CONNECTIVITY in the 21st century is a defining feature of the modern economy and comprehensive development. In order to unlock the potential of closely interlinked production networks and value chains, a more comprehensive perspective on connectivity emerged led by President Xi Jingpin of China. This connectivity is not sector specific but is envisaged as part of an integrated whole, encompassing the development of corridors of prosperity through networks of trade, transport, energy, flow of people, goods, services, communication and technology that allow for greater efficiency in the distribution of resources.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is, therefore, high on the policy agenda of both China and Pakistan as it is contributing to the realization of Pakistan’s national developmental goals and is a practical manifestation of Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics. It is a people-centric development project and represents a win-win proposition of international cooperation providing new opportunities for economic rejuvenation and prosperity of both countries and other regions.
Through CPEC, China and Pakistan have jointly provided the sub-regions of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia with a connectivity network and have laid a strong and stable foundation of a lasting, broad-based regional as well as trans-regional cooperation. CPEC is also the distinctive symbol of enduring Pakistan-China friendship and a clear manifestation of the desire of leadership on both sides to take the economic and trade relations to new heights to commensurate with the political and strategic relationship. CPEC covers a vast array of short, medium and long-term projects. This model of development fully resonates with Pakistan’s own vision and firm belief that CPEC is a “game-changer” not only for Pakistan but for the entire region and presents enormous opportunities to people from Gwadar to Kashgar and beyond.
Over the past one decade, this transformational project has become a tangible reality and has already helped improve the economic landscape of Pakistan. It has propelled Pakistan’s infrastructure development by laying a strong energy and road infrastructure for subsequent development of industry, agriculture and human resource.
CPEC through Gwadar port has not only provided China a better access to the Middle East, which is also an........