Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the introduction of a separate visa category for people associated with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and okayed a proposal to set up a CPEC Special Economic Zone in Karachi.

Chairing a review meeting on the progress of the CPEC projects and promotion of investment in the country, the prime minister directed his officials to initiate immediate steps to remove obstacles to the issuance of long-term visas to foreign investors, especially Chinese investors.

During the meeting, details about different investment initiatives under the CPEC, the facilities provided by the government to Chinese investors, and the problems faced by investors and their immediate solutions were discussed, Geo News reported.

The premier said that all possible incentives should be provided to investors and directed the Home Ministry to submit a summary to the federal cabinet in this regard.

He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Special Economic Zones,  and ordered CPEC Special Economic Zone be set up in Karachi, the country’s largest city and capital of Sindh province.

The Prime Minister directed the Board of Investment to formulate and present a detailed plan, with the consultation of the business community, for the promotion of foreign investment in specific sectors.

Khan said the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries are "exemplary" for the world.

"To transform these relations into strong economic ties, it is necessary to promote investment in areas of mutual interest and provide all possible incentives to investors," the premier said.

The prime minister said CPEC is not only a harbinger of economic growth for Pakistan but also a path to development for the entire region.

(SAM)