Pakistan and China are set to sign multiple MoUs to fast-track the second phase of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, with Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in China to attend the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting of the CPEC.
Pakistan, China begin JCC meeting in Beijing
The 14th JCC meeting formally began in Beijing on Friday with senior officials, ministers, and sectoral experts from both sides in attendance. The session is being co-chaired by the planning ministers of Pakistan and China.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan and China are “iron brothers,” tied by trust and a shared vision of progress. He said CPEC Phase II would usher in a “new era of people- and youth-oriented development.”
Key MoUs under CPEC Phase II
Pakistan and China are set to sign MoUs linking CPEC to the Uraan Pakistan 5Es Framework. The agreements will cover:
- Joint efforts will be made to promote exports from Special Economic Zones.
- Joint strategy for sustainable economic growth.
- Cooperation in digital transformation, 5G, fiber networks, and artificial intelligence.
- Development of environment-friendly energy infrastructure.
- Protection of water resources and improved water availability.
- Initiatives to enhance the quality of life of people in Pakistan.
- Promotion of modern agriculture and green corridors to fight climate change.
- Support for financing environmentally friendly projects.
Achievements of CPEC Phase I
Highlighting the first phase of CPEC, Iqbal said Pakistan successfully added 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, constructed 888 kilometers of highways, and transformed Gwadar from a small fishing town into a maritime gateway.
He further noted that the modernization of ML-1 railway will inject new life into Pakistan Railways, boosting connectivity and trade.
Youth, education opportunities in CPEC II
Ahsan Iqbal underlined that CPEC Phase II will focus heavily on youth development. Pakistan has proposed:
- 10,000 PhD scholarships in Chinese universities.
- Establishment of innovation centers.
- Internship programs in Chinese institutions.
“These initiatives will create new opportunities for research, experimentation, and learning, helping Pakistan’s youth shape the country’s future,” he added.
Iqbal also said Pakistan will learn from the Chinese poverty alleviation model to uplift its underdeveloped districts.
