CPEC Research Categories
One Platform for all CPEC research targeting Connectivity, Regional growth, Urban Development, Socio-Economics, Financial Development and Job Growth
One Platform for all CPEC research targeting Connectivity, Regional growth, Urban Development, Socio-Economics, Financial Development and Job Growth
Pakistan is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in South Asia with a population of 207,774,520 of which 63.6% is rural and 36.4% is urban (GOP, 2017). The United Nations Population Division estimates that, by 2025, nearly half of the country’s population will live in urban areas with a major chunk of the population living in the megacities. Rapid urbanization creates opportunities and challenges. Cities around the world are home to the creation of employment, environment-friendly technological and infrastructural advancements, and a high economic productivity. However, mismanagement and poor planning of the cities & urbanization process may result in low economic activity, environmental vulnerability, poor service delivery, and socially exclusive societies.
Abstract:
Slums mostly shadow beautiful cities – massive urbanization coupled with slumization is one of the biggest challenges for growing cities. Cites provide an attraction for people but this may open-up in tragedy sometimes, trapping the dwellers in slums. Urban population is increasing drastically at the global level, half of the world’s population is living in urban areas. This huge increase in population is proportionately involved rural to urban migration resulting in formation…
Author:
Dr. Ghulam Akhmat
Senior Research Fellow: Urban
Development in Pakistan under CPEC
Keywords:
Slums, Developing world, Cities of Pakistan, Urbanization, Pakistan, cpec research
Abstract:
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides the industrial sector of Pakistan with an opportunity to modernize and become more efficient and competitive. The various energy projects under CPEC – coupled with improvements in infrastructure and road networks – are helping to address some of the key constraints to growth in the country. More importantly…
Author:
Dr. Saleem Janjua
Head of Policy, Centre of Excellence for
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Islamabad
Adnan Khan
Research Associate, Centre of Excellence for
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Islamabad
Numra Asif
Research Assistant, Centre of Excellence for
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Islamabad
Keywords:
cpec projects, cpec research, road networks
Abstract:
The formation and advancement of special economic zones (SEZs) are considered as engines of economic growth, as they play their role of social-uplift through trade boost-up, widening export base, fast-track urbanization and other social privileges. Around the world, several examples of successful SEZs exist and many of them are in the Asian region. In the framework of China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), nine SEZs are proposed…
Author:
Dr. Saleem Janjua
Policy Head Urban Development
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Adnan Khan
Research Associate
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Numra Asif
Research Assistant
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Keywords:
Urban Development, Special Economic Zones, China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Industrialization, Economic Growth.
Abstract:
Pakistan economy is besieged on the export front for decades, which contributes to trade and current account deficits. Although the government has announced several industrialization policies in the past, but no significant change has been observed. But now, under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) we have an opportunity to put the economy back on track. We are expecting some major structural shifts, through which we will overcome the basic bottleneck…
Author:
Adnan Khan
Research Associate
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Muhammad Ishtiaq
Economic Analyst
State Bank of Pakistan
Muhammad Sohail
Lecturer
NUML, Islamabad
Keywords:
CPEC Research, Economic Growth, Pakistan Economy, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Growth Identification and Facilitation Framework (GIFF), Latent Comparative Advantage-LCA
Pakistan is the fifth populous country with a population of 207,775 million of which 63.6 % hire in rural areas and 36.4 in urban (GOP, 2017). Socio economic development is essential requirement for the improvement of the quality of life, wellbeing of the people and the environment in which we all live. Socio economic status is a combined economic and sociological measures of a person/a household/family in relation to other people in term of education, income and occupation. Any change in these indicators both positive and otherwise will affect the social economic status of a person or household or a family. Besides, there are other indicators which are also related to socio-economic status, such as health, wealth, political participation, psychological condition, household size, housing quality, safety and security, availability of food, basic need and other essential services.
Abstract:
Investment under umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is subject to social and economic development of country at large. One of the key domains of the CPEC is road infrastructure. Development and expansion of the road infrastructure is intended to enhance connectivity for social and economic uplift of the regions. This study investigates the socio and economic impacts of the road infrastructure with special reference to E-35. Study concluded that long term impacts need time…
Author:
Dr. Amir Khan
Policy Head: Socio Economic Impacts of CPEC
CoE CPEC
Saira Ali
Research Associate: Socio Economic Impacts of CPEC
CoE CPEC, CPEC Research
Keywords:
Infrastructure, CPEC, E-35, socio economic, baseline
Abstract:
This concept note is the outcome of second workshop which was conducted in the centre of excellence, CPEC-SE Division from 18-23 December 2017 to strengthen the evidence base planning, intervention and CPEC impact assessment. After giving a brief background of CPEC including its context within the framework of SDGs part first explain the procedure of measuring the socio-economic impacts…
Author:
Prof. (Meritorious) Amir Khan, Policy Head SE Division, CoE-CPEC
Dr. Khalid Omer, Consultant, CoE-CPEC
Ms. Saira Ali, Research Associate, CoE-CPEC
Keywords:
BRI, CPEC, OBOR, Silk Road, CPEC Research
Trade and Industrialization play a significant role in economic growth of an economy. The inclusive growth can effectively and efficiently be achieved through promoting trade and industrial development. Trade and Industrialization are, no doubt, the main factors behind the success stories of ‘Asian tigers and dragons’ in the recent time. In this way, role of trade and industrial cooperation is very crucial. Learning from the best practices of China, Pakistan can also expand its industrial base and enhance international trade. The target is to achieve the competitiveness, establish viable industry clusters and create market niche for Pakistan through CPEC. Fulfilment of these goals will help Pakistan’s economy to expand its trade worldwide and to uplift local industry.
