ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said Pakistan and China are entering into a new phase of economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with the next stage of the flagship initiative focusing on industrialisation, agriculture, information technology, mining, minerals and human resource development.
Deputy PM Dar made these remarks while addressing a reception held in Islamabad to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.
Dar added that Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China remains a central pillar of the country’s foreign policy and development priorities.
The deputy prime minister congratulated the Chinese leadership and CPC members on the occasion, praising China’s remarkable progress and transformation under the party’s leadership.
He said China’s economic achievements and success in lifting millions of people out of poverty have contributed not only to its own development but also to global economic growth through the vision of shared prosperity.
Highlighting the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China, Dar said the relationship has been strengthened over generations and stands as a model of mutual trust, respect and cooperation. He noted that both countries have consistently supported each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests.
Speaking about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Dar described its launch in 2015 as a milestone in bilateral relations. He said the project has expanded economic cooperation, helped address Pakistan’s energy challenges, improved infrastructure and created employment opportunities, particularly in less-developed areas.
CPEC 2.0 to promote high-quality development
He said CPEC 2.0 will promote high-quality development by expanding cooperation in key sectors, including industrialisation, agriculture, mining, information technology and skills development.
He added that the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s 5E Framework for Development, which focuses on exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment.
Dar expressed confidence that greater alignment between CPEC 2.0 and Pakistan’s development goals would drive innovation, economic growth and shared prosperity, while further strengthening the China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
He also stressed the importance of continued party-to-party exchanges between the CPC and political parties in Pakistan, saying such engagements have enhanced mutual understanding, shared governance experiences and strengthened people-to-people ties.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and global stability, Dar said Islamabad and Beijing would continue working together for the benefit of both nations and for sustainable development worldwide.
China reaffirms stronger Pakistan partnership
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong highlighted the 105-year journey and achievements of the Communist Party of China (CPC), reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan.
The ambassador said the CPC has consistently focused on serving the Chinese people and advancing the goal of national rejuvenation. He noted that China has transformed from a country facing significant challenges into a major global economic power through sustained reforms, development and modernisation.
Discussing bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Jiang described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship and strategic ties between the two countries.
He said CPEC has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economic and social development through investment in energy, infrastructure, transport and other important sectors.
“China and Pakistan are iron-clad brothers, and friendship with China is a shared consensus among Pakistani people and political parties,” Ambassador Jiang said.
He emphasised that China is ready to further enhance cooperation with Pakistan in economic development, political exchanges, trade, investment and people-to-people contacts.
