The Senate Special Committee on the Project of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) discussed in detail SMEs and SEZs, uninterrupted power supply along CPEC routes, delaying of tariff determination by NEPRA for Coal based energy project in Gwadar and the Second Phase of Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Committee also discussed the Bill to set-up a Monitoring Authority for CPEC Projects. The Committee agreed unanimously not to support any such document without it being presented to the Parliament for approval. Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Special Committee on the Project of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) demanded that TORs of the CPEC authority be shared in the Committee. She said, “The Senate will oppose formation of CPEC authority through Presidential ordinance, it can only be formed by an act of the parliament and with the consensus of the provinces.” The Committee took serious notice of Bostan Industrial Zone, Balochistan not being included in the list of prioritized SEZs. These were Rashakai SEZ Nowshera, Allama Iqbal Industrial City and China Special Economic Zone, Dhabejji, Thatta. The Committee was assured that the Federal Government will look after the budget through PSDP. The Committee stressed that incentives must not be revoked as this would be a gross violation of rights. While discussing delay of tariff determination by NEPRA for local based Energy Project (300 MW) in Gwadar, the Committee was informed that NEPRA increased rates to PKR 7.5 per unit , however, this was not acceptable to the Company. The matter has been submitted to a tribunal. While discussing the second stage of Free Trade Agreement, the Committee recommended that a mechanism be formulated to ensure that Pakistani Industries can compete. The Committee was informed that as a result of the 2nd Phase Agreement Pakistan would regain eroded margin of preference, asymmetrical liberalization favouring Pakistan: 90 percent for China and 67 percent for Pakistan. The Committee also adopted a resolution demanding that the Government of Pakistan take immediate steps for the construction of an interchange on the Multan-Sukkur Motorway at Village Bhong, Tehsil Sadiqabad and District Rahim Yar Khan.
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