BEJING, (TDI): Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal held a meeting today with China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr. Li Ying, in Beijing.
During the discussion, Minister Iqbal expressed Pakistan’s gratitude for China’s ongoing support in the transportation sector, particularly highlighting the transformative impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects such as the Multan-Sukkur Motorway and the Hazara Expressway.
These projects have significantly reduced travel distances and opened new opportunities for growth in Pakistan.
Minister Iqbal emphasized the importance of accelerating key infrastructure projects, including the Karachi-Hyderabad Section, ML-1, and the Karakoram Highway Phase II.
He also proposed the construction of the Mashkhel to Panjgur Highway in Balochistan, which would unlock a mineral corridor in the region.
Vice Minister Li Ying endorsed the proposal and reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing cooperation on these projects.
Both sides agreed to move forward with plans for constructing an expressway connecting Gwadar Port to the new Gwadar Airport. They also agreed to initiate feasibility studies for new motorways, including routes from Mirpur to Muzaffarabad and Karachi to Hyderabad.
Also Read: Ahsan Iqbal, Zhao Chenxin Discuss Expansion of CPEC
Later, Minister Iqbal met with Ms. Wang Shunning, President of the Export-Import Bank of China. He briefed her on Pakistan’s ongoing economic recovery efforts and the government’s focus on implementing reforms in the energy and tax sectors.
Minister Iqbal expressed gratitude to the bank for its support in financing Pakistan’s space satellite project and shared optimism regarding the approval of the Space Center project, underscoring the importance of space technology for future development.
Also Read: CPEC Transforms Pakistan’s Investment, Infrastructure
Ms. Wang Shunning commended Pakistan’s economic recovery efforts and reaffirmed China’s strong partnership with Pakistan, assuring continued support for Pakistan’s development goals. She emphasized that China values its long-standing relationship with Pakistan and remains committed to contributing to its prosperity.
These engagements highlight the shared commitment between Pakistan and China to further strengthen their partnership under CPEC and collaborate on initiatives that promote sustainable development and economic growth.
