BEIJING — Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Wednesday. He held wide-ranging discussions further to solidify the “All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
Discussions also included a review of the successful culmination of the first decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the progress achieved in its second decade, especially on the five corridors, namely growth, livelihood, openness, inclusivity and innovation, as outlined by Chinese Vice Premier, He Lifeng last year.
In this regard, he lauded the services of Minister Planning Ahsan Iqbal. He called him Mr CPEC and noted the 5-E’s framework, i.e. Export, Energy, Equity, E-Pakistan and Environment, envisioned by the Government of Pakistan, to implement these five corridors under CPEC.
Both sides also discussed the early implementation of ML-I, KKH realignment and other critical infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the high-quality development of CPEC and outlined future cooperation under CPEC phase II in priority sectors such as IT, agriculture modernization, textile, minerals, and renewable energy.
He thanked China for its support in making CPEC a BRI flagship project, adding that it had helped Pakistan modernize its energy and logistics infrastructure.
The minister highlighted the need for more excellent business-to-business links for the second phase of CPEC, for which the issuance of visas to Pakistani businessmen should be facilitated.
He highlighted the significance and urgency of the ML-1 Peshawar—Karachi Railway mainline project. He called for enhanced collaboration in Human Resource Development (HRD), primarily through capacity-building programs and training opportunities. He recognized HRD as an essential area in the second phase of CPEC.
He apprised the Chinese side of the enhanced security measures the Government of Pakistan took to secure Chinese personnel.
As part of efforts to promote people-to-people linkages, both sides agreed to further enhance visa facilitation for each other’s citizens, which is highlighted as central to strengthening B2B cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue high-level exchanges between the two sides to foster the China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal arrived in Beijing today as part of the high-level interactions between China and Pakistan. The minister was accompanied by Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs.
After his arrival, the minister held several key meetings, including at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) and China Development Bank (CDB).
SAPM Amb. Tariq Fatemi and Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, were also present at the meeting. Later, Professor Ahsan Iqbal met with the leadership of Chinese financial institutions, including Sheng Hetai, President of China Export and Credit Insurance Corp. (SINOSURE), at SINOSURE’s Headquarters and discussed cooperation across various sectors, including early completion of hydel power projects such as Azad Pattan and Kohala.
Both sides agreed to realize the common goal of shared progress and prosperity. The minister also met with Tan Jiong, the President of China Development Bank (CDB). While highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between China and Pakistan, he noted the exception and unique nature of the bilateral relationship and acknowledged CDB’s contribution to making CPEC successful.
The two sides also discussed CDB’s support for development projects in Pakistan, especially in infrastructure, renewable energy and industrial sectors.
The President CDB assured the minister of the bank’s continued support for the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate the pace of socio-economic development in the country.
The minister invited the President CDB to visit Pakistan to witness the success of several key CPEC projects in the country.
