Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese Ambassador Sign Key CPEC Agreements at Annual Awards Ceremony 2026
Islamabad (GNP) : Annual Awards Ceremony for Outstanding Pakistani and Chinese Staff of CPEC Projects 2026 was hosted by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, recognizing the exceptional contributions of professionals from both countries working across CPEC projects nationwide.
Federal Minister highlighted that CPEC has played a transformative role in strengthening Pakistan’s energy security, infrastructure, and connectivity, while laying the foundations of a modern economic architecture. He noted that with 43 projects worth approximately USD 25 billion completed and nearly 9,000 MW added to the national grid, Pakistan has made significant progress in overcoming longstanding structural challenges.
He emphasized that CPEC is now entering Phase II, marking a strategic shift from infrastructure development to industrialization, innovation, and inclusive growth. He outlined that CPEC 2.0 is being advanced through a comprehensive Five-Year Action Plan (2025–2029), aligned with Pakistan’s URAAN Pakistan framework, and structured around key priority areas including industrial development through Special Economic Zones, digital and technological collaboration under the Digital Silk Road, renewable energy and climate resilience, people-centered livelihood initiatives, and enhanced regional connectivity.
Minister further highlighted the growing role of the private sector in driving the next phase of CPEC, noting increasing investment momentum and expanding opportunities in exports, value-added industries, and human capital development, including initiatives such as the proposed China–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.
Ambassador of China reaffirmed the continued commitment of both countries to advancing an upgraded version of CPEC 2.0, noting that bilateral cooperation is expanding into new sectors including agriculture, mining, and social development. He highlighted strong growth in agricultural trade, increasing mineral exports, and ongoing collaboration across the full value chain to translate Pakistan’s resource potential into economic value.
He also underscored the importance of livelihood-focused initiatives, including health, education, and community-level development projects, reflecting a shift toward small but impactful interventions that directly benefit local populations and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, congratulated the award recipients and emphasized the central role of human capital in development, noting that the success of CPEC is ultimately driven by the dedication, skill, and perseverance of its workforce.
The Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, Wang Huihua, extended heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients and reaffirmed that the partnership between Pakistan and China will continue to grow stronger, driven by mutual trust, shared objectives, and deepening practical cooperation across sectors.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of outstanding Pakistani and Chinese staff whose professionalism and commitment have significantly contributed to the successful implementation of CPEC projects, reflecting the strength of bilateral partnership.
Two important signings were also held during the ceremony, including the signing of the minutes of the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting of CPEC, and the signing of the Acceptance Certificate for Provision of Solar Home Systems, Intelligent Ground Meteorological Observation Station, and Integrated Cloud-Based Early Warning Supporting (EWS) System Under China–Pakistan South–South Cooperation for Climate Change Response by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The ceremony also featured a cake-cutting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, symbolizing the enduring and time-tested partnership between the two countries.
The event concluded with the award distribution ceremony, where Professor Ahsan Iqbal and Jiang Zaidong jointly presented awards to outstanding Pakistani and Chinese staff, recognizing their valuable contributions to the continued success of CPEC projects.
The ceremony was graced by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, as the Chief Guest, alongside the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, as Guest of Honour. Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, Mr. Wang Huihua, members of the Planning Commission, and other senior officials were also in attendance.
