Punjab

‘CPEC to integrate regional economies’

Economists say the project is a ‘game changer’ for the entire region

APP July 17, 2017

PHOTO: REUTERS

LAHORE: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a unique opportunity to integrate with regional economies and will become a hub of trade and manufacturing after the Gwadar Port developed as free port.

Noted analyst on contemporary politics and international relations Dr Saad S Khan said emerging opportunities with facilitation such as extensive roads, railways, ports and energy infrastructure, the project was being perceived as a ‘game changer’ in the context of regional geo-economic and political realities. He said the CPEC would open attractive avenues for investment emerging from economic cooperation between the two rising powers of Asia.

‘CPEC to bring prosperity to region’

Veteran economist Dr Ashfaq Hassan said the CPEC project would prove to be a harbinger of economic development. He said the PML-N government was paying special attention to development of different sectors including power, gas, education, health and roads infrastructure.

"People of all provinces will benefit from CPEC projects," he added.

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri said the historic project would also ease the lives of people and also help bring prosperity in the country. He said CPEC must not be politicised. Chairman National Parliamentary Committee on CPEC senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said CPEC which would connect Pakistan to East and West Asia, will help make the country a destination for cross-regional trade.

Chinese engineer working on CPEC project dies in accident

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Siddiqul Farooq said Pak-China relations were touching new heights after the CPEC, as the project had created tremendous opportunities of investment in Punjab and other areas of the country. He said the PML-N government had given solid economic shape to Pak-China friendship at the large scale. He added that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had ushered in a new era of durable Pak-China relations.

"We will also give the legacy of a better future to our future generations in shape of CPEC," he said and added that officials of China and Pakistan were working as a team to move forward the project.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2017.

COMMENTS (1)

Afzal Shad | 7 years ago | Reply CPEC is no doubt a game changer for Pakistan as well as China, such comments are widely heard in general public. Nations learn from the history and their mistakes, we must equip ourselves while making any agreement with any country including China, Iran, Britain and even Russia. Every country is looking for benefit of masses whereas Pakistan has a historical issue of "personal gains" against the "country's interest" The worlds most expensive LNG agreement, privatization of PIA, Pakistan Steel Mills and many such agreements are proving our mismanagement and lack of ability to foresee the future. We should form a cabinet of Economists and Traders who can pave the paths for sustainable long-term gains from these projects.

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