate regional and transit trade.
The Minister said that Pakistan had signed Bilateral Road Transport Agreements with Afghanistan, China, Iran and India under which goods and passenger transport services were being operated. Agreements with Republics of Uzbekistan and Turkey in the field of Road Transport had also been signed, which were being operationalized in the near future. Bus Services were also being operated between Pakistan and India as well as Pakistan and Afghanistan.
At the end of the meeting, Chengdu Declaration and Plan of Action were approved unanimously, which will facilitate movement of goods and people between the member countries.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister also met Li Shenghi, Minister for Transport of China Jiang Jufeng Governor of Sichuan Province, several Ministers from European and Asian Countries.
Arbab Alamgir is visiting China to attend the three-day 2nd ASEM Transport Ministers Meeting being held in Chengdu, China. Dr. Arbab Alamgir will visit Beijing from October 26-27 on the last leg of his China tour.
