Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired the first post-14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) review meeting to assess progress on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
During the session, Ahsan Iqbal directed relevant ministries to accelerate work on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and design new CPEC Phase-II projects that deliver long-term social and economic benefits. He emphasised that this new phase will focus on agriculture, industry, information technology, and people-to-people cooperation, with a stronger role for the private sector and targeted skill development for youth.
Highlighting CPEC’s ongoing contribution to employment, investment, and technology transfer, the minister said Phase-II aims to boost Pakistan’s exports through sustainable and inclusive growth. He also announced that the 15th JCC meeting will be held in Pakistan next year to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
Ahsan Iqbal noted that Pakistan’s Five Es framework is being aligned with China’s Five Corridors to ensure policy consistency and development continuity. He reaffirmed that, just as CPEC Phase-I was implemented with dedication, Phase-II will move forward with the same commitment.
The minister further highlighted successful outcomes of China-Pakistan cooperation, such as the Gwadar desalination plant, which has significantly improved the local water supply. Under the Livelihood Corridor initiative, Pakistan will adopt China’s development model for uplifting underdeveloped regions.
He added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with China’s Development Research Centre (DRC) to enhance export capacity and improve policy formulation, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
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