ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, highlighted the strategic importance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, emphasizing its role in strengthening the Pak-China relationship.
Speaking on a private news channel, Iqbal noted his participation in meetings alongside the Prime Minister, describing the Chinese leadership’s enthusiasm and commitment to supporting various Pakistani ventures.
Iqbal outlined key objectives from the visit, including enhancing industrial-level contacts to promote bilateral industrialization. He stressed the focus on fostering business-to-business relationships to boost industries and announced a strategic partnership with China’s leading telecom company, Huawei. This collaboration aims to transform Pakistan’s economy digitally, with Huawei providing IT training to 300,000 Pakistani youths.
The minister also detailed the expanded scope of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), revealing plans for five new corridors including, Corridor of Growth: To spur rapid economic development in Pakistan; Corridor of Livelihood: Focused on socio-economic programs, poverty eradication, and job creation; Corridor of Innovation: Centered on advancements in artificial intelligence, leveraging Chinese expertise to enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in this sector; Corridor of the Green Economy: Addressing environmental and climate challenges by transitioning to renewable energy sources, Corridor of Regional Development: Enhancing regional cooperation and extending the benefits of CPEC to neighboring countries, promoting regional prosperity and stability.
Furthermore, Iqbal reassured that comprehensive security measures are in place to protect Chinese workers in Pakistan, and efforts toward political stability are being pursued through dialogue.