Abstract:
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a revolutionary project having remarkable implications for the economy and considered as fate changer of this region. The mega project of CPEC creates regional connectivity among Central and South Asian countries under the one belt one road (OBOR) initiative. The CPEC project includes the establishment of the country-wide 9 priority special economic zones (SEZs) providing the opportunities of possible joint ventures for local businesses with the world class export oriented Chinese and foreign companies to relocate in the industrial parks and special economic zones (SEZs) developed by Pakistan. As the Joint ventures…
Author:
Ahsan Abbas
Senior Research Fellow
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Faryal Maaz
Research Associate
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Keywords:
Joint ventures, industrial clusters, trade, industry, SEZs, China, and Pakistan, CPEC Research
Abstract:
SEZs are promoted around the globe mainly in less developed countries as a strategy to industrialize and to accelerate the economic growth. The growing number of zones are the evidence of this “second best”1 (Farole, 2010) and cornerstone (UNIDO, 2015) strategy for the country’s economic growth. Pakistan has announced SEZs to support the strategy of export promotion and import substitution. This paper discusses…
Author:
Dr. Ahsan Abbas
Senior Research Fellow
Centre of Excellence
Saira Ali
Research Associate
Centre of Excellence
Keywords:
SEZ, human resource, potential industries, CPEC Research
Abstract:
China remained one of the top economies of the world, with respect to trade volume it is the first largest exporting and the 2nd largest importing country. Manufacturing sector is the key trading sector (imports and exports) of China which accounts for 94% of its total exports and about 65% of its total imports. Prime trading partners includes USA, the largest destination constitutes 18.5% of total exports of China and EU the largest supplier covers 10% of China’s total imports. China has opened 32% of its economy whereas USA and EU have opened their economies around 19% and 64% respectively.
This study has also analyzed the trade between…
Author:
Dr. Ahsan Abbas, Senior Research Fellow CPEC Trade and Industry Cooperation Centre of Excellence CPEC
Saira Ali, Research Associate Socio-Economic Impacts of CPEC, Centre of Excellence CPEC
Keywords:
Trade Pattern, EU, Prime Trading, SAARC, CPEC Research
Abstract:
Pakistan economy is besieged on the export front for decades, which contributes to trade and current account deficits. Although the government has announced several industrialization policies in the past, but no significant change has been observed. But now, under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) we have an opportunity to put the economy back on track. We are expecting some major structural…
Author:
Adnan Khan
Research Associate of Policy-Urban Developement, Centre of Excellence for CPEC, PIDE, Ministry of Planning
Muhammad Ishtiaq
Economic Analyst
State Bank of Pakistan
Muhammad Sohail
Lecturer
NUML Islamabad
Keywords:
CPEC Research, Economic Growth, Pakistan Economy, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Growth Identification and Facilitation Framework (GIFF), Latent Comparative Advantage-LCA
Pakistan has nature’s unique advantage due to it’s geo-strategically coordinates among top emerging eastern economies including China, India and other South Asian countries. World has experienced multiple regional integration models like EU, ASEAN, SAARC and BRICS. But these are all facing a lot of challenge. Major root-cause being exclusive growth of regional countries. Based on such experiences, President Xi initiated a new model of regional integration “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)” and made connectivity agreements with 65 regional countries for infrastructural development worth 900 billion USDs.
Under BRI model China is going to connect South Asia, South East Asia, Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Russia and Middle East Asia with six major economic corridors and “China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)” has been declared a flagship corridor of BRI due to its geo-strategic positioning.
