3rd Session of Joint Consultation Mechanism of Political Parties on CPEC

Today, at the third Session of Joint Consultation Mechanism of Political Parties on CPEC the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary , delivered a speech that underscored the deepening bilateral cooperation between #Pakistan and the People’s Republic of #China. This event, hosted in Islamabad, witnessed participation from high-ranking officials of both nations, alongside representatives from Pakistan's political parties.

The primary aim was to highlight the unique relationship between Pakistan and China, discuss the strategic partnership, and deliberate on the next phase of CPEC. The forum underscored the consensus between the leadership of both countries to further strengthen economic cooperation and upgrade CPEC.

In his address, Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal praised the transformative impact of CPEC on Pakistan's development, noting how it has promoted integrated growth and addressed critical energy shortages. He recalled the significant investments made by Chinese investors in 2013, which played a pivotal role in revitalizing Pakistan's economic and energy sectors.

He also highlighted the recent 13th session of CPEC's Joint Coordination Committee, held on May 24, 2024. This session resulted in the agreement to include five new corridors in the CPEC framework: a corridor of growth, livelihood enhancement, innovation, a green corridor, and a regional connectivity corridor. These new corridors align with Pakistan's "Five E's" framework, focusing on export potential, digital economy transformation, environmental and climate change issues, energy sector efficiency, and societal equity and empowerment.

Minister Iqbal emphasized the unwavering commitment of both sides to the shared vision, noting the immense opportunities for business-to-business cooperation, industrial collaboration, and the relocation of industries to Pakistan's Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He also mentioned the importance of agricultural partnerships, technological advancements, and China's willingness to share its development experience.

In addressing the current geopolitical landscape, Minister Iqbal stressed the significance of CPEC as a beacon of stability and shared growth. Highlighting the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, Minister Iqbal noted its critical role in regional trade and its provision of direct access to the Arabian Sea for China.

Addressing security concerns, Minister Iqbal assured that the Pakistani government has implemented stringent measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel working in Pakistan. He emphasized that every Chinese national in Pakistan is considered a national guest, and their security is of utmost priority.

In conclusion, Minister Iqbal expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to CPEC's development. He highlighted the symbolic significance of the China-Pakistan friendship, stating that it has transcended the heights of the skies, epitomized by the recent launch of Pakistan's MM-1 satellite from a Chinese rocket. ??