CPEC-2

It is a good beginning that CPEC-2 is in the taxiing phase. The lifeline economic programme for Pakistan with a seed input of around $60 billion is a game-changer, and it is a good omen that is coming full circle despite regional and international estrangements. The decision of the Planning Commission of Pakistan, in a high-powered meeting with Chinese representatives, to initiate the launch of five special industrial zones has come with the added resolve to beef up the security environment in the remote zones of the country. The initial master-plan of CPEC had listed out nine Special Economic Zones, and kick-starting work on five of them is a win-win equation at a time when the region is in a flux, and geo-economics is the way to go.

Flanked by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, the two sides resolved to establish a new working group on five SEZs. Under CPEC-2, the priorities were articulately named as Five Es framework: export, energy, equity, environment and e-Pakistan. As the first phase of CPEC spread over a decade from 2014 had come up with a state-of-the-art infrastructure by laying a network of roads and bridges, along with power generation projects, now is the time for moving towards production and industrialisation.

The potential that Pakistan possesses in the form of raw material, industrious labour and sophisticated talent makes it a viable destination for growth and prosperity. While CPEC is all about buoying Chinese capital and technological expertise to other countries and continents, under its flagship of BRI, this new phase of development must be undertaken with zeal and vigour.

These five new avenues can change Pakistan’s socio-economic mosaic. As they pertain to job creation, innovation, green energy and inclusive regional development, what is desired is its implementation on an apolitical terrain by keeping it above whims and wishes. CPEC is a guarantee of Pakistan’s economic revival, and is also the way to go as the country knits a new social contract with the aggrieved sections of the society, especially in far-flung areas of Balochistan, K-P and G-B. Time to link and revive the spirit bilaterally.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2024.

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