Ahsan calls for private sector’s leading role in realizing CPEC Phase-II potential

ISLAMABAD, Sep 1 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the private sector should play a leading role in realizing the economic potential of CPEC Phase-II, stressing that Pakistan’s focus must remain on economic growth, exports and investment rather than political confrontation.

Chairing a detailed review meeting on implementation of the CPEC Action Plan 2025–2029, finalized during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China in August 2025, the minister reviewed progress made during the first year and discussed measures to accelerate work on agreed priorities, a news release said on Tuesday.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan-China relations had strengthened during difficult periods, recalling China’s critical investment when Pakistan was facing severe energy shortages.

He said CPEC Phase-I brought around $25 billion in Chinese investment and added nearly 8,000 megawatts to Pakistan’s power generation capacity, helping overcome the energy crisis and strengthen energy security.

The minister highlighted the development of Thar coal and the fibre-optic network as key achievements of the first phase, saying CPEC Phase-II would build on this foundation through business-to-business cooperation, industrial development, agricultural modernization, minerals, human capital development and technology.

He said the priorities of CPEC Phase-II were closely aligned with the five pillars of URAAN Pakistan through five corridors: Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green Economy and Openness.

The Growth Corridor would enhance Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural capacity to boost exports, while the Livelihood Corridor would promote social development and support less-developed regions, he added.

He said the Innovation Corridor, aligned with E-Pakistan, would strengthen IT capabilities and equip millions of young people with modern technological skills.

“Our young population is Pakistan’s greatest economic asset,” he said.

The Green Economy Corridor, he added, would focus on climate resilience, water and food security, and agricultural modernization.

The minister highlighted the government’s initiative to send 1,000 agricultural experts to China for training in modern agricultural technologies, saying the programme would help create a critical mass of trained human resources and lay the foundation for a “Green Revolution 2.0”.

He said the initiative would be supported by improved seeds, farm mechanization, efficient water use and climate-resilient crops.

Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the private sector must play a leading role in realizing the economic potential of CPEC Phase-II, with the government providing an enabling environment for investment and business partnerships.

He termed expansion of exports a “national emergency”, saying the target of $100 billion by 2035 was essential for Pakistan’s economic survival.

He called for stronger government-private sector cooperation to enhance competitiveness and establish “Made in Pakistan” as a globally recognized brand.

The minister also directed the relevant ministries to ensure timely implementation of the CPEC Phase-II action plan.

He stressed that Pakistan could not afford political instability while pursuing economic transformation, saying recent strategic and diplomatic successes must be translated into economic gains through national unity, reforms and improved governance.

“For Pakistan’s future and a better tomorrow for our youth, we cannot compromise on the country’s economic development,” he said.

“Pakistan does not need to heat its roads; Pakistan needs to heat its economy,” Ahsan Iqbal stressed, urging all political forces to focus on strengthening the economy and building a self-reliant, export-driven Pakistan.