Islamabad : The seminar titled “CPEC 2.0: Prospects and Challenges,” organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), highlighted the evolving dynamics and opportunities of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, was the Chief Guest, and the event featured a distinguished panel including Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Minister of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan Yang Nuo, and economist Dr. Ashfaque Hasan Khan.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that CPEC has revitalized Pakistan’s economy, transforming it into a magnet for investment. He noted that the second phase of CPEC will prioritize industrial collaboration, regional connectivity, and socioeconomic development. He stressed the need for political stability and policy continuity to ensure the project’s success, focusing on technology enhancement, job creation, and food security.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the IRS, remarked that the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China has reached new heights with CPEC 2.0, which emphasizes high-quality development and innovation. He noted that the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s 2025 goals and China’s development framework, offering significant opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
Yang Nuo, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the project’s achievements over the past 11 years, attracting $25 billion in investments. He outlined the focus areas for CPEC 2.0, including the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and boosting Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China, contributing to mutual growth.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed discussed the shifting global power dynamics, with China emerging as a scientific superpower. He stressed the strategic, long-term partnership between China and Pakistan, addressing attempts to sabotage CPEC and affirming national consensus on the initiative, demonstrated by bipartisan support.
Dr. Ashfaque Hassan Khan highlighted CPEC’s broader regional impact, promoting connectivity and integration beyond Pakistan, involving Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Oman. He underscored the project’s potential to transform the regional economic landscape.
Professor Zhang Jiadong of Fudan University emphasized the importance of dispelling negative propaganda about Chinese companies and enhancing job creation. He stressed the need for trust and security to realize the full potential of CPEC.
Dr. Hasan Daud Butt pointed out the shift from a government-to-government (G2G) to a business-to-business (B2B) model in CPEC Phase 2.0. He highlighted urban-rural synergy and investment prospects, addressing investors’ concerns regarding administrative hurdles.
Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with a Shared Future, discussed integrating regional corridors with CPEC. He emphasized leveraging Pakistan’s role as a regional trade hub, aligning with the 5Es framework of development to enhance connectivity and economic growth.
