China and Pakistan reaffirmed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains the cornerstone of their economic cooperation and a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Both sides agreed on a strategic roadmap to align CPEC’s five corridors, Growth, Livelihoods, Innovation, Green, and Openness, with Pakistan’s URAAN Program, which focuses on exports, digitalisation, energy, equity, and environmental resilience.
The partnership aims to carry forward landmark projects while also introducing “small and beautiful” livelihood initiatives, ensuring development remains both high-quality and secure.
Industrial and Agricultural Development
Beijing will support the building of industrial parks in Karachi, Islamabad, and other Special Economic Zones, with a focus on mining and industrial cooperation. Third-party participation will also be encouraged to accelerate Pakistan’s industrialization and boost exports.
On agriculture, both nations agreed to deepen cooperation in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and advanced seed technology. Joint agricultural modernisation zones will be established, and over 1,000 young Pakistani agricultural professionals will continue to receive training in China.
Gwadar, Maritime and Energy Projects
Gwadar Port will be further developed into a regional trade hub, integrating its free zone with new infrastructure such as the East Bay Expressway Phase II and the New Gwadar International Airport. The port will also be leveraged for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Maritime and mining cooperation will expand through joint oil, gas, and geological surveys. On energy, Pakistan’s power system will see capacity-building programs to optimize existing CPEC power projects.
Digital Innovation and Connectivity
An Innovation Corridor will be developed to advance information technology cooperation. Projects include fibre-optic networks, satellite internet, AI, cloud computing, and big data. Both sides also agreed on strengthening cybersecurity, policy exchanges, and digital talent development through academic partnerships.
Connectivity will expand through the upgrade of the ML-1 railway, Khunjerab Pass modernisation, and improved cross-border trade routes. Postal and courier services will also see new digital systems to enhance logistics and delivery.
Trade and Financial Cooperation
China and Pakistan are committed to deeper trade liberalisation under the Phase-II Free Trade Agreement, while accelerating electronic “single window” systems for secure data exchange. The Khunjerab-Sost pass will be modernized with a “green channel” for agricultural products.
China also pledged continued financial support and closer cooperation in regional and global financial platforms, ensuring Pakistan receives stable assistance in trade, investment, and development financing.
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