Ahsan Iqbal: CPEC will bring forth a new age of growth, particularly for young people.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will usher in a new era of development, especially for the youth,” stated Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on Friday.

Ministers, line ministry representatives, and specialists from both nations attended the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) conference, which got underway in Beijing under the CPEC framework. The Chinese and Pakistani planning ministers are co-chairing the meeting.

Speaking at the first session, Iqbal claimed that CPEC Phase Two would usher in a new era of development for the populace, especially the youth, and that Pakistan and China are “iron brothers” united by trust and a common future.

He emphasized how CPEC Phase One transformed Gwadar from a modest fishing village into Pakistan’s marine gateway by adding 8,000 megawatts of electricity, building 888 kilometers of highways, and finishing infrastructure projects. The railway system will be revitalized by the renovation of ML-1.

Iqbal added that 10,000 innovation centers and PhD scholarships would be created for young Pakistanis. By taking inspiration from China’s strategy for reducing poverty, reforms will also be implemented in impoverished districts.

Proposals to create export-focused Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Karachi and Islamabad have been made, he continued. A mining corridor, border markets, electric car projects, and agricultural reforms are all part of CPEC’s second phase.

According to the minister, load-shedding will be lessened in Gilgit-Baltistan thanks to a 300 megawatt solar project. Pakistan’s economy would take on a new dimension thanks to the five lanes of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Growth, Innovation, Green, Livelihood, and Regional Connectivity.

By 2030, he added, Pakistan wants to generate 60% of its energy from clean sources. Data centers, fiber optics, and 5G will be built under the Digital Silk Road, along with collaborative AI and quantum labs. He promised that Pakistan gives the safety of Chinese workers and CPEC projects first priority.