Pakistan Proposes Over 70 Projects for China’s Collaboration in CPEC’s Second Phase

Pakistan has drawn up an extensive list of more than 70 projects across various sectors, seeking Chinese cooperation as part of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The new proposals, which will be presented to the Chinese Prime Minister next month, plans to transform CPEC with the introduction of five new corridors: growth, innovation, green, livelihood, and regional connectivity.

The Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives confirmed that CPEC has successfully completed its first phase and is now transitioning into a more expansive second phase. During a meeting with China’s Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reforms Commission, both sides agreed to hold a high-level workshop to align Pakistan’s 5Es framework with the five proposed corridors, alongside President Xi Jinping’s eight points for the Belt and Road Initiative.

Key Projects by Sector for CPEC’s Second Phase:

1. Infrastructure:

Proposed initiatives include further technical support for the New Gwadar International Airport, East Bay Expressway Phase II, the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (N35), phased development of the ML-1 railway, and the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project.

2. Energy and Minerals:

Projects include the GEIP LNG terminal, National Refinery upgrades, the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station, and the Siyadik Copper Project.

3. Industrial Cooperation:

Major projects feature the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, Rashakai Industrial Park, Omara port ship repair facility, and agriculture-based initiatives such as the Juncao cultivation project, Buffalo Breeding and Dairy Processing Project, and Pepper cultivation extension project.

4. Science, Technology, and Innovation:

The emphasis here is on establishing a China-Pakistan Earth Science Research Centre and enhancing partnerships between Pakistani universities and the Belt and Road joint Laboratory on Intelligent Disaster Prevention.

5. Livelihood Programs:

These include launching the China-Pakistan Vocational and Technical Exchange Program, a joint Agricultural Technology Laboratory, and aid projects targeting flood-affected areas and climate change challenges.

6. Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation:

The government seeks to implement the second-phase protocol of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), boost industrial cooperation, develop Gwadar Port facilities, and pursue long-term planning for mining cooperation.

7. Digital Economy:

Projects in this sector aim to encourage Chinese enterprises to develop digital infrastructure in Pakistan, support advancements in software, cloud computing, and big data, and foster collaboration in radio spectrum management and cybersecurity.

This extensive list reflects Pakistan’s intent to deepen its partnership with China under the CPEC, diversifying the initiative’s scope to cover both economic development and regional connectivity while addressing pressing challenges like climate change.