Islamabad (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan and China are entering a new phase of cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with the next stage expected to prioritize industrial development, agriculture, information technology, mining and human resource development.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China remains a central pillar of the country’s foreign policy and long-term development strategy.
Congratulating the leadership and members of the Communist Party of China on the anniversary, Dar praised China’s economic transformation and its achievements in poverty reduction, saying the country’s development had also contributed to global economic growth and international cooperation.
He said the second phase of CPEC would build on the achievements of the project’s first stage by placing greater emphasis on industrialization, technological innovation, value-added manufacturing, agricultural modernization and skills development.
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Highlighting bilateral relations, Dar described Pakistan-China ties as a longstanding partnership founded on mutual trust, mutual respect and shared interests. He said both countries have consistently supported each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and core national interests while expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The deputy prime minister noted that the two nations continue to work closely on regional connectivity, trade, investment and infrastructure development, adding that CPEC remains a flagship project with the potential to generate new economic opportunities and strengthen regional integration.
Pakistan and China are marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, with both governments expressing their commitment to further expanding cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC.
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Officials from both countries say the next phase of CPEC is expected to place greater focus on sustainable economic growth, industrial cooperation, special economic zones and technology-driven development. Analysts believe these priorities could help attract additional investment, create employment opportunities and support Pakistan’s long-term economic modernization while further strengthening the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing.
