Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, addressed a high-level policy dialogue titled “Strengthening Governance and Implementation Strategies for CPEC 2.0” held at the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad. The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, and experts to deliberate on the future trajectory of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in its second phase, with a particular focus on improving governance mechanisms, ensuring effective implementation, and accelerating project delivery.
The session commenced with opening remarks by President IRS, Jauhar Saleem, who welcomed distinguished participants and highlighted the importance of sustained policy dialogue in shaping the next phase of CPEC. Among the notable participants were Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of China, and Ambassador Masood Khalid, who emphasized the strategic importance of Pakistan-China relations and the central role of CPEC in promoting regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
In his keynote address, the Federal Minister expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing the opportunity to speak on such an important subject. Reflecting on his long-standing association with China, he shared that his first visit to China dates back to the 1970s, where he observed a remarkable national focus on human development and technical skill enhancement. He noted that China’s emphasis on education alongside vocational training has played a critical role in lifting millions of people out of poverty and transforming its economy. He emphasized that Pakistan must draw lessons from China’s development model, particularly in the areas of human capital development, skill-building, and industrial growth.
The Minister highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Government of Pakistan is prioritizing economic reforms, investment facilitation, and industrial growth, with CPEC 2.0 serving as a central pillar for achieving sustainable economic development and regional connectivity.
Drawing on his own background in business, the Minister observed that China’s consistent focus on value-added manufacturing has been a key driver of its economic success. He noted that the existing trade imbalance between Pakistan and China reflects the need for Pakistan to enhance its exports by shifting towards value-added products and industrial diversification. He stressed that this transition is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and improving Pakistan’s global competitiveness.
Highlighting the importance of CPEC for both countries, the Minister stated that CPEC 2.0 represents a significant shift from a government-to-government framework to a more dynamic business-to-business model. He explained that the second phase of CPEC is focused on industrialization, energy cooperation, capacity building, and greater private sector participation. He underscored the pivotal role of the Board of Investment Pakistan in facilitating this transition through regulatory reforms, deregulation measures, and initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
The Minister further elaborated on the importance of Special Economic Zones as engines of economic growth, noting that projects such as Bin Qasim Industrial Park are expected to attract foreign direct investment, promote technology transfer, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base. He emphasized that these zones will play a critical role in realizing the objectives of CPEC 2.0.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong and time-tested relationship with China, the Minister remarked that China has consistently pursued peaceful development and constructive engagement. He observed from his experience as a businessman that China has always prioritized dialogue and cooperation in its international dealings. He added that CPEC is not merely a bilateral initiative but a broader regional development project that has already created employment opportunities and holds immense potential for future economic integration.
During the event, two comprehensive reports on CPEC 2.0 were presented by the Institute of Regional Studies, focusing on governance reforms, implementation strategies, institutional capacity building, and the transition towards a business-to-business model. The Chinese representative also highlighted the importance of CPEC 2.0 for China, particularly in advancing cooperation in energy generation and industrial development.
In conclusion, the Federal Minister reiterated that the Board of Investment remains fully committed to promoting investment, advancing industrialization, and strengthening Pakistan-China economic cooperation under CPEC 2.0. He emphasized that effective governance, policy continuity, and strong institutional coordination will be essential to fully realize the transformative potential of CPEC 2.0.
