ISSI Hosts Seminar on Pakistan–China Ties, Focuses on Regional Stability and Economic Growth
Subheadline:
Experts discuss CPEC, security cooperation, and economic integration at international seminar
Islamabad, October 7:
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Fudan University’s Pakistan Study Centre, hosted an international seminar on “Pakistan–China Relations: Regional Stability and Economic Prosperity.”
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, highlighted that Pakistan–China relations remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He emphasized that CPEC has transformed Pakistan’s development landscape and stressed the significance of the China–Pakistan Action Plan (2025–2029) for cooperation in technology, digital economy, green development, and industrial upgrading.
Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underlined the strategic resilience of the partnership and highlighted the alignment of CPEC with Pakistan’s Economic Transformation Plan–URAAN. He noted that CPEC’s second phase will expand into advanced sectors like AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital innovation.
The seminar featured two working sessions. The first, on “Security Cooperation for Regional Stability”, focused on maritime safety, CPEC resilience, people-to-people ties, and joint platforms to address regional threats. The second, on “Economic Cooperation for Regional Prosperity”, discussed expanding CPEC’s regional outreach to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, promoting digital connectivity, green infrastructure, and inclusive projects that directly benefit local communities.
Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of ISSI’s China-Pakistan Study Centre, emphasized the all-weather nature of Pakistan–China relations and CPEC’s central role in regional prosperity. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, concluded the seminar by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with China for regional stability and economic cooperation.
The seminar brought together diplomats, scholars, and practitioners from Pakistan and China, facilitating in-depth discussions on bilateral ties and regional implications.
