Pakistan and China have agreed to establish a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation focused on joint research, expert exchanges, and policy reforms. This partnership, reached during a meeting in Beijing between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal and President of China’s Development Research Center Lu Hao, aims to help Pakistan achieve its target of becoming a one trillion dollar economy by 2035.
The framework is designed to support Pakistan’s long-term economic vision, particularly the “Uraan Pakistan” program, which seeks to transform the country into a strong, sustainable, and export-driven economy. By leveraging China’s experience in reform and scientific planning, Pakistan intends to adopt global best practices, strengthen institutional linkages, and establish evidence-based policymaking.
During the discussions, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has elevated the two countries’ relationship from political cooperation to a broader economic and social partnership. He emphasized the importance of benefiting from China’s developmental experiences to further stabilize Pakistan’s economy and boost trade.
The minister also shared positive indicators of Pakistan’s ongoing economic recovery, noting a significant decrease in the policy rate from 23 percent to 11 percent, the Pakistan Stock Exchange surpassing 140,000 points, and sustained improvements across key economic indicators. International organizations have shown confidence in Pakistan’s reform strategies.
Chinese officials welcomed Pakistan’s export-led economic strategy and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation to help Pakistan realize its development goals.
