CPEC Phase II
Pakistan and China have renewed their dedication to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II. This phase prioritizes industrialization, special economic zones (SEZs), clean energy, agriculture, and livelihood enhancement projects, aiming to elevate the economic partnership between the two nations.
The fifth meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) was convened in Beijing, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch shared details of the meeting in a press statement issued on Saturday.
During the discussions, both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved since the fourth JWG-ICC meeting held in Islamabad on January 21, 2024.
The group recognized CPEC’s pivotal role in fostering regional connectivity, win-win cooperation, and shared prosperity. They also emphasized expanding partnerships with other countries to enhance CPEC’s regional impact.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch described CPEC as the “cornerstone” of China-Pakistan economic collaboration and a “shining symbol” of the enduring friendship between the two nations. Highlighting the significance of Phase II, she reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the initiative.
Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong outlined the alignment of CPEC Phase II’s five new corridors—growth, livelihood, innovation, open, and green—with Pakistan’s national development framework, centered on the “5 E’s”: Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy, Environment, and Equity. He emphasized that these corridors are designed to mutually reinforce Pakistan’s development objectives.
The meeting also underscored the importance of deepening cooperation in media, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people linkages.
Both sides resolved to accelerate the building of a China-Pakistan community of shared future in the new era, reflecting the robust strategic partnership between the two nations.
CPEC continues to serve as a vital engine for economic growth and a testament to the deep ties between Pakistan and China, with Phase II heralding a new chapter of enhanced collaboration and development.
