CPEC Phase-2 to Link Balochistan Minerals with Gwadar
Pakistan and China have officially inaugurated the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on linking Balochistan’s mineral wealth to Gwadar Port. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, who chaired the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting in Beijing, said this new phase emphasizes business-to-business cooperation rather than solely government-to-government projects, creating opportunities for Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan.
The minister highlighted the significance of the Beijing investment conference, noting its role in launching the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, which envisions making Pakistan a $1 trillion economy by 2035. He also stressed the alignment of Pakistan’s Five Es Framework with CPEC’s five economic corridors, which include growth, employment, innovation, green energy, and infrastructure.
Iqbal pointed out that Pakistan’s current share in China’s $2 trillion exports is minimal and proposed ASEAN-level tariffs for Pakistani products to boost trade. He explained that the Employment Corridor would uplift underprivileged areas, while the Innovation Corridor seeks to leverage China’s technological expertise and develop a digital silk road. The Green Energy Corridor will strengthen cooperation on climate change, and the Infrastructure Corridor will enhance regional connectivity, particularly with Central Asia and Afghanistan.
A major highlight of CPEC Phase-2 is youth inclusion. The minister announced a proposal to send 10,000 Pakistani students for PhD studies in emerging technologies at leading Chinese universities over the next decade. This initiative, coupled with vocational and technical training, aims to equip Pakistan’s youth with modern digital skills to drive long-term economic transformation.
Additionally, Pakistan plans to adopt elements of China’s poverty alleviation model to promote sustainable development and public prosperity. Discussions also covered fast-tracking the second phase of the Karakoram Highway and developing a dedicated Minerals Corridor to connect Gwadar with Balochistan’s vast resources.