Pakistan, China gear up for CPEC phase two

July 28, 2025(MLN): The first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been successfully completed and the second phase will focus on industrial cooperation, agriculture, information technology (IT) and social development.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Professor Ahsan Iqbal informed this during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad on Sunday.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and senior officials from both countries also attended the meeting.

The two sides discussed progress on ongoing CPEC projects and preparations for the upcoming Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, which is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties, said a press release issued yesterday.  

Professor Iqbal stressed that connecting CPEC to Central Asian states will enhance regional economic stability and cooperation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving and securing CPEC-related initiatives.

Iqbal also emphasized Pakistan’s continued collaboration with China in agriculture including the role of China-trained agriculture graduates in addressing climate change.

Further, he underlined the strategic importance of the Pakistan Space Centre and China’s vital role in its timely completion.

Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China’s continued support for Pakistan’s development and expressed confidence in expanding bilateral cooperation.

He further noted that developing Gwadar and operationalizing Special Economic Zones remain top government priorities, with plans to fully utilize the port’s trade potential.

The minister also highlighted Gwadar's mineral wealth, noting that modern infrastructure will unlock its full value.

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