ISLAMABAD (DI NEWS): Experts, policymakers, development practitioners and representatives of international organizations gathered in Islamabad on Friday to exchange experiences and explore practical approaches to poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and regional cooperation during two thematic sessions of the 2026 China South Asia Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development Cooperation.
The forum, held under the theme “Creating Development Opportunities for Common Prosperity,” was directed by the China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan. It was hosted by the CICG Center for Europe and Asia (China Pictorial Publications) and Understanding China Forum Pakistan, with Daily Ittehad Media Group serving as the exclusive media partner.
The first thematic session, titled “Poverty Reduction Practices and Inclusive Development,” brought together representatives from Pakistan, China and international development organizations to discuss approaches to tackling poverty, promoting social inclusion and ensuring that economic development benefits all segments of society.
The session featured Nadeem Javed, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), 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 Ltd.
The discussions focused on the importance of developing effective poverty reduction strategies, strengthening social protection mechanisms and creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Particular attention was given to the role of inclusive development in addressing economic disparities and improving access to education, employment and essential services. The session also provided an opportunity to examine how institutional cooperation, development planning and investment can contribute to poverty alleviation.
China’s experience in poverty reduction remained an important reference point, offering opportunities for developing countries to examine approaches that could be adapted to their own economic and social circumstances.
The participation of representatives from research institutions, international organizations and the private sector reflected the importance of bringing together different stakeholders to address the complex challenges associated with poverty and inequality.
The second thematic session, titled “Development Momentum and Regional Cooperation,” explored opportunities for strengthening economic partnerships, promoting sustainable development and expanding cooperation between China and South Asian countries.
The session featured Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University, Wang Huihua, Managing Director of Energy China International Group Ltd. in Pakistan, and Vaqar Ahmed, Senior Development Economist.
Discussions examined the importance of regional connectivity, investment, infrastructure development and economic cooperation in creating new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
The session also highlighted the potential of stronger partnerships between China and South Asian countries to support development priorities, improve economic opportunities and encourage greater regional integration.
Participants explored how infrastructure investment, energy cooperation and institutional partnerships could contribute to economic development while supporting broader efforts to improve living standards.
The role of Pakistan as an important partner in regional development cooperation was also a key consideration, particularly in the context of its longstanding economic relationship with China.
Both sessions provided opportunities for exchanging perspectives on the challenges facing developing economies and the importance of practical cooperation in addressing poverty, unemployment and unequal access to economic opportunities.
The discussions reflected a shared interest in strengthening development partnerships and identifying approaches that could support sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.
As the exclusive media partner, Daily Ittehad Media Group, through its platforms Daily Ittehad and Pakistan Economic Network (PEN), covered the proceedings and highlighted the significance of the forum in promoting greater understanding of development challenges and cooperation between Pakistan, China and other South Asian countries.
The thematic sessions formed an important part of the forum’s broader objective of encouraging dialogue, sharing development experiences and identifying opportunities for greater collaboration.
The 2026 China South Asia Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development Cooperation concluded its thematic discussions with an emphasis on the importance of continued engagement, knowledge sharing and regional partnerships in advancing poverty reduction and creating development opportunities for common prosperity.
