Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday announced that Pakistan and China are entering a decisive new phase of economic partnership, placing mineral development at the centre of CPEC 2.0 to drive productivity, exports, and sustainable economic growth.
He made the remarks while addressing the launching ceremony of the China-Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum, where he outlined a strategic shift from infrastructure-led cooperation to minerals-based industrialization. Under this vision, Gwadar is set to emerge as the principal gateway linking Pakistan’s mineral-rich regions with regional and global markets.
From Connectivity to Productivity
The minister said the new direction reflects a transition from building infrastructure alone to promoting value-added, export-oriented collaboration, as Pakistan and China approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Describing bilateral ties as enduring and strategic, he said the partnership has consistently grown stronger over time and now stands ready to enter a phase centered on industrial output and economic transformation.
CPEC Phase-I Achievements
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the achievements of CPEC Phase-I, calling it the most visible symbol of Pakistan-China cooperation. He noted that completed projects:
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Added over 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid
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Upgraded more than 1,000 kilometers of road infrastructure
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Contributed to the modernization of Gwadar
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Strengthened national connectivity
Referring to his recent visit to Gwadar, he said the China-built Gwadar International Airport has positioned the port city to play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s next growth phase.
“Gwadar is now ready not only to function as a smart port city but also to serve as a hub for the mining industry by linking Pakistan’s mineral resources with global markets,” he said.
Minerals at the Heart of CPEC Phase-II
The minister explained that CPEC Phase-II aims to address Pakistan’s structural economic weaknesses, particularly its low export base.
“Infrastructure for its own sake is not enough. Our objective is to translate connectivity into productivity, productivity into exports, and exports into jobs and sustainable growth,” he stated.
Pakistan hosts around 92 known minerals, with 52 currently under extraction, nearly 5,000 operational mines, and annual production of 68.5 million metric tons. Despite this, mineral exports contribute only 2–3 percent to GDP.
He noted that over 90 percent of mineral exports are raw or semi-processed, while only 40 percent of the country’s land has been geologically mapped, leaving vast untapped potential.
Investment Opportunities for Chinese Firms
Highlighting marble and granite reserves stretching from Turbat to Chitral, Ahsan Iqbal said outdated mining techniques were causing significant value loss. He invited Chinese companies to invest in modern cutting and processing technologies, enabling Pakistan to become a global hub for high-quality marble.
With improved governance, technology, and partnerships, he projected that mineral exports could reach $6–8 billion annually within this decade, supporting 6 percent GDP growth and generating over 350,000 jobs.
Expanding the Mining Value Chain
China’s expertise across the entire mining value chain—from geological surveys and extraction to smelting, refining, and environmental management—was described as crucial to Pakistan’s transformation. Existing projects such as Saindak Copper-Gold, Duddar Lead-Zinc, and Thar Coal were cited as successful examples of bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan is now moving beyond basic extraction toward establishing processing plants, smelters, refining facilities, and mineral-based industries connected to special economic zones and transport corridors.
The minister identified the Naukundi–Mashkhel–Turbat–Gwadar corridor as a potential flagship route linking Balochistan’s mineral belt directly to Gwadar Port.
Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Stressing equitable growth, Ahsan Iqbal said mining development must benefit resource-rich regions such as Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through jobs, skills training, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
He also underscored the importance of environmental safeguards and ESG standards to ensure sustainability and attract responsible investment.
Security and Policy Support
The minister said the government has strengthened institutional coordination through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to ensure fast-track approvals, policy consistency, and robust security arrangements.
He reaffirmed that the safety of Chinese nationals and investments remains a top national priority.
Inviting Chinese enterprises to take the lead in developing copper, gold, rare earth elements, and other critical minerals, he concluded that Pakistan is determined to convert its mineral wealth into industrial strength, export competitiveness, and shared prosperity.
