Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called upon the private sector to assume a pioneering role in unlocking the full economic potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-II. The Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting held in Islamabad today (Tuesday) to evaluate progress on the implementation of the CPEC Action Plan spanning 2025-2029.
During the session, Iqbal underscored that expanding Pakistan's exports is not merely an economic objective but a national emergency. He reiterated that achieving the ambitious target of $100 billion in annual exports by 2035 is critical for the country's long-term economic survival and stability. To this end, he called for substantially strengthened collaboration between the government and private sector, emphasizing that joint efforts are essential to enhance industrial competitiveness and elevate the "Made in Pakistan" label to a globally recognized and trusted brand.
The Minister further warned that political instability remains a grave threat to the country's economic transformation agenda. He stressed that Pakistan cannot afford internal discord while striving for sustainable growth. Iqbal also noted that the nation's recent strategic and diplomatic successes must be translated into tangible economic dividends—and this can only be achieved through national unity, structural reforms, and improved governance frameworks.
Concluding his address, Ahsan Iqbal urged all political stakeholders to set aside differences and collectively focus on strengthening the national economy. He called for a unified commitment to building a self-reliant, export-driven Pakistan that can confidently compete in the global market, with CPEC Phase-II serving as the cornerstone of this transformative journey.