The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not merely an economic project, but a transformative endeavor that holds the potential to reshape the destiny of the region.&quot

By Daily Independent On Jul 10, 2023

Decade of BRI's China Pakistan Economic

Corridor (CPEC):

Transforming the Landscape of Bilateral

Cooperation

"The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not merely an economic
project, but a transformative endeavor that holds the potential to
reshape the destiny of the region." –

By: Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani.

"China and Pakistan have built a model of economic cooperation for the
world to learn from." – Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic
of China.

As the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) completes its first
decade, it stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between
China and Pakistan and the transformative power of strategic
partnerships. Launched in 2013 as a flagship project under China's
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the CPEC has emerged as a
game-changer, reshaping the economic and infrastructural landscape of
both nations. A decade of collaboration has brought about remarkable
achievements, cementing the foundation for shared prosperity and
regional connectivity.

The ambitious CPEC initiative aimed to connect Gwadar Port in
southwestern Pakistan with China's northwestern region of Xinjiang,
through a network of highways, railways, and pipelines. Its
overarching objective was to stimulate economic growth, alleviate
poverty, and strengthen regional connectivity. Today, CPEC encompasses
various sectors, including energy, infrastructure development,
industrial cooperation, and the promotion of Gwadar as a major trade
hub.

During the past ten years, CPEC has witnessed the successful
completion of several milestone projects. The construction of Gwadar
Port, an integral part of CPEC, has transformed it into a bustling
international port city. With Chinese investment and expertise, Gwadar
Port has become a crucial maritime gateway connecting Pakistan to the
world, providing a significant boost to trade and commerce in the
region.
The energy sector has also experienced a significant transformation
under CPEC. The establishment of several power projects, including
coal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric, has helped bridge Pakistan's
energy deficit, reducing load shedding and ensuring a stable power
supply for industries and households. These initiatives have not only
enhanced the country's energy security but also laid the groundwork
for a greener and more sustainable future.
Furthermore, CPEC has played a vital role in boosting
industrialization and economic diversification in Pakistan. Special
Economic Zones (SEZs) established under the project have attracted
both domestic and foreign investments, creating new employment
opportunities and fostering economic growth. The transfer of
technology and expertise from Chinese companies has been instrumental
in enhancing Pakistan's industrial productivity and competitiveness.
The impact of CPEC extends beyond Pakistan's borders, encompassing
the
entire region. As a linchpin of the BRI, the corridor has strengthened
connectivity between China, Pakistan, and other countries in the
region, fostering regional integration and trade. The development of
transport infrastructure, including the Karakoram Highway and the
Peshawar-Karachi Motorway, has reduced travel time and improved
connectivity, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
As we reflect on a decade of CPEC, the words of President Xi Jinping
ring true: "Friendship between China and Pakistan is rock solid and
unbreakable." The successful implementation of the CPEC projects
demonstrates the depth of this friendship and the mutual benefits
derived from it. The initiative has not only bolstered economic
cooperation but has also enhanced people-to-people exchanges, cultural

understanding, and strategic collaboration between the two nations.
Looking ahead, the next phase of CPEC holds tremendous potential. The
completion of ongoing projects and the launch of new initiatives will
further strengthen the economic and strategic ties between China and
Pakistan. The focus will shift towards enhancing connectivity,
promoting regional trade, and harnessing the potential of emerging
sectors such as digital economy and e-commerce.

The transformative journey of CPEC serves as an inspiration for other
nations seeking to forge strategic partnerships for sustainable
development. It underscores the significance of mutual trust, shared
vision, and long-term commitment in realizing ambitious projects of
this nature.

To usher the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into a new
dimension and phase, the Chinese President is anticipated to make a
significant visit to Pakistan. This forthcoming visit holds tremendous
importance as the Chinese President is expected to inaugurate two
pivotal projects that will greatly contribute to the country's
progress. Firstly, the inauguration of the Gwadar International
Airport will serve as a major milestone in the development of the
strategic port city, bolstering its position as a key regional trade
hub. Secondly, the Chinese President will oversee the inauguration of
the 884MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, which not only signifies a
remarkable achievement in energy cooperation between the two nations
but has also generated approximately 4250 jobs during its construction
phase. Situated on the scenic River Kunhar, a tributary of the mighty
River Jhelum, this hydropower project exemplifies the shared
commitment towards sustainable development and economic growth. The
Chinese President's visit is poised to strengthen the bond between
China and Pakistan and propel the CPEC initiative towards a brighter
future, marked by enhanced cooperation and prosperity.

CPEC is a living example of the fact that we can achieve what we set
out to do if we work together in an atmosphere of mutual trust and
respect." As we celebrate a decade of CPEC, let us acknowledge the

remarkable achievements and look forward to a future of continued
cooperation, prosperity, and progress.
Looking ahead, the next phase of CPEC holds tremendous potential. The
completion of ongoing projects and the launch of new initiatives will
further strengthen the economic and strategic ties between China and
Pakistan. The focus will shift towards enhancing connectivity,
promoting regional trade, and harnessing the potential of emerging
sectors such as the digital economy and e-commerce.

As we celebrate the achievements of the past decade, let us
acknowledge the remarkable progress made and look forward to a future
of continued cooperation, prosperity, and progress.
…
(Renowned as a foreign-affairs analyst hailing from the vibrant city
of Peshawar, Pakistan, Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani has emerged as a
prominent voice in the realm of international relations. As the
Secretary General of the esteemed Pakistan-China Friendship
Association, Gilani has played a pivotal role in strengthening the
ties between the two nations. For inquiries or engagement, he can be
contacted at syeed.gilani@gmail.com.)