Karachi, In a significant meeting, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong and Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed discussed the ongoing progress and future prospects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The meeting underscored the continued commitment of both countries to strengthen their bilateral relations and to advance mutual cooperation under the CPEC framework.

According to Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, the Minister appreciated China’s leadership for successfully holding the 3rd Belt and Road (BRI) Forum 2023 and lauded President Xi’s vision, which identified eight areas of cooperation. This vision is seen as pivotal to the implementation of Phase-II of CPEC, to which Pakistan remains firmly committed.

The second phase of CPEC, marking a decade of collaboration between the two countries, has already commenced. The Minister briefed the Chinese envoy on the ongoing CPEC development projects, particularly emphasizing the significance of the ML-1 and Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) projects as strategic interventions. He also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation into new areas such as Science & Technology, Agriculture, and Mining, citing their potential for significant economic impact.

The discussion also focused on the development of Gwadar, with both sides emphasizing key initiatives to transform the city’s socio-economy. These include establishing a high-quality Vocational Training Institution, a Desalination plant, and a state-of-the-art Hospital. The Minister reassured that all ongoing projects, reviewed in detail post-BRI, are progressing well.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong commended Pakistan’s efforts in implementing CPEC, acknowledging its fruitful outcomes in infrastructure, energy, and other major areas. He appreciated the Planning Ministry’s role in not only implementing CPEC but also in promoting Pakistan’s economic and social development, infrastructure improvement, public well-being, people-to-people contact, and regional connectivity.

Both sides agreed to continue following up on CPEC progress and to mutually identify new areas of cooperation in line with President Xi’s vision. This meeting reinforces the deepening partnership between China and Pakistan, highlighting CPEC’s pivotal role in regional development and connectivity.