Studies for the Istanbul–Islamabad Railway Project Have Gained Speed TEPAV Director Güven Sak met President Zardari during his visit to Pakistan and discussed the Istanbul-Islamabad Railway Project.
ISLAMABAD / KARACHI - TEPAV Director Güven Sak visited Pakistan on 17-18 March 2011 and met senior officials to discuss the Istanbul-Islamabad Railway Project. Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, also received Sak. The main item on the agenda was the Istanbul-Islamabad Railway Project. The pre-feasibility study of the project will be completed before President Zardari's planned visit to Turkey in April. The contribution of the private sector to the management of the railways also is involved in the new growth strategy documents of Pakistan.
In the meeting with TEPAV Director Sak on Friday, 18 March, Zardari reiterated his support for the project. The Istanbul-Islamabad Railway project had emerged during the talks between the President of Turkey and the President of Pakistan in December 2010, and was initiated by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).
Trade between Europe and Middle East will be boosted
The project carried out by TEPAV aims to design a framework for investments in infrastructure, rolling stock, and to solve the inter-country coordination problems. The financing model includes private sector participation, including the opening of the holding company to the public. The railway will connect South Asia to Europe in a fast and cheap fashion, and expected to boost trade between two regions. A further connection to China is also planned.
Sak: "Prioritize reforms"
In his two-day visit to Pakistan, Sak also met with officials from the Planning Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Railways, the Board of Investments, as well as private sector representatives. Participating in a meeting in Karachi upon the invitation of the Planning Commission of Pakistan, Sak was briefed on the New Development Approach of Pakistan. In this context, Sak stressed that it is of importance to prioritize some reforms over the others, rather than having a long menu of targeted reforms. The draft New Development Approach prepared by the Planning Commission of Pakistan emphasizes the key importance of second generation reforms. The document also highlights the critical role of the private sector in operating the railways.
Please see the links below to read the news about the meeting in Pakistani media:
http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=134123&Itemid=2
http://tribune.com.pk/story/134748/gul-train-project-moves-forward/
