Islamabad: 29th May 2025: Pakistan and China reaffirm commitment to CPEC 2.0; unlocking new frontiers in regional connectivity, agricultural innovation, and strategic infrastructure.
Highlights from the Luncheon Hosted by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary for Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong
CPEC 2.0: From Planning to Performance
Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized fast-tracking projects under the next phase of CPEC. Gwadar Port is now fully connected to the national grid—marking a milestone toward regional integration and economic transformation.
Agricultural Cooperation: Seeding a Food-Secure Future
The first cohort of Chinese-sponsored agri-graduates is undergoing specialized training in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Chinese-donated agricultural machinery is being rapidly distributed across provinces to boost institutional capacity and uplift farmers.
Strategic Connectivity: KKH Phase II & ML-1
Urgency stressed on launching the Karakoram Highway upgrade and Main Line-1 railway project was described as “strategic arteries” of Pakistan’s economic future.
Livelihoods Corridor & Small Dams in Balochistan
China expressed readiness to support small dam projects under CPEC’s Livelihoods Corridor to enhance water access and rural development.
Academic Linkages
New proposals include institutional partnerships between Chinese universities and Pakistan’s Daanish University & Jinnah Medical Complex to deepen people-to-people ties.
Industrial Revival: Naphtha Cracker Complex
Minister Iqbal proposed reviving plans for this key industrial initiative, welcomed by the Ambassador with a commitment to facilitate further dialogue.
Next Steps: 14th JCC in July 2025
Both sides agreed on a results-oriented approach to elevate bilateral cooperation during the upcoming Joint Cooperation Committee meeting.
“CPEC is not just an economic project—it’s a shared destiny.” Said Prof. Ahsan Iqbal