LAHORE: China’s Consul General Sun Yan has said that the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0) will focus on high-quality development, with priorities including industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, technological innovation, green growth and improvement in livelihoods.
Speaking at a conference organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to mark the 10th anniversary of the Gold Ring Economic Forum (GREF), Sun Yan described the Pakistan-China relationship as an “ironclad partnership” founded on mutual trust and shared objectives.
He noted that CPEC has played a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s energy security, infrastructure and industrial development over the past decade. According to him, the new phase of the corridor will create fresh opportunities for investment, trade and employment across multiple sectors.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Gwadar Port, the Chinese envoy said the port has the potential to emerge as a major regional trade and logistics hub connecting the Arabian Sea with Central Asia. He also welcomed broader international participation in CPEC under mutually agreed frameworks.
Iran’s Consul General Mehran Movahedfar praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability. He appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, emphasising that lasting peace in the region depends on mutual respect, cooperation and inclusive engagement among neighbouring countries.
LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh said the Golden Ring countries — Pakistan, China, Iran, Türkiye and Russia — represent a combined market potential exceeding $6.5 trillion. He stressed the need for stronger financial connectivity, removal of non-tariff barriers and promotion of export-oriented industries including textiles, agriculture and pharmaceuticals to unlock the region’s economic potential.
