Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb dropped some major insights during the Boao Forum for Asia this week, highlighting China’s economic transformation as a game-changer for global trade. In a chat with CGTN’s Lily Lyu, he unpacked how initiatives like the Hainan Free Trade Port are unlocking bold opportunities worldwide — and why the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains a blueprint for cross-border collaboration.
Hainan: The “Switzerland of the East”? 🌴
Aurangzeb spotlighted Hainan’s evolution into a free-trade hub, comparing its potential to global financial giants. “It’s not just about tariffs—it’s about innovation,” he said, nodding to China’s push for tech-driven growth.
CPEC 2.0: Beyond Highways 🚄
CPEC isn’t just roads and power plants anymore—Aurangzeb revealed plans to expand into AI, green energy, and digital banking. “This isn’t just Pakistan’s win; it’s about connecting continents,” he added, hinting at future partnerships across Asia and Africa.
China’s Open Door Policy 🚪
The minister praised Beijing’s commitment to globalization amid rising protectionism elsewhere, calling it a “stabilizing force” for emerging markets. With Belt and Road 2.0 in motion, his takeaway was clear: Cooperation trumps competition.
