ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal chaired a preparatory meeting for the upcoming 13th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) session and an imminent high-level delegation’s visit to China, focusing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s significant achievements from 2013 to 2018, including approximately $25 billion of Chinese investment under CPEC. Despite past challenges, efforts to restore China’s confidence have yielded substantial progress under the current government.
In his assessment of ongoing projects, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal accentuated the imperative of preparing for the second phase of CPEC. Making reference to the recent visit of China’s Deputy Prime Minister commemorating the 10th anniversary of CPEC, Minister Ahsan Iqbal outlined the incorporation of five corridors for future collaboration, with a focal emphasis on economic corridors geared towards job creation, innovation, green energy, and inclusive regional development.
Strategies within each corridor were deliberated, aligning them with national development objectives. Preparations for the high-profile visit to Pakistan included discussions at the JCC to finalize outcomes before the Prime Minister’s trip to China.
Projects such as ML-1, Thakot-Raikot Section of KKH, Gwadar Airport, Orange Line, and KCR Project were scrutinized, with recommendations for new initiatives encouraged.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need for a proficient team for negotiations in China, evaluating each project’s contribution to the overarching vision.
Key stakeholders, including the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and representatives from the Pakistan Embassy in China, attended the meeting.
Recent Joint Working Group meetings reaffirmed commitment to international cooperation, with modalities for third-party cooperation to be finalized during the Prime Minister’s visit to China.
Discussion also covered upgrading the Karakoram Highway and various infrastructure projects, including the ML1 Railway Line and Gwadar development.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed all ministries to prepare comprehensive progress reports and proposals ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to China.
