Through CPEC: Moot calls for cementing regional cooperation

Participants suggest including neighbouring countries in the corridor


Our Correspondent January 24, 2018
PHOTO: AFP

PESHAWAR: A conference on peace and development through CPEC called upon all stakeholders to cement regional cooperation in order to make progress at the grass roots.

The participants further suggested that the game changer can be availed by including neighbouring countries, especially Afghanistan. However, they cautioned that uncertainty among the neighbouring countries can jolt the long term goals of the project pattern.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid has called upon stakeholders to respect the deep trust between China and Pakistan that is real game changer in geo-strategic positioning of two countries together for future collaborations.

CPEC creating job opportunities for locals

He stressed that positive element of CPEC is the development pace considering environmental , biodiversity and geological hazards. He said that University of Peshawar has signed a number of MoUs to bolster academic cooperation with Chinese universities to ensure scholarships, technology transfer and exchange programs.

The chief guest, Vice Chancellor Islamia College University Prof. Dr. Habib Ahmad brought to the notice of audience that without understanding Russia and China as regional players, one cannot assess the real potential of the region. He said that this project is Part two of Silk Route in modern way that is easing out trade in both eastern and western directions. He said that if the project was implemented in true sense it will bring peace to the region, make it militancy-free and full of employment.

Vice Chancellor Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Professor Dr Razia Sultana said that CPEC will bring 17 industrial zones to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

During the second session six speakers discussed different aspects of CPEC in the context of K-P.

NUST’s Deputy Director for Chinese Study Centre Zamir Awan spoke on the nexus between peace and development. Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS)’s Amir Rana analysed Pakistan’s economic policy in the context of CPEC. Shahid Ilyas, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Regional Studies, discussed the regional integration in the light of CPEC. Director K-P TAVTA Nazir Ahmad discussed the transformation of training and vocational institutes in K-P in the era of CPEC.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr Muhammmad Khan talked about the geo-strategic development and Pakistan in the context of One Belt One Road. Professor Dr Amir Khan, of CPEC-Think Tank Islamabad, explained different projects of CPEC and regional integration and socio-economic development in K-P. Renowned journalist of Pakistan Rahimullah Yusufzai chaired the session and emphasized balanced approach to CPEC.

With peace secure: ‘Focus must now turn to investment’

The third session started with Dr Raza Rahman Qazi who discussed in detail the impact of CPEC on internal and external integration.  During the session Professor Dr Sohail Ahmad in his presentation highlighted avenues of cooperation between China and Pakistan in the field of agriculture. The third session was chaired by Professor Dr. Tahir Shah, Vice-Chancellor Fata University. Shah said that CPEC was a blessing and this opportunity should not be missed.

Professor Dr Mohammad Abid, in his concluding remarks, thanked all the speakers, participants and organisers of the conference for making the event a success. A large number of vice-chancellors, deans, HODs, scholars, journalists, academicians, practitioners, civil society and students participated in the conference.

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