Expanding Horizons: CPEC Joint Working Groups Grow to Ten

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has recently expanded its scope, with the addition of two new joint working groups on Science and Technology and Agriculture. This development brings the total number of Joint Working Groups under CPEC to ten, signifying a deeper collaboration between China and Pakistan.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for these joint working groups was formally signed by He Lifeng, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Naghmana Hashmi, Pakistan's Ambassador to China. This significant agreement was inked during a bilateral meeting held at the Great Hall of the People between President Dr. Arif Alvi of Pakistan and Chinese President Xi Jinping during President Alvi's recent two-day visit to China.

In addition to the newly established groups for agriculture and science and technology, CPEC already boasts eight operational working groups covering various critical areas, including planning, energy, transport, Special Economic Zones, international cooperation, Gwadar, security, and socio-economic development.

It's important to note that both nations share the vision that the next phase of CPEC will play a pivotal role in promoting industrialization and driving socio-economic development in Pakistan. They are eagerly anticipating the 10th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting of CPEC, which is scheduled to take place soon, aiming to further elevate CPEC as a High-Quality Demonstration Project within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Both China and Pakistan emphasize the significant and positive economic and social impact that CPEC will have on the entire region. They also express hope for international support for these collaborative efforts that will ultimately foster economic development.