Government launches National Growth Centre to boost economic development

August 08, 2023 (MLN): With the objective of setting the nation on a steady path of economic development, innovation, and prosperity, Islamabad's Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, launched the National Growth Centre (NGC) on Tuesday, said a press release issued on the same day.

Addressing the launching ceremony here, he highlighted the importance of fostering an environment of sustainable development, creating jobs, empowering communities, and stimulating economic diversification. 

“Our goal is nothing short of positioning Pakistan as a hub of innovation and progress on the global stage,” he said.

The main NGC centre would be based at the Planning Ministry while such facilities would be operating in various universities of the country.

He said the NGC was not merely a physical space but a symbol of commitment to the future, a testament to an unwavering belief in the potential of people and national resources.

“We envision these growth centres as catalysts for holistic growth where industry, academia, and government collaborate seamlessly, groundbreaking research meets practical application, and local communities flourish alongside the national economic expansion,” he added.

In the pursuit of this vision, the minister said, the government would lay the foundation for a thriving ecosystem by focusing on several key areas including infrastructure development, education research, industry and entrepreneurship, sustainability and green initiatives besides local community empowerment.

“Therefore, our growth centres will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class transportation networks, reliable energy sources, and cutting-edge communication systems – that will attract both domestic and foreign investments,” the Minister stated.

Commenting on education and research, he said knowledge was the key to progress and these centres would house prestigious research institutions and universities, nurturing a culture of innovation and intellectual excellence.

About industry and entrepreneurship, the minister said these centres would serve as incubators for start-ups and entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary support, mentorship, and funding to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

He further expressed that special economic zones will be established within these centres, enabling industries to flourish and trade to thrive.

Explaining sustainability and green initiatives, he said environmental responsibility was a cornerstone of the incumbent government’s development strategy.

Speaking at the event, Ahsan Iqbal said that growth centres will be models of sustainable urban planning, integrating green spaces, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly infrastructure to ensure a harmonious coexistence between development and the environment.

Whereas, he said under the local community empowerment initiative, the government focused on macroeconomic growth without ignoring the micro-level impact of life.”

He stressed the need for embarking on this journey with a renewed sense of purpose, guided by the principles of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.

“Together, we will create a legacy that generations to come will celebrate a legacy of a prosperous, thriving, and globally competitive Pakistan,” he concluded.

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