Pakistan and China Advance CPEC 2.0 for Green Growth

The Government of Pakistan and the Government of China have agreed to advance CPEC 2.0, a new phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor focusing on innovation, high-quality development, and green growth. This agreement follows a high-level visit to Beijing by a Pakistani delegation, including foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi and officials from Balochistan, who met with senior representatives from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Centre.

Discussions centered on the strategic evolution of Gwadar Port, which officials described as a potential trade gateway to West Asia and a maritime route for China to reach Africa and Europe. The delegation explored implementing carbon-free port initiatives in Karachi and Gwadar, modeled after Tianjin Port, and discussed establishing a new hospital in Gwadar to improve local healthcare. Both nations also emphasized the need for a coordinated joint strategy to address security challenges facing the corridor.

Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani characterized CPEC as a model for cooperation among Global South countries, noting that the project has already added over 8,000 megawatts of electricity and created 25,000 jobs. Gillani affirmed Pakistan's support for President Xi Jinping's global initiatives, arguing that the bilateral cooperation model promotes regional stability and transforms the socioeconomic landscape of Pakistan.