Expanding Horizons: Pakistan's Vision for CPEC Cooperation Unveiled in 11th JCC Meeting

Pakistan has also suggested a 1+5 framework for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) agreements, collaboration between geological survey institutions from both nations, and joint efforts to amplify Pakistan's export potential.

These proposals are slated to be formalized through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's upcoming visit to China on November 1. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, CPEC has taken precedence as the top national priority in the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The 11th JCC focused on three primary objectives: revitalizing CPEC, expanding its project portfolio, and fostering Business-to-Business cooperation. The timing of the JCC was strategically aligned with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's imminent visit, during which crucial MoUs will be officially signed. Minister Ahsan Iqbal underscored the significance of this visit, especially considering President Xi Jinping's recent election to a third term as China's leader, reiterating the government's commitment to rejuvenating CPEC, which had been neglected in the past.

The meeting also emphasized key energy and infrastructure projects that are now operational, offering ample opportunities for socio-economic development in Pakistan. Notable projects include power plants like Port Qasim Power Plants, Sahiwal Power Plant, Engro Thar Power Plants, and Quaid e Azam Solar Park, as well as infrastructure projects such as KKH Phase II, Peshawar-Karachi Motorway, Hakla – D.I Khan Motorway, and the Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore.

The Ministry of Energy reported the completion of 11 projects generating over 6,370 MW, along with an 880 km HVDC Transmission Line. Three more projects, producing approximately 1,200 MW, are expected to conclude by 2023-24. Additionally, 3,100 MW, reaching 90% completion milestones, are on track for rapid finalization. Progress in the Motorways & Highways sector, including the KKH-Thakot-Havelian project, and the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), were also discussed in detail.

The Provincial Government of Sindh has made progress in revising project documents, and the project is slated for implementation under a Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement, similar to the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project (OLMTP). Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the positive impact this project would have on Pakistan's economy.

Both sides have concurred on the commencement of the ML-1 project, deemed crucial to CPEC, and have introduced a new focus on "Water Resource Management and Climate Change," particularly relevant following recent floods in Pakistan.

Furthermore, efforts to explore opportunities in the mining sector are underway, with a new working group established for this purpose. Pakistan has launched a drive to integrate 10,000 MW of solar energy into its system and has sought China's support through a financing window or credit line for participating Chinese companies.

Agricultural cooperation also featured prominently in the 11th JCC, aligning with the second phase of CPEC. Pakistan has finalized agreements to boost the export of agricultural products to China, aiming to significantly expand the scope and scale of these trade items.