Minister unveils plans for CPEC upgrade Phase II in which new corridors will be added focusing on growth and regional connectivity.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, outlined plans to enhance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in its second phase, which will introduce new corridors focused on growth, innovation, sustainability, livelihoods, and regional connectivity.
To support this vision, a seminar will take place in Beijing from December 17th to 30th, aimed at defining the scope and strategy for the upgraded CPEC.
During the seminar, Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong will honor staff who contributed to the success of CPEC projects at the Chinese Embassy, recognizing their outstanding performance.
At the ceremony, the Minister emphasized the importance of acknowledging the hard work of employees working on CPEC. He noted that the event highlighted the dedication and cooperation that have characterized the partnership between Pakistan and China.
The Minister remarked that CPEC represents the deep and lasting friendship between the two nations, having strengthened economic ties, people-to-people relationships, and strategic collaboration over the past decade.
Iqbal praised the employees for their crucial role in CPEC’s success, noting their contributions to infrastructure, energy, logistics, and technology. Their efforts have significantly impacted Pakistan’s economy, created jobs, and improved millions of lives.
He acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of both Pakistani and Chinese workers, engineers, technicians, and project managers who helped complete major projects and laid the groundwork for future initiatives. Iqbal emphasized that CPEC is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Iqbal also shared that CPEC’s first phase has seen the completion of 43 projects worth about USD 25 billion, including 17 power projects adding 8,800 MW to the national grid, two coal mines, and a +660 kV HVDC transmission line.
In transportation, CPEC has completed eight projects valued at USD 6.7 billion, constructing 888 km of motorways and highways, with an additional 853 km underway. The Havelian-Thakot section of the Karakoram Highway won the ENR award.
The minister further mentioned that CPEC has created approximately 200,000 direct jobs and has the potential for even more indirect employment.
Looking ahead, Iqbal announced that the second phase of CPEC will focus on business-to-business cooperation in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, Gwadar Port, and the free zone. This phase will prioritize job creation and bring substantial economic benefits to both countries.
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