Islamabad, In a pivotal development, Pakistan and China have agreed to establish a Working Group to advance five new Economic Corridors under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aligning with Pakistan’s comprehensive 5Es development framework. This collaboration aims to bolster various sectors including job creation, innovation, green energy, and regional development, marking a significant step in the bilateral partnership.

According to Press Information Department, the agreement came during discussions between Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. The meeting underscored both nations’ commitment to expediting the next phase of CPEC, reflecting a shared vision for economic progress and regional connectivity.

The planned economic corridors will focus on critical areas: Job Creation, Innovation, Green Energy, Equity, and Inclusive Regional Development, resonating with Pakistan’s 5Es framework—Export, Energy, Equity, E-Pakistan, and Environment. Concept papers prepared by both countries’ development agencies will outline strategies for these corridors, setting the stage for detailed discussions at the upcoming Joint Coordination Committee meeting.

Minister Iqbal also detailed a “one plus four” model to enhance the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Pakistan, proposing partnerships with Chinese provinces, industry groups, and SEZs to share expertise and promote industrial clusters. This initiative aims to drive export growth, job creation, and industrial diversification in Pakistan.

The Chinese envoy acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in implementing the first phase of CPEC and expressed support for the country’s industrial evolution. He suggested exchanges between Pakistani and Chinese industrial parks to share best practices and improve SEZ efficiency.

Furthermore, both parties emphasized the importance of regional connectivity projects like the Gwadar Port and M-8 motorway to facilitate trade and integration. Minister Iqbal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the security of Chinese personnel, highlighting it as a cornerstone for ongoing and future collaborations under CPEC.

This meeting marks a new chapter in Pakistan-China relations, focusing on sustainable development and economic synergies, setting a promising trajectory for mutual growth and regional prosperity.