China’s Consul General Sun Yan announced that CPEC 2.0 will emphasize high-quality development, including industrialization, agricultural modernization, technological innovation, green growth, and livelihood improvement. He also highlighted Gwadar Port’s potential as a key regional trade hub during a conference at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to mark the 10th anniversary of the Gold Ring Economic Forum.
Sun Yan described China-Pakistan friendship as an ‘ironclad partnership’ built on trust and shared goals, noting that CPEC has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s energy security, infrastructure, and industrial growth. He added that the new phase will open new avenues for investment and employment.
Iran’s Consul General Mehran Movahedfar appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. He expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, stressing that sustainable peace requires mutual respect and inclusive regional engagement.
LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh highlighted the combined market potential of the Golden Ring countries – Pakistan, China, Iran, Türkiye, and Russia – which is over $6.5 trillion. He outlined policy priorities including improved financial connectivity, removal of non-tariff barriers, and promotion of export-oriented sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.