CICG and Understanding China Forum bring together senior officials, diplomats and development experts to discuss shared prosperity and sustainable development
ISLAMABAD, October 30, 2026: Senior government officials, diplomats, policymakers and development experts from China and Pakistan gathered in Islamabad for the 2026 China South Asia Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development Cooperation, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, economic connectivity and inclusive development in addressing poverty across South Asia.
The forum, held under the theme “Creating Development Opportunities for Common Prosperity,” was organized by the China International Communications Group (CICG) in collaboration with the Understanding China Forum. Daily Ittehad Media Group served as the exclusive media partner of the event.
The gathering brought together representatives from government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, research institutions and the development sector to exchange experiences and explore practical approaches to poverty reduction.
The opening session featured addresses by Yu Tao, Vice President of the China International Communications Group, Dr. Zafar Uddin Mahmood, Special Representative of the Prime Minister of Pakistan on China Affairs and President of the Understanding China Forum, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani, Minister of State for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The session was moderated by You Shanshan, Vice President of the CICG Center for Europe and Asia, also known as China Pictorial Publications.
Addressing the forum, CICG Vice President Yu Tao highlighted China’s experience in eliminating absolute poverty and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between China and South Asian countries. He called for greater collaboration through poverty reduction demonstration projects, institutional exchanges and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and smart agriculture.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong described poverty alleviation as a shared responsibility of the international community and highlighted China’s commitment to supporting development cooperation with Pakistan and other countries of the Global South.
The ambassador underscored the contribution of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Pakistan’s economic development, noting that the initiative had brought approximately US$25.9 billion in direct investment, added more than 8,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity and created over 260,000 employment opportunities. He emphasized that CPEC 2.0 would further strengthen cooperation in agriculture, industry and other productive sectors.
Minister of State for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani emphasized that sustainable poverty reduction required investment in education, technical skills, employment generation and social protection. He highlighted Pakistan’s development priorities under the URAAN Pakistan initiative and appreciated China’s continued support for socioeconomic development projects across the country.
Dr. Zafar Uddin Mahmood emphasized that China’s poverty alleviation experience offered valuable lessons for developing countries. He stressed the importance of combining economic growth with effective governance, institutional reforms, education, healthcare and employment opportunities to achieve sustainable development.
The programme also featured a presentation of important Chinese publications on governance and poverty alleviation. Chinese representatives presented copies of the English edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, Volume V, the Urdu edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, Volume II, and the English edition of Up and Out of Poverty to distinguished guests from South Asian countries.
The forum also witnessed the release of the report titled International Public Opinions on the Achievements, Philosophy, and Experience of China’s Poverty Alleviation, presented by Qiao Zhenqi, Director of New Media Operations at the CICG Center for Europe and Asia.
Following the opening proceedings, two thematic sessions were held to examine poverty reduction practices, inclusive development, economic transformation and regional cooperation. Both sessions were moderated by Hassan Daud Butt, Executive Director of the Understanding China Forum.
The first session, titled “Poverty Reduction Practices and Inclusive Development,” featured Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Jamshed Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, and Liu Yonggang, Assistant CEO and Chief Representative in Pakistan of China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Limited.
The session focused on sustainable poverty alleviation, inclusive economic policies, social protection, women’s economic empowerment and employment generation. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions, expanding access to education and skills development, and ensuring that economic growth benefits vulnerable communities.
The second session, titled “Development Momentum and Regional Cooperation,” featured Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University, Wang Huihua, Managing Director of Energy China International Group Limited in Pakistan, and Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Senior Development Economist.
Discussions focused on regional economic integration, infrastructure connectivity, industrial cooperation and sustainable investment. Participants explored opportunities for strengthening economic partnerships between China and South Asian countries, particularly through CPEC 2.0, technological innovation and the development of regional trade and investment networks.
The forum highlighted the importance of closer cooperation among governments, international organizations, research institutions and the private sector in addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Participants emphasized that economic growth, technological advancement and regional connectivity must translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
