Pakistan launches Visions 2025 program for fast-track development

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today unveiled an ambitious programme to transform the country into an economically strong and prosperous nation and enhance exports to $ 150 billion by 2025 from the current USD 25 billion.

Planning and Development minister Ahsan Iqbal launched the Vision 2025 programme in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He said that the programme sets the directions for the sustainable and inclusive growth of the economy with the objective to reduce poverty and backwardness, Radio Pakistan reported.

"The programme would put Pakistan on way to sustainable economic growth trajectory, creating a globally competitive and prosperous country by providing a high quality of life for all citizens," Iqbal said earlier at a press conference.

He said the long term development plan envisages export and private sector-led growth.

"Under this plan, exports will be enhanced to $ 150 billion by 2025," he said.

Pakistan currently exports goods worth $ 25 billion. To achieve this target, modern infrastructure of road and rail network will be developed and competitiveness will be introduced in all sectors of economy including agriculture and industry.

Ahsan said top-most priority has been given to human resource development in the document for which Rs 12.5 billion have been allocated.

The minister said under this plan, food and energy security will be ensured and 10,400 megawatt of electricity will be produced with the assistance of China to overcome the crisis.

He said the US, Middle Eastern and the European countries are also helping Pakistan to cope up with the energy shortage.

Ahsan Iqbal said implementation of this long-term plan will be ensured at all costs as it has been prepared with the consensus of all the four provinces and the political parties.

A special unit will be constituted in the planning commission which will present quarterly report on the implementation of the programme.

Vision 2025 includes a National Human Development Endowment Fund of Rs 10 billion, Rs 5 billion technological development fund and Rs one billion for science farming.