Islamabad: Pakistan and China will formally launch the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0) at the 14th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting in Beijing on Friday, marking what officials describe as a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal will represent Pakistan at the high-level session, which will review ongoing projects while formally expanding cooperation into new, people-centric areas such as skills development, youth empowerment, industrial innovation, and space technology.
In a statement ahead of the meeting, Iqbal said Phase II would transform the corridor into a “People’s Corridor of Prosperity,” shifting the focus from infrastructure to inclusive growth, exports, and innovation. He emphasized that Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its people, and the next stage of CPEC will prioritize skill-building, youth opportunities, and technological advancement.
During his visit to China, the minister highlighted the evolving scope of cooperation. At the Hunan Satellite Space Technology facility, he noted that Pakistani and Chinese engineers are jointly developing satellites, describing the initiative as a new chapter in bilateral space cooperation. “Our friendship is advancing from roads and infrastructure toward conquering space,” he remarked.
Iqbal also toured the CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Company Limited, where he invited the firm to bid for Pakistan’s ML-1 railway modernization project, calling it a potential game-changer that could revolutionize connectivity and reduce costs. In addition, his visit to Zhuzhou Times New Material Technology Company showcased opportunities in advanced materials and industrial modernization, areas Pakistan hopes to benefit from under CPEC Phase II.
Officials say the new phase of the corridor aims to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base, enhance global competitiveness, and align economic growth with technological progress. With both governments reaffirming their commitment, the partnership is now moving beyond energy and infrastructure to embrace people, science, and innovation as pillars of long-term development.
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