ISLAMABAD: CPEC 2.0 cooperation will open a new phase of Pakistan-China economic ties, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday.
Dar said the next stage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would focus on industrialisation, agriculture, information technology, mining and human resource development.
He made the remarks at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.
Dar said Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China remained a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy and development agenda. He said the relationship had grown over generations on mutual trust, respect and cooperation.
The deputy prime minister said CPEC’s launch in 2015 marked a landmark moment in bilateral relations.
He said the project helped Pakistan address electricity shortages, improve road infrastructure and create jobs, especially in underdeveloped areas. Dar said CPEC Phase 2.0 would support high-quality development and complement Pakistan’s 5E Framework.
This focuses on exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment.
Read: Pakistan-China Partnership Expands Under CPEC 2.0
He also highlighted party-to-party exchanges between the Communist Party of China and Pakistan’s political parties. He said Pakistan’s political leadership, regardless of the party in power, had consistently given high priority to relations with China.
Dar said Islamabad and Beijing would continue working together for regional peace, international stability and sustainable development.
