Islamabad, In a significant step to bolster economic development and regional connectivity, Pakistan and China have agreed to fast-track the implementation of phase two projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and initiate five new economic corridors. This agreement was reached in discussions between Pakistan’s Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, and the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the new corridors — focusing on job creation, innovation, green energy, and inclusive regional development — are intended to align with Pakistan’s 5Es framework, aiming to promote empowerment, environment, energy, equity, and e-Pakistan. This collaboration is expected to catalyze development across various sectors in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for national prosperity.

During the meeting, Minister Iqbal highlighted plans to enhance the functionality and success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Pakistan, proposing partnerships with Chinese SEZs to facilitate knowledge and expertise exchange. The minister acknowledged China’s role in aiding Pakistan’s export growth and reiterated the commitment to ensuring security for Chinese workers, underscoring its importance for sustaining development and investment.

Ambassador Jiang lauded Pakistan’s execution of CPEC initiatives and recommended that Pakistani SEZ officials visit Chinese industrial parks to adopt best practices. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of improving infrastructure projects like the Gwadar Port and M-8 Motorway, crucial for enhancing regional trade connections.

This development marks a new chapter in Pakistan-China cooperation under the CPEC framework, promising to bring about substantial economic benefits and foster closer ties between the two nations.