The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a significant component of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been hailed as a transformational project crucial to Pakistan’s economic progress and prosperity. As the CPEC completes its 10th anniversary, the Third Pakistan-China Think Tank Forum in Beijing witnessed experts and diplomats discussing the project’s achievements, challenges, and future prospects. This article explores the forum’s key insights, shedding light on the importance of CPEC in strengthening the Pakistan-China relationship and its impact on regional connectivity and economic development.
CPEC: A Pillar of the Pakistan-China Relationship
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), emphasized the pivotal role of CPEC in cementing the friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. The project has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth by addressing energy deficits, improving infrastructure, and promoting socio-economic development. The strong mutual trust and commonality of views between the two countries have further solidified their strategic cooperation.
Achievements and Opportunities in the Decade of CPEC
Over the past decade, CPEC has achieved remarkable success, creating job opportunities, and adding hundreds of kilometers to roads and motorways. The project’s second phase focuses on agriculture, industrialization, SEZs, mining, science and technology, and information technology. The extension of CPEC to Afghanistan and the potential for further westward movement to Central Asia aims to enhance connectivity and regional economic integration.
Addressing Challenges to CPEC
The forum participants acknowledged that CPEC faces challenges, including negative narratives propagated by certain quarters and geopolitical opposition. To tackle these challenges, there is a need for capacity-building in Pakistan for optimal realization of CPEC projects. Moreover, stronger narrative-building efforts are crucial to counter misinformation and showcase the tangible benefits of CPEC to Pakistan and the broader region.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Both China and Pakistan pledged unwavering support for each other’s core interests, demonstrating the depth of their strategic partnership. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and countering security threats that could potentially impact CPEC.
CPEC as a Model for High-Quality Development
The forum highlighted China’s dedication to developing CPEC as a demonstration project of high-quality development. China aims to enhance cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, mining, science and technology, and information technology, to promote the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and the region.
Conclusion:
The Third Pakistan-China Think Tank Forum celebrated the success of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor over the past decade while also addressing the challenges that lie ahead. CPEC has emerged as a testament to the robust friendship between China and Pakistan, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth and regional connectivity. As both countries look forward to the next phase of CPEC, cooperation, capacity-building, and narrative-building efforts will be crucial to realizing its full potential and fostering sustained economic progress and prosperity for both nations and the broader region.
