Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday launched the National Growth Center aimed at putting the country on a steady path of economic development, innovation and prosperity.
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.”
The main NGC center 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 centers 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.”
In the pursuit of this vision, the minister said, the government would lay the foundation for a thriving ecosystem by focusing on several critical areas including infrastructure development, education research, industry and entrepreneurship, sustainability and green initiatives besides local community empowerment.
Elaborating, Ahsan Iqbal said modern infrastructure was the backbone of any thriving economy. “Therefore, our growth centers 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.”—APP
