Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said mega development projects have been completed in the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and added 8,000 MW of electricity to the national grid.

Addressing a policy dialogue organized by the Belt and Road Investment Forum in Islamabad, the Minister said as the world is undergoing significant change, by 2035, Asia would contribute 50 per cent to global GDP.

He highlighted CPEC as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, offering substantial benefits to the country.

He underscored the importance of developing links between South Asia, China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, suggesting Pakistan could create North, South, and East connectivity corridors to explore regional trade and investment opportunities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb described the first phase of CPEC as focused on infrastructure development such as roads, electricity, and ports.