The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is shifting attention beyond major infrastructure projects to industrial cooperation, special economic zones, technology and private-sector investment. Pakistan's planning ministry says the new priorities are designed to increase productive capacity, exports and economic links across the region.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said in March 2026 that the first phase had delivered 43 projects worth around $25 billion and added roughly 9,000 megawatts of power capacity. Those figures describe projects associated with the earlier phase, not a new set of projects launched on October 14.
Officials say the programme's 2025–2029 priorities include industrial collaboration, digital connectivity, renewable energy and job creation. The pace of any new investment will depend on financing, final agreements and project implementation.