Islamabad (TDI): The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives on Friday organized an orientation session ahead of the upcoming seminar titled “Building an Upgraded Version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)”, scheduled to be held in Beijing, China.
The session, chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, was attended by officials nominated from different ministries and provincial departments visiting China.
In his address, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of the delegation’s mission, describing it as an extraordinary opportunity rather than a routine trip.
He urged the participants to approach the gathering with strategic foresight and a results-oriented mindset.
The minister said that this unique initiative shows China’s unwavering friendship with Pakistan.
Initially, a 3-day workshop was proposed in Islamabad, but China invited a group of twenty-seven highly capable professionals to visit Beijing, observe the development journey of China firsthand, and engage in in-depth consultations to devise a comprehensive blueprint for CPEC Phase II.
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Ahsan Iqbal underlined China’s remarkable transformation, noting that in 1980, Pakistan’s per capita income was 300 dollars compared to China’s 200 dollars. Today, China has lifted more than eight hundred million people out of poverty, creating an unprecedented development miracle in modern history.
He highlighted key thematic areas for the delegation, including shaping an economic development corridor with clear priorities, advancing tech-driven industries and building a knowledge-based economy, addressing poverty alleviation, healthcare and education through targeted socio-economic projects.
Delegates were advised to engage actively, ensuring well-informed conversations supported by a thorough pre-visit research.
They were encouraged to consult sector-specific leadership, study the development journey of China, and collaborate strategically with Chinese experts.
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He urged them to be ambassadors of Pakistan-China friendship, demonstrating punctuality and professionalism.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also briefed the delegation on necessary diplomatic protocols.
Ahsan Iqbal concluded by expressing hope that the delegation should return as “Champions of Change,” driving the country’s transformation inspired by China’s success story.
