CPEC-II to prioritise industry, innovation
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Tuesday that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would focus on innovation, industrial development and people-to-people connectivity, marking a shift towards broader economic integration.
He said growth corridors, innovation corridors, livelihood corridors and regional development initiatives would form part of CPEC Phase-II. The minister was addressing an annual award ceremony for outstanding Pakistani and Chinese staff working on CPEC projects at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. Addressing the ceremony, he paid tribute to Pakistani and Chinese professionals, particularly engineers, and described them as central to the execution of CPEC projects. He said the ceremony was not merely a distribution of awards but recognition of their service and dedication.
The minister emphasised the importance of solar energy systems and advanced meteorological systems for Pakistan's future and highlighted the need for human resource development. He said Pakistani students studying in China should return home and contribute to national progress under development initiatives.
He added that discussions had been held on the China-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor aimed at ensuring access to quality higher education for the younger generation. He reiterated that Pakistan attached importance to its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China.
Recalling the early phase of CPEC, the minister said Pakistan had been facing up to 18 hours of load shedding and noted that Chinese investment in the energy sector helped overcome the crisis. He said CPEC had played a significant role in Pakistan's economic development over the past decade.
"Friends are those who stand by you in times of need," he said, adding that without CPEC, Pakistan might still have been struggling with severe power shortages. He said agreements signed at the event would give new impetus to ongoing development projects and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He also highlighted the increasing geo-political importance of Gwadar due to CPEC, noting its growing relevance in regional connectivity and trade. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said the year marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China and noted that recent high-level visits had resulted in agreements on CPEC projects and broader bilateral cooperation.
He said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was visiting China and would meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss regional and bilateral matters. The ambassador appreciated steps taken by the Pakistani leadership and reaffirmed China's commitment to strengthening ties. Separately, Chinese Consul General Sun Yan visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Lahore Regional Office to discuss strengthening trade relations. A high-level consultative meeting was held with Pakistan's business leadership, chaired by FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Aijaz. Aijaz proposed the establishment of a joint business working group to enhance collaboration and invited Chinese companies to relocate industries to Pakistan's Special Economic Zones, highlighting tax incentives, duty-free import of machinery and GSP+ status as competitive advantages.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both sides emphasised accelerating CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrial development, technology transfer and business-to-business partnerships.
Sun Yan described Pakistan and China as all-weather strategic partners and said CPEC 2.0 was creating opportunities for the private sector, particularly in industry, agricultural modernisation and innovation. He said China's 15th Five-Year Plan focused on new quality productive forces that would expand bilateral cooperation. He said the Chinese Consulate was facilitating business linkages and that progress was being made with authorities in Beijing regarding business visa facilitation and policy support.
The meeting was attended by business leaders, including Shahzad Ali Malik, Dr Shehla Javed Akram, Nazir Hussain, Mian Sardar Nadeem Bara, Kashif Khokhar and Tariq Mahmood, along with representatives of trade associations and regional chambers. Participants emphasised cooperation in agriculture and the establishment of technical and vocational training centres aligned with industrial needs. At the conclusion of the event, FPCCI leadership presented a commemorative shield to the consul general.