China’s Consul General Sun Yan has said that CPEC 2.0 will focus on high-quality development, including industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, technological innovation, green growth and livelihood improvement, while highlighting Gwadar Port’s potential as a key regional trade hub.

Speaking at a conference at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to mark the 10th anniversary of the Gold Ring Economic Forum (GREF), Sun Yan described the China-Pakistan friendship as an ‘ironclad partnership’ built on trust and shared goals. He said CPEC has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s energy security, infrastructure and industrial growth, adding that the new phase will open new avenues for investment and employment. Sun Yan also underscored Gwadar’s strategic location linking the Arabian Sea with Central Asia, and welcomed broader international participation in CPEC under mutually agreed frameworks.

Iran’s Consul General Mehran Movahedfar appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. He expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, and stressed that sustainable peace requires mutual respect and inclusive regional engagement.

LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh said the Golden Ring countries, Pakistan, China, Iran, Türkiye and Russia, represent a combined market potential of more than $6.5 trillion. He outlined policy priorities including improved financial connectivity, removal of non-tariff barriers and promotion of export-oriented sectors such as textiles, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.