ISLAMABAD, May 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday hosted a luncheon in honor of Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong at his residence.
The Chinese delegation included Minister Counselor Yang Guanguan, Minister Counselor Xu Hangtian, Yang Dapeng, and Wang Jingjiu, a news release said.
Ambassador Jiang appreciated the recent return of peace and stability in the region and Pakistan’s responsible conduct during the conflict and hoped that peace will bring dividends for Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal extended gratitude to the envoy and the Chinese government for extending Pakistan’s unwavering support during time of crisis.
“At every critical juncture in our history, China has stood by Pakistan as a rock-solid partner. Our friendship is not seasonal—it is a bond forged in trust, mutual respect, and shared dreams for the future,” Ahsan Iqbal said.
The meeting underscored the shared resolve to fast-track ongoing and future initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The minister briefed the ambassador that Gwadar Port has now been fully connected to the national power grid, with tangible progress toward full operationalization.
“Connecting Gwadar to the national grid marks a turning point for making it a true gateway to prosperity, not just for Pakistan but for the entire region. CPEC is the engine that will power Pakistan’s economic transformation and regional integration,” the minister said.
Ambassador Jiang echoed the sentiment, stating that Gwadar’s strategic relevance was gaining global recognition, and reaffirmed China’s steadfast commitment to supporting its development.
He also commended Ahsan Iqbal’s long-standing leadership and dedication to making CPEC a flagship of regional cooperation.
Discussions also focused on preparations for the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, scheduled for July 2025. The minister expressed Pakistan’s resolve to ensure a productive and results-oriented meeting.
“The upcoming JCC is an opportunity to elevate our cooperation to the next level. We aim to move from planning to performance—ensuring that every project delivers impact on the ground for our people,” he emphasized.
Ambassador Jiang reiterated China’s full support for Pakistan’s development under the “Uraan Pakistan” vision.
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the potential of linking Gwadar with Central Asia and Afghanistan, enabling regional access to global markets through Pakistan.
On agricultural cooperation, the minister shared that the first cohort of Chinese-sponsored agriculture graduates was currently undergoing specialized training in Pakistan.
“These young minds, selected through a competitive process, will become catalysts in modernizing Pakistan’s agri-economy. With Chinese support, we are sowing the seeds of a food-secure and prosperous Pakistan,” he stated.
Ahsan Iqbal also informed the envoy about the swift and effective distribution of Chinese-donated agricultural machinery across provinces.
“This equipment will enhance the capacity of our research institutions and directly benefit farmers, playing a crucial role in food security and inclusive growth,” he added.
He emphasized the urgency of launching the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase II upgrade and the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, calling them strategic arteries of Pakistan’s economic future.
He also proposed academic linkages, suggesting partnerships between top Chinese universities and Pakistan’s Daanish University, as well as between Chinese medical institutions and the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre.
Ahsan Iqbal further proposed the reactivation of cooperation for establishing a Naptha Cracker Complex in Pakistan – a strategic industrial initiative.
Ambassador Jiang welcomed the idea and committed to facilitating discussions with relevant Chinese counterparts.
Additionally, the envoy expressed China’s willingness to support small dam projects in Balochistan under the Livelihoods Corridor component of CPEC. Minister Iqbal appreciated the proposal and assured full facilitation.
“CPEC is not just a bilateral initiative; it is a symbol of shared destiny. With Chinese cooperation, we are building infrastructure, empowering communities, and paving the path toward a brighter, more connected future,” the minister concluded.
He was accompanied by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Dr Nadeem Javaid, Regional Connectivity Specialist at the CPEC Secretariat Dr Muzammil Zia, and Project Director Javed Sikandar.