| Islamabad: Pakistan has completed a list of more than 70 projects for collaboration with China under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as reported on September 24.
Read: Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway may become part of CPEC
As per details, these projects, spanning sectors such as infrastructure, energy, trade, and technology, will be presented to the Chinese Prime Minister next month, according to sources from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.
Officials from the Ministry stated that while CPEC’s first phase was a resounding success, the second phase aims to deepen cooperation between the two nations by expanding the scope of development projects.
As part of this effort, Pakistan and China have agreed to prioritize five new development corridors focused on growth, innovation, green development, livelihood improvement, and regional connectivity. These corridors are designed to broaden CPEC’s reach, making the initiative more comprehensive and inclusive.
Read: Pak, China for timely completion of CPEC projects
During a recent visit to China, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, met with the Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The two sides agreed to organize a high-level workshop to align Pakistan’s 5Es framework with the proposed five corridors, as well as President Xi Jinping’s eight-point agenda under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Among the key projects set for collaboration are follow-up technical support for the New Gwadar International Airport, the second phase of the East Bay Expressway, and the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot section).
Read: Kakar stresses on Pak-China close coordination for completion of CPEC projects
The government is also keen on pushing forward two critical infrastructure projects: the Main Line 1 (ML-1) railway and the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). These are seen as pivotal to enhancing Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure. On the energy front, Pakistan is proposing projects like the GEIP LNG terminal and the expansion of the National Refinery, alongside plans to develop the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station and the Siyadik Copper Project. These projects aim to bolster the country’s energy production and mineral resources. |
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