PICTURE: RADIO PAKISTAN
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has emphasized the importance of connecting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Central Asian states, saying it would greatly contribute to regional economic stability and cooperation.
He made these remarks during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, in the federal capital on Sunday.
The minister noted that the first phase of CPEC had been completed, while the second phase focuses on industrial cooperation, agriculture, information technology, and social development. He reiterated the government’s firm commitment to ensuring the security of CPEC projects.
Iqbal underscored that the development of Gwadar and the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) remain among the government’s top priorities. He also discussed continued collaboration in agriculture to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic ambitions, he said the Pakistan Space Centre is a project of national importance and emphasized China’s pivotal role in ensuring its timely completion.
Both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing CPEC projects and finalized preparations for the upcoming Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, where major decisions are expected to further strengthen Pakistan-China ties.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong support for Pakistan’s development and assured that bilateral cooperation will continue to expand in the years ahead.
