PM Shehbaz Envisions CPEC-2.0 as Gateway to Regional Prosperity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for enhanced regional cooperation through greater connectivity, envisioning the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 as a gateway to shared prosperity and sustainable growth. Addressing the closing session of the two-day Regional Transport Ministers Conference in Islamabad, he stressed that stronger links in trade, energy, and infrastructure could transform regional economies into integrated markets.
Hosted by Pakistan’s Ministry of Communications, the conference—titled “Regional Connectivity: Opportunities for the Region”—was attended by delegates from 20 countries and key international organisations, including ADB, ECO, IRU, and the United Nations ESCAP.
Highlighting Pakistan’s geographical significance, Shehbaz said the country sits at a unique tri-junction connecting China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with Gwadar and Karachi ports serving as gateways to the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. He emphasised that modern connectivity is not just a policy choice but a strategic imperative for regional stability and prosperity.
The Prime Minister announced that Pakistan had entered the next phase of development under CPEC 2.0, focused on investment facilitation, B2B partnerships, and innovation-led growth. He commended the success of the first phase, noting how CPEC transformed trade and energy routes linking Asia and the Middle East.
Shehbaz also cited ongoing transport initiatives, including the Trans-Afghan Railway, Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul corridor, and expanded air connectivity with Central Asian states under the TIR framework. He added that Pakistan’s commitment extended to digital and technological integration to align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Calling youth Pakistan’s “greatest asset,” he noted that with nearly 60% of the population under 30, the nation’s young workforce holds immense potential for driving progress.
Later, Shehbaz visited the exhibition area featuring NLC, NHA, and Pakistan Railways displays, engaging with industry representatives. Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed the participants’ shared commitment to regional connectivity, innovative financing, and collaborative initiatives. He expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to tangible joint ventures, positioning Pakistan as a proactive player in advancing regional economic integration.