ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan is entering the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing that greater regional connectivity will usher in a new era of economic growth and trade opportunities.
Addressing the closing session of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad, the premier welcomed all international delegates and said the gathering served as an important platform for dialogue on strengthening cooperation and infrastructure links across the region. He highlighted that the conference was vital for promoting bilateral and regional transport integration, noting that global systems of trade and communication are rapidly evolving. “Our region has long served as a hub of connectivity within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The growing importance of the global economy has further enhanced the significance of this ancient trade route,” he said.
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Shehbaz Sharif stated that Gwadar’s long coastline and Karachi’s port are key components of the Maritime Silk Road, adding that CPEC’s second phase will prioritize business linkages, investment, and shared prosperity. The prime minister shared that Pakistan is advancing several major cross-border connectivity projects, including the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway Corridor, which will enhance trade and economic cooperation across Asia. “These large-scale projects will help integrate the region’s economic potential. Cooperation in trade, economy, and energy will mark the beginning of a new era,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of digital connectivity, saying that in the modern age, progress depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on data and technological integration. “Pakistan is investing in digital infrastructure, and training our youth to meet modern technological demands remains a top priority,” PM Shehbaz concluded.
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