Decade of CPEC: Two-day international conference concludes with commitment to pace up work

Islamabad: A two-day international conference in Islamabad concluded with a firm commitment to continue accelerating the implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects for the country’s development and prosperity.

The conference, titled “Decade of CPEC and Belt & Road Initiative (BRI): From Vision to Reality,” was jointly organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.

The conference aimed to bring together policymakers, scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders to discuss the economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical impacts of CPEC and BRI.

Pakistani Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the significance of saving and investment and shed light on the significant development projects under CPEC & BRI.

He emphasized that these projects go beyond physical connectivity and are designed to uplift people’s lives and enhance socioeconomic development across Pakistan. Key projects, such as power plants, transmission lines, transportation networks, and port modernization, were mentioned as vital components of CPEC.

During the conference, various sessions were held, covering topics such as security, innovation, regional connectivity, artificial intelligence, and labor market dynamics.

The event received a substantial number of abstract submissions, demonstrating widespread interest and engagement.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal underscored the importance of Gwadar Port, a strategic project within CPEC, as a crucial maritime gateway connecting Pakistan to the global economy. He stressed the need to align these projects with sustainable practices and environmental considerations.

The minister encouraged local and foreign investors to actively participate in these development ventures, assuring that stakeholders’ interests would be safeguarded through transparency.

In conclusion, Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged the participants to carry forward the lessons learned and collaborations made during the conference, fostering joint efforts to shape a more inclusive future founded on shared prosperity and mutual respect. Souvenirs were presented to Pakistani and Chinese companies that took part in the CPEC project.