CPEC 2.0 to drive new era of Pakistan-China shared growth: DPM/FM Dar

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jul, 2026) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said Pakistan and China were entering a new phase of economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, with the next stage of the flagship initiative set to focus on industrialization, agriculture, information technology, mining, and human resource development.

He reaffirmed that the all-weather strategic partnership with China remained a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and development agenda.

Addressing a reception here hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark 105th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China, Ishaq Dar congratulated the leadership and members of the Communist Party on the occasion and lauded China's remarkable development under the CPC's leadership.

He said 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.

Highlighting the enduring Pakistan-China friendship, DPM/FM Dar said the relationship had been nurtured over generations and remained 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.

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.

He said CPEC Phase 2.0 would focus on high-quality development through cooperation in industrialization, agriculture, mines and minerals, information technology and human resource development.

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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.

Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation, Mr. 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 while providing fresh momentum towards building a vibrant China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and a China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

He 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.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and international stability, the deputy PM said Islamabad and Beijing would 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 also underscored the longstanding relationship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) 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, he 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.