Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb spotlighted China's growing economic influence during an exclusive interview at the Boao Forum for Asia, emphasizing collaborative opportunities amid global economic shifts.
Aurangzeb praised the Hainan Free Trade Port as a "bold experiment in connectivity," noting its potential to streamline cross-border trade and foster innovation. "China's commitment to high-standard opening sends a stabilizing signal to emerging markets," he told CGTN's Lily Lyu.
The minister highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative partnership, revealing plans to expand cooperation into advanced agriculture and digital economy sectors. "CPEC Phase II will prioritize value-added industrialization and tech-driven solutions," Aurangzeb stated, underscoring projects aligned with Pakistan's 5-year development plan.
Regarding China's global engagement, Aurangzeb emphasized Beijing's role in multilateral institutions: "From climate finance to debt sustainability, China's voice brings crucial emerging-market perspectives to high-level dialogues." He cited the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's recent renewable energy initiatives as evidence of effective South-South cooperation.
The discussion concluded with observations about shifting supply chain dynamics, with the minister encouraging investors to explore "under-tapped synergies" between China's industrial expertise and Pakistan's strategic geography.
