Lahore: Adeel Munawar, the Commercial Ambassador for the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI), has outlined solarization, clean energy investment, and industrial cooperation as key areas for the evolving Pakistan-China collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0. Munawar emphasized that the focus has shifted from infrastructure development to industrialization, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth.

According to Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the first phase of CPEC addressed significant infrastructure and energy challenges, laying a robust foundation for economic transformation through major transport networks, power generation, and Gwadar-related projects. The second phase emphasizes innovation-driven collaboration to unlock Pakistan's untapped economic potential, focusing on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrial relocation, agricultural modernization, information technology, renewable energy, and business-to-business partnerships.

Munawar noted that green development is a crucial pillar of CPEC 2.0, with China's advancements in renewable energy, electric mobility, and green manufacturing offering valuable opportunities for Pakistan's sustainable economic transition. He highlighted the potential for large-scale renewable energy projects in Sindh and Balochistan through Chinese investment and technology, aiming to strengthen transmission infrastructure and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The collaboration extends to green transportation, with initiatives like solar-powered electric bikes, electric vehicle assembly, and battery manufacturing creating opportunities for sustainable urban transport. Furthermore, increasing interest from Chinese companies in sectors such as agriculture, mining, healthcare, and information technology is making Pakistan an attractive destination for industrial investment and technology transfer under the framework of CPEC 2.0.

Munawar also pointed to engagements between Chinese investors and provincial governments as evidence of growing confidence in Pakistan's economic prospects, particularly in agriculture modernization, mineral processing, and smart farming. He emphasized that CPEC 2.0 is expanding beyond traditional infrastructure to encompass economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development, focusing on creating industrial ecosystems, promoting joint ventures, facilitating technology transfer, and empowering the private sector.