New phase of CPEC will prioritize industrialization, agriculture, IT, mining, and human resource development to boost shared prosperity.
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan and China are entering a new phase of strategic economic collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, with the initiative expected to unlock fresh opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China remains a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy and long-term economic development.
He congratulated the Chinese leadership and the CPC on the occasion, praising China’s extraordinary economic transformation. Dar noted that China’s success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty has not only improved the lives of its citizens but has also contributed significantly to global development through its vision of shared prosperity and a community with a shared future.
Highlighting the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, the deputy prime minister described bilateral ties as a model of mutual trust, respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation. He said both nations have consistently supported each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core national interests, further strengthening their strategic partnership.
Dar termed the launch of CPEC in 2015 a historic milestone that significantly expanded economic cooperation between the two countries. He said the flagship project helped Pakistan overcome electricity shortages, modernize transport infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities, particularly in less-developed regions.
Looking ahead, he said CPEC 2.0 will focus on high-quality development through collaboration in industrialization, agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals, and human resource development. According to Dar, the second phase aligns closely with Pakistan’s 5E Framework, which emphasizes exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment.
The foreign minister expressed confidence that the alignment between CPEC 2.0 and Pakistan’s national development priorities would drive innovation, attract investment, and create long-term economic benefits for both countries. He added that the initiative would inject fresh momentum into building a stronger China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and a shared future for the two nations.
Dar also highlighted the importance of party-to-party engagement between the Communist Party of China and Pakistan’s political parties, saying such exchanges have strengthened mutual understanding, improved governance cooperation, and enhanced people-to-people connectivity. He emphasized that successive Pakistani governments have consistently prioritized strong relations with China.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, global stability, and sustainable development, Dar said Islamabad and Beijing would continue working closely for the mutual benefit of their peoples and the broader international community. He also recalled his visit to Beijing on May 24, where he attended, as chief guest, a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, reaffirming the enduring strength of bilateral ties.
