Pakistan and China agree on five new corridors: Ahsan Iqbal

New economic corridors to be established under CPEC Phase II, says federal minister

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives of Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal, affirmed that Pakistan and China have reached an agreement on the establishment of five new corridors and the implementation of modern technology in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the China-Pakistan Political Parties Forum, Iqbal stated “The new economic corridors being established under CPEC Phase II are part of the ES5 framework, which includes the Growth Corridor, Livelihood Enhancing Corridor, Innovation Corridor, Green Corridor, and Opening Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor. These align with Pakistan’s priorities for export-led growth, digital development, environmental sustainability, energy and infrastructure development, and equity and empowerment”

The planning minister emphasized the importance of CPEC for stability, regional connectivity, and economic development, noting the strategic significance of Gwadar Port for providing China with direct access to the Arabian Sea.

He highlighted the Pakistani government's commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese officials, with measures in place for their protection.

The event, attended by high-ranking officials including Minister for International Department Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Liu Jianchao, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, underscored the strength of Pakistan-China relations and the pivotal role of CPEC.

During the 13th session of CPEC’s Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on May 24, 2024, both countries agreed to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector with advanced technologies and to extend cooperation in B2B links, industrial cooperation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, and offshore oil and gas exploration.

Iqbal expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their support in advancing CPEC and noted the launch of a Pakistani satellite via a Chinese rocket as a symbol of the deepening friendship. He reiterated that Pakistan-China relations transcend political changes and enjoy national consensus.