14th Pakistan-China Joint Coordination Committee Meeting Commences in Beijing

The 14th meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has officially begun in Beijing. The meeting is being co-chaired by Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and his Chinese counterpart. The discussions are focused on advancing Phase-II of CPEC, with a strong emphasis on people-centric, youth-focused, and export-oriented development.

CPEC Phase-II: A New Era of Growth and Innovation

Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, describing them as “iron brothers, bound by trust and a shared destiny.” He stated that CPEC Phase-II will mark a new and transformative era, building on the initial success of infrastructure development to focus on social and economic progress.

The minister underscored several key projects poised to accelerate this new phase:

• Gwadar’s Transformation: Mr. Iqbal noted the successful transformation of Gwadar from a small fishing town into a strategic maritime gateway for Pakistan, a testament to the progress already made under CPEC.
• ML-1 Upgradation: The proposed ML-1 project, a major upgrade to the railway system, is set to revitalize Pakistan’s transportation network, enhancing connectivity and trade efficiency.
• Youth and Education: To empower Pakistan’s youth, a proposal for 10,000 PhD scholarships in China was discussed. This initiative, along with the establishment of innovation centers and internships in Chinese institutions, is expected to provide Pakistani students with unparalleled opportunities for learning and practical experience.
• Poverty Alleviation: Pakistan aims to benefit from China’s successful poverty alleviation model, particularly in its under-developed districts, as part of a concerted effort to foster inclusive development.

Focus on Export and Technological Advancement

A central theme of the 14th JCC meeting is the shift towards an export-driven strategy. Minister Iqbal announced that every corridor within CPEC Phase-II will be linked to specific export targets, aiming to give Pakistani products greater access to Chinese markets, similar to the opportunities enjoyed by ASEAN countries.

The discussions also highlighted a focus on technological and agricultural modernization:

• Joint Laboratories: Plans were announced for the establishment of joint laboratories in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing, which will foster research and innovation in critical fields.
• Agricultural and EV Projects: Projects aimed at agricultural reforms and the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) are also slated to be part of CPEC Phase-II, aligning with global trends in sustainability and food security.
• Mining and Trade: The proposed mining corridor from Chaghi to Gwadar is expected to unlock new avenues for development, while the establishment of new border markets in Khunjerab, Torkham, and Gwadar will significantly enhance cross-border trade.

Prioritizing Security

Minister Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the security of CPEC projects and the safety of all Chinese personnel working in the country. This assurance underscores the importance of a secure environment for the successful implementation of all ongoing and future initiatives.

The 14th JCC meeting is expected to conclude with the signing of agreements that will pave the way for the next phase of this landmark economic partnership, further solidifying the strategic and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.

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