CPEC Phase 2: Ministries Directed to Draft 5-Year Concept Papers in a meeting with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, announced that several joint working group meetings would take place next month (September). He directed the relevant ministries to draft concept papers outlining the next five years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-2 projects.
He highlighted that Pakistan and China have reached an agreement to commence work on five economic corridors under CPEC Phase-2 as soon as possible. These corridors align with Pakistan’s 5Es framework (export, energy, equity, E-Pakistan, and environment) aimed at driving economic development.
These remarks were made during a review meeting on CPEC projects, chaired by the minister. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Owais Manzoor Sumra, secretaries from relevant ministries, heads of institutions, and senior officials.
The minister instructed all working groups to prepare concept papers on the five corridors proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in August 2023. A comprehensive document on these five corridors is expected to be ready by the end of August. He also emphasized that the Innovation Corridor would focus on launching new projects using modern technology and equipping the youth with IT skills.
Five New Corridors – growth, economic development, innovation, green initiatives, and regional connectivity
He urged that all CPEC Phase-2 projects be planned according to the five new corridors, which include growth, economic development, innovation, green initiatives, and regional connectivity. All ministries were directed to prepare the necessary documents and submit formal CPEC plans within the next 15 days.
The minister further elaborated that under Open Regional Cooperation, CPEC would serve as a tool for enhancing connectivity and fostering friendly relations with Central Asia.
He called on all ministries to prepare five-year plans under the CPEC portfolio and present them at the upcoming Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting.
The minister emphasized the importance of breaking down long-term projects sector-wise and integrating them into the working groups. He also recommended holding weekly meetings to finalize the agenda and proposed projects for the joint working groups. “We should not only prepare our five-year plan but also have a thorough understanding of China’s CPEC Phase 2 plan,” he added.
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