BEIJING: In Beijing, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal held discussions with Li Chunlin, the Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), to explore ways to ensure the smooth and high-quality development of the upcoming phase of the CPEC. The minister commended the leadership of both nations for their strategic guidance, which has contributed to the economic growth of Pakistan, as well as regional connectivity and development. The two parties expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of key projects at Gwadar Port and agreed to continue the momentum to make it an international trade and regional connectivity hub. The minister requested robust support from NDRC and other relevant Chinese government institutions to promote the implementation of the ML-1, KRC, and significant energy projects in accordance with the leadership consensus.