Pakistan and China plan new corridors under CPEC’s second phase

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, announced the launch of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on growth, innovation, sustainability, livelihoods, and regional connectivity, with a seminar planned in Beijing from December 17 to 30 to outline its strategy. Speaking at an awards ceremony at the Chinese Embassy, alongside Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Iqbal praised the contributions of CPEC workers, engineers, and technicians whose efforts drove the success of its first phase, which saw the completion of 43 projects worth $25 billion, including energy, transport, and infrastructure developments. The first phase generated 200,000 direct jobs and improved Pakistan’s economy and quality of life. The second phase will prioritize business-to-business cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and Gwadar’s development, aiming for greater employment and economic benefits.