Digitization & creation of infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy is indispensable: Ahsan Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, March 27 (SABAH): Federal Minister for Planning for Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal has said that digitization and creation of infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy is indispensable.
To expedite the effective implantation of 5Es framework, a multi-pronged strategy to turnaround Pakistan and put it on a sustained growth trajectory, the first Steering Committee on 5Es framework was held on Wednesday under the chairman of Federal Minister for Planning for Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of federal and provincial ministries and divisions. The Steering Committee has decided to hold a One-Day ‘consultative workshop’ after Eid in which officials from all the ministries and relevant stakeholders will be invited for deliberations to implement the framework. The 5Es framework is centered around five key pillars, which include Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure and equity and empowerment. It is noted that in June last year, National Economic Council approved the framework, following the approval, the Planning Ministry has expedited its implementation and the formation of Steering Committee and engagement with all ministries is a part of the exercise which has been started on the directions of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, said a statement issued by the ministry.
In this one-day workshop, all the stakeholders and experts from various fields including academia, industry will be invited and their proposals will be taken before finalizing the action plan to implement the 5Es framework. While chairing the meeting, the Minister directed all the ministries to come up with solid proposals with their respective Es in the workshop.” The plans should be holistic with inputs and outputs so that its implementation can be ensured, remarked the Minister, while emphasizing to increase our exports terms Pakistan’s biggest challenge is to increase foreign exchange reserves. He highlighted that the success of Pakistan depended on increasing foreign exchange reserves. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the future of Pakistan hinged on the growth of key sectors such as agriculture, industry and services, and the adoption of technological advancements. The ambitious goal is to transform Pakistan into a $100 billion export-oriented economy within the next 7 to 8 years, making a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Furthermore, he said that planning should be made keeping in view the modern infrastructure as digital technology was having great influence on different sectors in the era we were living in. Our top priority is to improve our governance system and build the economy on modern lines, said the minister, while highlighting the key issues of governance which must be addressed.
Furthermore, he added that digitization and creation of infrastructure for a knowledge-based economy is indispensable. The Planning Minister further said that self-sufficiency in the energy sector and affordable prices for industrial and domestic consumers can lead to increased productivity. Therefore, we have to create opportunities for equal development in our social sector. Similarly, he underscored that there is a need to bring reforms in the health sector and concerted efforts with the help of provinces are required, he concluded.