Chinese modernization has become a buzzword in international politics. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China argues that its modernization follows the trajectory of socialist development. It is applying Marxist principles and its historical experiences, introducing a new model of human civilization and promoting human development. Nobel Prize winner Michael Spence articulates that Chinese-style modernization offers developing states another model for achieving industrial development and economic growth. The question remains: where does Pakistan stand in Chinese modernization?

CPEC 2.0 presents a massive opportunity for Pakistan to move towards industrialization and modernization. The first phase of CPEC focused on road infrastructure and the energy sector. CPEC 2.0 is prioritizing infrastructure projects as well as technology, innovation, sustainability, economic transformation and inclusive growth. Arguably, the future belongs to innovation and the knowledge economy. Luckily, CPEC 2.0 paves the way for innovation and is structured around the 5Es framework: export, e-Pakistan, energy, environment and equity.

China’s success in poverty reduction lies in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), digital transformation, renewable energy and technological advancement. The first SEZ in China was built in Shenzhen in the 1980s, which now contributes more than $550 billion annually to the national GDP. Shenzhen’s SEZ is the miracle of this century. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s total GDP is about $380 billion. By applying a proactive approach, Islamabad can learn from China how to expedite work on SEZs under CPEC 2.0 to move towards........

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