Pakistan, China Set Export Focus in CPEC Phase II

Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their strong economic partnership at the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Beijing, with Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal declaring exports as the new engine of growth. The session marked the beginning of CPEC Phase II, focused on youth, innovation, and high-quality development.

During his address, Ahsan Iqbal stressed that while CPEC Phase I restored Pakistan’s energy security and built vital infrastructure, the next stage must prioritize exports, technology, and people-centered growth. He highlighted that although China’s imports exceed $2 trillion annually, Pakistan’s exports to China remain limited to around $3 billion. He urged for greater market access for Pakistani products, similar to ASEAN countries, and called for new export-driven special economic zones in Karachi and Islamabad to attract industrial relocation from China.

The minister emphasized youth engagement, proposing 10,000 PhD scholarships in emerging technologies, vocational training, and innovation centers. He also outlined five new corridors under CPEC 2.0, including the Growth, Innovation, Green, Livelihood, and Regional Connectivity Corridors, which will focus on clean energy, agriculture modernization, digital infrastructure, and cross-border trade.

Ahsan Iqbal noted that Gwadar is emerging as a regional hub, Gilgit-Baltistan is set for renewable energy projects, and private investment must drive CPEC forward, with recent MoUs worth $8.5 billion already signed at the Pakistan China Investment Conference. He assured full security for Chinese personnel and projects, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to building CPEC into a symbol of shared prosperity.