Officials from power and construction sectors demand participation in CPEC projects. They pleaded that Advisor to PM on Commerce, Textile, Industries, Production and Investment Razak Dawood has an engineering background so he can understand that that the only way to revive the industry in Pakistan in to utilize the local engineers and construction firms for the development of CPEC projects. There are a number of OGDCL and power sector projects which could easily be handled by our local companies but are awarded to international firms. Many Experienced engineers are jobless in the country just because there are no new projects being constructed.
They Urged Prime minister Imran Khan to discuss the problem with the Chinese president and make sure that Pakistanis get at least 30% participation in the projects. Chinese companies prefer their own engineering management on projects under the CPEC which should be restricted to top level management while rest of the manpower should be hired from Pakistan.
Another proposal to the PM was that Pakistan should stop issuing labor visas to Chinese firms working on CPEC projects and they should be convinced to hire local manpower in order to revive the heavy construction industry of Pakistan. Chinese firms should be restricted to procure construction machinery and products already available in Pakistan such as cables and steel etc.
Economic revival without strengthening the construction industry is impossible because Over 100 allied industries are affiliated with this industry; and it can contribute immensely to the national economy, generate revenue and create jobs in the country. They suggested that the government should constitute a task force while inviting professionals from top engineering firms and assigning them the task of how the government can revive the construction industry.
PM Imran khan made a three-day official trip to China in the first week of November. He also visited Chinese International Import Expo 2018 in Shanghai.
