Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurated a high-level workshop on Wednesday aimed at creating a roadmap for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The 14-day workshop, hosted at the National Research and Development Center (NRDC), is being attended by experts from both Pakistan and China.
In his address, Iqbal highlighted the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, describing it as an all-weather partnership that has flourished uninterrupted for decades. “Our friendship has never experienced autumn; it remains a vibrant spring,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the achievements of CPEC’s first phase, Iqbal noted Pakistan’s progress in energy, infrastructure, and digital connectivity, with 17 energy projects adding 8,904 MW to the national grid and over 888 kilometers of motorways and highways completed.
He emphasized that Gwadar Port is evolving into a regional connectivity hub, while the fibre optic cable has advanced Pakistan’s digital transformation under CPEC.
The minister highlighted that CPEC projects have directly and indirectly generated over 200,000 jobs, benefiting local communities and enhancing livelihoods across the country.
Unveiling the roadmap for CPEC’s second phase, Iqbal announced the establishment of five new corridors: Growth Corridor, Livelihood Corridor, Green Corridor, Innovation Corridor, and Opening-Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor, aligned with Pakistan’s “5Es Framework” focusing on exports, digitization, sustainability, energy, and equitable development.
Iqbal emphasized the importance of learning from China’s development journey, particularly its successes in poverty alleviation and technological advancements.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing collaboration with China in green development, technology, regional connectivity, and economic resilience, stating that both nations can transform challenges into opportunities for mutual benefit and regional stability.
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