High-Level Meeting on CPEC Projects Precedes SCO Summit
In preparation for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, a pivotal review meeting focused on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects was held under the leadership of Minister Ahsan Iqbal. This high-level assembly, convened on Wednesday, included Secretaries and Additional Secretaries from various ministries, demonstrating a concerted effort to enhance Pakistan's bilateral ties with China.
During the meeting, an in-depth briefing outlined the current progress of ongoing CPEC initiatives. With the anticipated visit of the Chinese Premier on the horizon, discussions concentrated on increasing cross-sector cooperation and devising a detailed action plan that aligns with both countries' economic and developmental objectives.
Minister Iqbal emphasized the critical role of collaborative efforts among ministries to ensure the effective execution of CPEC. He urged the necessity of utilizing the upcoming high-level interactions to foster business-to-business (B2B) investments and to position Pakistan as a prime investment destination.
The Minister also highlighted the urgent need for tangible progress in key sectors, including infrastructure, road connectivity, information technology, agriculture, industrial collaboration, education, healthcare, water resources, energy, and artificial intelligence. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to enhancing cooperation in these areas, signaling a mutual aspiration for growth and modernization.
Reflecting on the historical impact of CPEC, Iqbal noted that since its inception in 2013, Chinese investment has been vital in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy during turbulent times. His remarks underscore the government's ongoing diplomatic efforts to attract foreign investments and integrate the national economy into global value chains, which are essential for sustainable economic development.