China has reaffirmed Pakistan as a strategic partner in its regional development and modernization agenda, emphasizing strengthened economic collaboration under the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). Mr. Yang Yundong, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, highlighted that Pakistan remains central to China’s neighborhood diplomacy and long-term development vision.
Speaking at a recent briefing, Mr. Yang emphasized that China will continue working closely with Pakistan to achieve mutual prosperity and modernization, in alignment with the guiding principles outlined in the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The Consul General underscored that this collaboration will deepen across multiple sectors, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“The journey forward is one of shared effort toward prosperity and modernization,” Mr. Yang said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to advancing high-quality BRI projects and ensuring Pakistan’s central role in China’s regional engagement.
Mr. Yang elaborated that China’s latest Plenary Session provides a comprehensive blueprint for economic and social development from 2026 to 2030, marking a pivotal phase in China’s modernization efforts with global significance. Highlighting the evolution of the BRI, he described a transition from “hard connectivity,” emphasizing infrastructure, to “soft connectivity,” focusing on regulatory alignment, and “heart connectivity,” fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Pakistan, he noted, is positioned at the forefront of this vision.
Over the past decade, CPEC has substantially transformed Pakistan’s development landscape through energy projects, industrial zones, and infrastructure expansion. Mr. Yang highlighted that China now aims to elevate CPEC to Version 2.0, emphasizing green development, artificial intelligence, digital economy, health, tourism, and agriculture. This approach seeks to accelerate Pakistan’s economic transformation while promoting sustainable growth.
Under the 15th Five-Year Plan, China is targeting major advances in technological self-reliance, improved living standards, and sustainable economic development. According to Mr. Yang, Pakistan stands to gain three key dividends from this collaboration: a growth dividend, creating new export opportunities for Pakistani goods; an innovation dividend, bringing technology transfer and new business models; and a governance dividend, providing lessons in efficient state management and reform.
Mr. Yang concluded by urging both nations to maintain unity, resilience, and shared commitment. He noted that modernization is a long-term endeavor that requires persistent effort, cooperation, and confidence from all stakeholders. “The journey ahead is long, but steadfast action is key to composing new chapters through sustained hard work,” he said. “Let’s strengthen our resolve, boost our confidence, and march bravely forward toward prosperity and modernization.”
This renewed commitment underscores the strategic importance of Pakistan in China’s broader regional initiatives and highlights the transformative potential of CPEC 2.0 in shaping Pakistan’s economic and technological landscape for the coming decade.
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