29 May 2025, Islamabad(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, hosted a luncheon in honor of the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Jiang Zaidong, at his residence today. The Chinese delegation included Minister Counselor Yang Guanguan, Minister Counselor H.E. Xu Hangtian, Mr. Yang Dapeng, and Mr. Wang Jingjiu.
Ambassador Jiang appreciated the recent return of peace and stability in the region and Pakistan’s responsible conduct during the conflict and hoped that peace will bring dividends for Pakistan. Minister Iqbal extended gratitude to the Ambassador and the Chinese government for extending Pakistan unwavering support during time of crisis.
“At every critical juncture in our history, China has stood by Pakistan as a rock-solid partner. Our friendship is not seasonal—it is a bond forged in trust, mutual respect, and shared dreams for the future,” said Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
The meeting underscored the shared resolve to fast-track ongoing and future initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Minister Iqbal briefed the Ambassador that Gwadar Port has now been fully connected to the national power grid, with tangible progress toward full operationalization.
“Connecting Gwadar to the national grid marks a turning point for making it a true gateway to prosperity, not just for Pakistan but for the entire region. CPEC is the engine that will power Pakistan’s economic transformation and regional integration,” said Minister Iqbal.
Ambassador Jiang echoed the sentiment, stating that Gwadar’s strategic relevance is gaining global recognition, and reaffirmed China’s steadfast commitment to supporting its development. He also commended Minister Iqbal’s long-standing leadership and dedication to making CPEC a flagship of regional cooperation.
Discussions also focused on preparations for the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, scheduled for July 2025. Minister Iqbal expressed Pakistan’s resolve to ensure a productive and results-oriented meeting.
“The upcoming JCC is an opportunity to elevate our cooperation to the next level. We aim to move from planning to performance—ensuring that every project delivers impact on the ground for our people,” he emphasized.
Ambassador Jiang reiterated China’s full support for Pakistan’s development under the “Uraan Pakistan” vision. Minister Iqbal highlighted the potential of linking Gwadar with Central Asia and Afghanistan, enabling regional access to global markets through Pakistan.
On agricultural cooperation, Minister Iqbal shared that the first cohort of Chinese-sponsored agriculture graduates is currently undergoing specialized training in Pakistan.
“These young minds, selected through a competitive process, will become catalysts in modernizing Pakistan’s agri-economy. With Chinese support, we are sowing the seeds of a food-secure and prosperous Pakistan,” he stated.
Minister Iqbal also informed the Ambassador about the swift and effective distribution of Chinese-donated agricultural machinery across provinces.
“This equipment will enhance the capacity of our research institutions and directly benefit farmers, playing a crucial role in food security and inclusive growth,” he added.
He emphasized the urgency of launching the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase II upgrade and the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, calling them strategic arteries of Pakistan’s economic future. He also proposed academic linkages, suggesting partnerships between top Chinese universities and Pakistan’s Daanish University, as well as between Chinese medical institutions and the Jinnah Medical Complex & Research Centre.
Minister Iqbal further proposed the reactivation of cooperation for establishing a Naphtha Cracker Complex in Pakistan—a strategic industrial initiative. Ambassador Jiang welcomed the idea and committed to facilitating discussions with relevant Chinese counterparts.
Additionally, Ambassador Jiang expressed China’s willingness to support small dam projects in Balochistan under the Livelihoods Corridor component of CPEC. Minister Iqbal appreciated the proposal and assured full facilitation.
“CPEC is not just a bilateral initiative; it is a symbol of shared destiny. With Chinese cooperation, we are building infrastructure, empowering communities, and paving the path toward a brighter, more connected future,” Minister Iqbal concluded.
He was accompanied by Secretary Planning Mr. Awais Manzur Sumra, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Regional Connectivity Specialist at the CPEC Secretariat Dr. Muzammil Zia, and Project Director Mr. Javed Sikandar.