The China-South Asia Forum 2026 on Poverty Reduction and Development Cooperation is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Friday, October 30, bringing together policymakers, development experts, academics, business leaders and development partners to discuss poverty reduction and regional cooperation, officials said.

Under the theme “Creating Development Opportunities for Shared Prosperity,” the forum aims to promote exchanges on development strategies and closer cooperation between China and South Asian countries.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal is expected to attend as chief guest, alongside Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.

Discussions are expected to cover poverty reduction, inclusive growth, sustainable development and policy coordination, including ways to share experiences and identify opportunities for cooperation.

Participants will also consider how China’s poverty-reduction experience could inform regional efforts through knowledge-sharing and cooperation among governments, development organisations, universities and businesses.

The forum is being jointly organised by the CICG Center for Europe and Asia (China Pictorial Publications), Understanding China Forum Pakistan and the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development Pakistan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China