ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in a meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong discussed the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reaffirming the resolve to strengthen industrial and business-to-business cooperation.

The minister noted that during Mr Sun`s past diplomatic tenure in Pakistan, `we transformed the CPEC from a paper plan into a multibillion-dollar reality`.

`China`s development model remains a source of inspiration forPakistan. Learning from China`s experience, Pakistan is moving toward building an export-oriented and technology-driven economy, he said.

Mr Iqbal added that the government`s `Five Es` framework, part of the URAAN Pakistan initiative, is fully aligned with the vision for the next phase of CPEC, which will have industrial and technological sectors as its key pillars.

`The people of Pakistan take pride in the everlasting friendship with the leadership and people of China,` Mr Iqbal said, while alsoappreciating the country`s support during recent regional tensions.

Mr Iqbal stressed that developing a skilled, educated workforce and promoting business-to-business collaboration is a focus for next stage of the multi-billion-dollar project.

Mr Sun reaffirmed China`s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors.

He said Pakistan`s `Five Es` framework offers a promising path toward economic stability and selfreliance.-APP