LAHORE — The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC-2.0) will generate extensive joint ventures between Pakistan and China across agriculture, industry, and mining sectors, a senior trade body official said Wednesday.
Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Commercial Ambassador Adeel Munawar praised Beijing’s commitment to upgrading the corridor to its 2.0 version and expressed support for Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong’s reaffirmation of deeper strategic cooperation. Munawar assured the chamber’s full backing for the implementation of CPEC-2.0 projects.
Munawar noted that CPEC has already delivered over $25.9 billion in direct investment to Pakistan, created more than 260,000 jobs, and added over 8,000 megawatts to the national power grid while significantly improving infrastructure. He also welcomed accelerated work on the Karakoram Highway Phase-II realignment and the expansion of welfare initiatives focused on education and water access, particularly in Balochistan.
The PCJCCI official highlighted that Pakistan offers the shortest and most efficient trade route for China and Central Asian republics through Gwadar Port, reinforcing regional connectivity and trade integration. He added that the Indus Delta region holds significant untapped hydrocarbon reserves, presenting investment opportunities with implications for long-term energy security.
