Pakistan has entered a decisive moment in the evolution of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor as Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a comprehensive preparatory meeting ahead of the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee session. The meeting gathered key conveners of CPEC Joint Working Groups and senior officials from ministries including Foreign Affairs, Communications, Maritime Affairs, Science and Technology, Railways, Commerce and Interior. Their task was to review ongoing progress, finalize deliverables and align national priorities for the next chapter of CPEC cooperation.
Deep dives across priority sectors
Minister Iqbal conducted an in depth assessment of CPEC projects across critical areas such as Gwadar development, industrial cooperation, science and technology, transport infrastructure, agriculture and the blue economy. He emphasized that each ministry must operationalize CPEC’s long term plan by updating sectoral roadmaps and ensuring full alignment with national development goals. This direction signaled a clear shift toward a more performance oriented, measurable and integrated implementation strategy for CPEC 2.0.
Strategic outreach to Chinese economic zones
One of the key directives was issued to the Board of Investment, which has been instructed to immediately begin outreach to twenty to twenty five major Chinese economic zones. The aim is to attract experienced companies capable of supporting Pakistan’s Special Economic Zone development and encouraging industrial relocation to the country. The outreach is expected to accelerate foreign direct investment flows, enhance value added industrial activity and lay the foundation for export oriented growth.
Science and technology at the heart of future growth
Minister Iqbal highlighted that science and technology will be central to driving Pakistan’s transition into a competitive and innovation powered economy. He tasked the Ministry of Science and Technology with studying China’s achievements in frontier scientific fields, formulating a forward looking national scientific agenda and identifying ten high potential export products to prioritize for research and innovation support. These efforts will anchor Pakistan’s long term industrial transformation and help the country integrate into global technology value chains.
Accelerating Gwadar’s role as a blue economy hub
Gwadar’s importance was underscored repeatedly during the meeting. The Minister called for fast tracked development in fisheries, tourism and coastal industries through stronger engagement with both Pakistani and Chinese business communities. By expanding investment and operational activity in Gwadar, Pakistan aims to position the port city as a vibrant center of blue economy growth and a gateway for regional connectivity.
Toward broader participation in CPEC
Minister Iqbal also directed officials to finalize a proposal for introducing a third party participation mechanism within CPEC. This mechanism would open the door for additional countries and investors to join select infrastructure projects, enhancing collaboration and expanding the corridor’s overall impact. The proposal will be presented for approval during the upcoming JCC session.
CPEC 2.0 aligned with URAAN Pakistan’s national transformation vision
In his closing remarks, the Minister reiterated that CPEC 2.0 is now deeply integrated with the URAAN Pakistan initiative, a national development blueprint aiming to transform Pakistan into a three trillion dollar economy by 2047. The initiative’s five pillars — Exports, E Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Equity — align closely with CPEC’s focus on industrialization, connectivity, technology and sustainability. Together, the two frameworks are designed to catalyze inclusive, innovation driven development across all regions of the country.
B2B partnerships as the engine of future growth
A major theme of the meeting was the need to strengthen business to business connections between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises. Minister Iqbal emphasized that B2B collaboration will be the driving force behind CPEC’s next phase, unlocking growth in manufacturing, energy, logistics, agriculture and ICT. These partnerships will stimulate technology transfer, attract foreign investment, create jobs and boost exports. By empowering local businesses and nurturing entrepreneurship, a vibrant B2B ecosystem under CPEC 2.0 will elevate Pakistan’s global competitiveness and transform Special Economic Zones into engines of prosperity.
