Senior delegation, Planning Minister discuss progress of CPEC 2.0 over a luncheon held in Islamabad
A senior Chinese delegation held discussions with Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning on Thursday to review and advance development projects under Phase 2 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The consultations are part of preparations for the upcoming 14th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting scheduled for July.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal hosted the delegation over a luncheon meeting in Islamabad. The session aimed to enhance bilateral collaboration in the next phase of CPEC, with a focus on innovation, communication, and public engagement.
The visiting delegation was led by Hu Zhaoming, spokesperson of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) and Director General of its Information and Communication Bureau. Other members included senior officials Hu Xiaodong, Fan Shilian, and Li Zishuo, along with Chinese Embassy diplomats such as Deputy Chief of Mission Shi Yuanqiang and Attaché Zhang Duo.
Minister Iqbal underscored the importance of the JCC meeting as a defining point in CPEC’s evolution and noted that working group sessions were already underway to ensure its success. He emphasized the role of youth and the need to encourage critical thinking and innovation, reflecting on China’s own developmental journey and the alignment of national goals with public confidence.
The meeting explored new ideas to enhance cultural and informational understanding between the two countries. Proposals included media and journalist exchange programs, digital content collaborations, and the distribution of Chinese content dubbed in English on mainstream OTT platforms to make CPEC and Chinese culture more accessible to Pakistani youth.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar also advocated for a digital exchange initiative focused on journalists and social media influencers, aimed at countering misinformation and promoting authentic narratives about CPEC.
Amenah Kamal from the Planning Commission backed these ideas and suggested that English and Urdu-dubbed content should be distributed on digital platforms to maximize youth engagement.
Other key participants included Javed Sikandar from the Planning Commission, Dr. Nadeem Javaid of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), and Dr. Muzamil Zia, an expert on regional connectivity and infrastructure for CPEC.
The session ended with a mutual commitment to strengthen the China-Pakistan partnership through open dialogue, creative collaboration, and inclusive communication strategies.
Related Posts
