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Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, convened a meeting with 35 Chinese enterprises and Pakistani business houses to explore opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutual growth.
The meeting aimed to solicit input and proposals for strengthening business-to-business partnerships, a key focus of CPEC’s 2nd phase.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed the significant opportunity for Pakistani businesses to integrate into China’s global supply chain, fostering trade and enhancing economic resilience for both nations.
He urged Pakistani businessmen to explore and tap into the vast opportunities offered by the Chinese market, highlighting China’s annual imports worth $2.7 trillion compared to Pakistan’s modest share of $3 billion.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal commended all Chinese investors in Pakistan, referring to them as “Heroes of Pakistan”, and assured the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding their interests and facilitating conducive business environments throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, held a meeting of the first Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP).
The meeting deliberated on the overdue issues concerning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which pose a significant impediment to the financial closure of key projects. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal instructed the IPPs to submit the amounts due to them in the context of CPEC energy projects as soon as possible.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of providing electricity to SEZs at an incentivized cost while ensuring the government does not incur losses. He directed the involvement of the Board of Directors to expedite the resolution of SEZ-related issues.
Highlighting the recent visit of China’s Deputy Prime Minister at the 10th Anniversary of CPEC, the Planning Minister outlined five corridors for future collaboration as announced by the Deputy Prime Minister of China for CPEC Phase 2.
The five corridors include the corridor of Economic Development, corridor of Job Creation, corridor of Innovation, corridor of Green Energy, and corridor of Inclusive Regional Development.
The meeting also discussed preparatory measures, including potential discussions at the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to finalize outcomes before the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit to China.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed line ministries to expedite the meetings of Joint Working Groups (JWGs) and finalize projects for presentation at the upcoming JCC meeting.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need for a national agenda to identify Pakistan’s priorities in collaboration with China, ensuring fruitful discussions at the upcoming 13th JCC.
