25 May 2004 10:47
Economic strategy based on combating poverty: President
ISLAMABAD , May.25 (PPI): President Pervez Musharraf said that the entire economic strategy was based on long-term
measures to fight out poverty. "The cardinal objective of the strategy is poverty alleviation," he said during
his 95-minute speech at the end of three-day 'Students Convention' here at the Convention Centre. He pointed
out that poverty was rampant in rural areas where population was associated with agriculture. In order to support and
boost agriculture sector, he said, Rs 300 billion were being spent on water reservoirs, canals and related projects.
Likewise, he said that Rs 40-50 billion would be spent on construction of watercourses. Such projects, he said, would go
a long way in elimination of unemployment and fighting poverty. However, he cautioned that time was required for
completion of such projects, generating job opportunities. In this connection, he made mention of Coastal Highway,
Mirani Dam, Gomalzam Dam and Gwadar Port. The President said that the government was pushing forward its agenda under a
well-conceived strategy. He threw light on the improvement in various corporations, particularly the Pakistan National
Shipping Corporation, Pakistan International Airlines and Pakistan Steel. He said PNSC has bought two oil tankers; PIA
was in the process of inducting new Boeing-777s to its fleet, whereas China and Russia had expressed their willingness
to expand Pakistan Steel. "All these steps are indicative of great improvement. Foreign exchange reserves also
reflect the state of economy," he added.
(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)
[Pakistan Press International Information Services Limited] |
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