The Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives heralded a new era of collaboration between China and Pakistan in the second phase of CPEC.
In a landmark visit to Beijing, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives heralded a new era of collaboration between China and Pakistan in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Stepping into the heart of China on Wednesday, the Minister embarked on a mission to fortify ties, marking the first high-level visit by a Pakistani official to China since the ascent of Pakistan’s new government.
“China is a historical friend of Pakistan, and has supported us in difficult times,” expressed Minister as he set foot in Beijing, as reported by Global Times. With a backdrop of mutual trust and solidarity, the Minister underlined the pivotal role of China in propelling Pakistan’s developmental ambitions forward.
In the maiden phase of the CPEC, Pakistan witnessed a transformative overhaul in its energy and infrastructure sectors. Now, poised for the second phase, Minister outlined a strategic roadmap emphasizing the bolstering of agriculture, industry, green energy, and technology sectors.
In a meeting with China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, held in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Minister delineated ambitious plans for green energy cooperation. Pakistan is eyeing the establishment of industrial zones tailored for the production of electric cars, leveraging China’s technological prowess and Pakistan’s competitive advantages. The initiative not only aims to slash production costs but also promises to generate employment avenues for Pakistani laborers.
During his series of deliberations in Beijing, Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the high-quality evolution of the CPEC. Shedding light on the contours of future cooperation, priority sectors such as information technology, agriculture modernization, textiles, minerals, and renewable energy took center stage. The envisioned collaboration seeks to propel both nations towards the zenith of economic prosperity, underpinned by sustainable development principles.
Moreover, Iqbal unveiled enhanced security measures meticulously crafted by Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel. With a steadfast resolve, Pakistan stands as a beacon of stability, fostering an environment conducive to robust collaboration and investment.
The visit of Minister stands as a testament to the enduring bond between China and Pakistan, forged in the crucible of friendship and mutual respect. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, the second phase of the CPEC heralds a new chapter in the annals of bilateral cooperation, poised to usher in an era of shared prosperity and development.