Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday announced that Pakistan and China are entering a new phase of economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0. The next stage of the flagship initiative will focus on industrialization, agriculture, information technology, mining, and human resource development. Dar reaffirmed that the all-weather strategic partnership with China remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and development agenda.
Dar Congratulates CPC on 105th Anniversary
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 105th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China, Ishaq Dar congratulated the leadership and members of the Communist Party. He lauded China’s remarkable development under the CPC’s leadership, noting that China’s unprecedented economic progress and success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty had benefited not only its own people but also contributed to global development through the principles of shared prosperity and a community with a shared future for mankind.
Enduring Pakistan-China Friendship
Highlighting the enduring Pakistan-China friendship, Dar said the relationship has been nurtured over generations and remains a model of mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation. He emphasized that both countries have consistently supported each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests, describing their ties as an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
CPEC's Impact and Phase 2.0
The deputy prime minister placed particular emphasis on CPEC, calling its launch in 2015 a landmark moment in bilateral relations. He noted that the flagship initiative had expanded the scope of practical cooperation between the two countries while helping Pakistan overcome severe electricity shortages, improve road infrastructure, and create employment opportunities, particularly in underdeveloped regions. According to Dar, CPEC Phase 2.0 will focus on high-quality development through cooperation in industrialization, agriculture, mines and minerals, information technology, and human resource development. He added that the new phase closely complements Pakistan’s 5E Framework for Development, which prioritizes exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment.
Confidence in Bilateral Cooperation
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation, Dar said the alignment between CPEC 2.0 and Pakistan’s national development priorities would generate greater prosperity, innovation, and shared growth for both countries. This alignment will provide fresh momentum towards building a vibrant China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and a China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.
Party-to-Party Exchanges
Dar also highlighted the importance of party-to-party exchanges between the Communist Party of China and Pakistan’s political parties, saying such interactions had strengthened mutual understanding, facilitated the exchange of governance experiences, and reinforced people-to-people connectivity. He noted that Pakistan’s political leadership, irrespective of the party in power, has consistently accorded the highest priority to relations with China.
Commitment to Regional Peace
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and international stability, the Deputy Prime Minister said Islamabad and Beijing will continue to work closely together not only for the benefit of their two peoples but also in the broader interest of global peace, stability, and sustainable development. He underscored the longstanding relationship between the Communist Party of China and the Pakistan Muslim League (N), saying sustained party-to-party engagement has helped strengthen mutual understanding and reinforce broader bilateral ties. Recalling his recent visit to Beijing on May 24, Dar said he attended, as chief guest, a ceremony organized by the International Department of the CPC to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
