CPEC 2.0 to focus on green energy, industry and tech

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan-China economic cooperation is shifting from an infrastructure-led phase to a broader agenda centred on industrialisation, technology, green energy and sustainable growth, according to Adeel Munawar, Commercial Ambassador of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI).

In a statement, Munawar said the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had helped address key gaps in infrastructure and energy, while the next phase was opening new opportunities to tap Pakistan's economic potential through innovation-based collaboration. He said the completion of major transport links, electricity generation schemes and Gwadar-related projects had created a base for wider economic transformation.

Shift towards productive sectors

Munawar said the next stage of cooperation under CPEC is now focused on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), relocation of industries, agricultural modernisation, information technology, renewable energy and business-to-business linkages. He described these areas as the main drivers of the initiative's evolving agenda.

According to the PCJCCI official, green development has become a central pillar of CPEC 2.0. He said China's progress in renewable energy, electric mobility and green manufacturing offered Pakistan an opportunity to advance its own transition towards a more sustainable economy.

Munawar said China remains a global leader in the deployment of solar and wind power, technological innovation and investment in clean energy, making it a suitable partner for Pakistan's green development plans. He added that Pakistan has significant untapped potential in solar and wind energy, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.

Renewable energy potential

Referring to future cooperation, Munawar said Chinese investment and technology could support the development of large-scale renewable energy projects in Pakistan, improve transmission infrastructure and help lower reliance on imported fossil fuels.

He said this transition could be pursued through strategic cooperation under CPEC 2.0 as Pakistan seeks to expand clean energy capacity and align industrial development with longer-term sustainability goals.

Munawar's remarks outlined CPEC 2.0 as a phase aimed at moving beyond early infrastructure gains towards deeper economic collaboration in production, technology and energy transition.