Abstract:
One of the OBOR pilot corridors out of the six corridors is CPEC. The CPEC has been initiated in 2013 and due to its speedy progress, CPEC is now vastly considered as the “flagship” project among the OBOR projects. The CPEC initiatives include; development of Gwadar Port, road, rail and optical fiber connectivity, energy corridor and Special Economic Zones development for bilateral benefits to attain inclusive growth and regional harmonization. Before the inception of CPEC, the growth of Pakistan was curtailed by two major bottlenecks; acute energy shortages and weak…
Author:
Yasir Arrfat
Research Coordinator
Centre of Excellence
Keywords:
BRI, Challenges, Connectivity, Corridors, CPEC, Global Competitive Index (GCI), Investment, Infrastructure, OBOR
Abstract:
Solar radiation in any geographical region is not constant. Someareas receive more solar radiation than others. The best location in terms of solar power potential can be the one receiving maximum solar radiation. However, other factors such as land cover, elevation, geographical position, air temperature and humidity affect the viability of a suitable location for solar power systems. This paper presents a methodology to identify locations for solar power generation keeping in view solar variability and multivariate factors influencing the viability…
Author:
Fahd Amjad
Policy Head of Regional Connectivity
Centre of Excellence
Liaqat Ali Shah
Policy Head of Trade & Industrial Cooperation
Centre of Excellence
Keywords:
Solar, Pakistan, Facility Location Decision, Spatial Analysis, Density Based Clustering, Quantum – GIS, R statistical software
Abstract:
This paper sheds light on the methodology of “Business Information Modeling (BIM)”and the benef1ts associated with it. It further represents the case studies regarding the usefulness of BIM in countries namely: UAE, Singapore,Dubai and Spain. This paper indicates the diversity and complexity associated with the gigantic portfolio of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its implementation. This study…
Author:
Resource Person:
Mr. Azhar Zia-Ur-Rehman
CISA, CISM, CRISC, ITIL, MS BE, ISO27K Certified Lead Auditor, ISO20000 Lead Auditor, ISO22301 Lead Auditor, Rehmaniyah Management Consultant.
Prepared By:
Yasir Arrfat Research
Associate at Centre of Excellence-China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Planning Commission of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
Reviewed By:
Dr. Shahid Rashid
Executive Director at Centre of Excellence-China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Planning Commission of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
Keywords:
BIM, CPEC, Building, Capabilities, Information Modelling
Financing and Financial Sector Integration has its own importance in shaping the future of Pakistan. Financing and Financial Sector Integration involves the working of Chinese and Pakistani financial institutions in such a way that they work in maximum synchronization. The Centre of Excellence for CPEC has been given the mandate to explore the opportunities and challenges involved in this regard. Other aligned objectives of this theme include; to conduct policy based research and present to the implementer.
Abstract:
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a revolutionary project having remarkable implications for the economy and considered as fate changer of this region. The mega project of CPEC creates regional connectivity among Central and South Asian countries under the one belt one road (OBOR) initiative. The CPEC project includes the establishment of the country-wide 9 priority special economic zones (SEZs) providing the opportunities of possible joint ventures for local businesses with the world class export oriented Chinese and foreign companies to relocate in the industrial parks…
Author:
Ahsan Abbas
Senior Research Fellow
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Faryal Maaz
Research Associate
Centre of Excellence CPEC
Keywords:
Joint ventures, industrial clusters, trade, industry, SEZs, China, and Pakistan.
Abstract:
SEZs are promoted around the globe mainly in less developed countries as a strategy to industrialize and to accelerate the economic growth. The growing number of zones is the evidence of this “second best”1 (Farole, 2010) and cornerstone (UNIDO, 2015) strategy for the country’s economic growth. Pakistan has announced SEZs to support the strategy of export promotion and import substitution. This paper discusses the SEZs prioritized under CPEC portfolio and highlights….
Author:
Dr. Ahsan Abbas
Senior Research Fellow
Centre of Excellence
Saira Ali
Research Associate
Centre of Excellence
Keywords:
SEZ, human resource, potential industries
Abstract:
China remained one of the top economies of the world, with respect to trade volume it is the first largest exporting and the 2nd largest importing country. Manufacturing sector is the key trading sector (imports and exports) of China which accounts for 94% of its total exports and about 65% of its total imports. Prime trading partners includes USA, the largest destination constitutes 18.5% of total exports of China and EU the largest supplier covers 10% of China’s total imports. China has opened 32% of its economy whereas USA and EU have opened their economies around 19% and 64% respectively.
This study has also analyzed the trade between China…
Author:
Dr. Ahsan Abbas
Senior Research Fellow CPEC Trade and Industry Cooperation Centre of Excellence CPEC
Saira Ali
Research Associate Socio-Economic Impacts of CPEC, Centre of Excellence CPEC
Keywords:
Trade Pattern, EU, Prime Trading, SAARC
Abstract:
Pakistan economy is besieged on the export front for decades, which contributes to trade and current account deficits. Although the government has announced several industrialization policies in the past, but no significant change has been observed. But now, under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) we have an opportunity to put the economy back on track. We are expecting some major structural shifts, through which we will overcome the basic bottleneck of the economy, such as infrastructure…
Author:
Adnan Khan
Research Associate of Policy-Urban Development, Centre of Excellence for CPEC, PIDE, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms Planning Commission of Pakistan, Islamabad
Muhammad Ishtiaq
Economic Analyst at State Bank of Pakistan
Muhammad Sohail
Lecturer at National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
Keywords:
CPEC, Economic Growth, Pakistan Economy, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Growth Identification and Facilitation Framework (GIFF), Latent Comparative Advantage-LCA
Job Growth & Human Resource Development (JG&HRD) is vital to economic recovery and growth of Pakistan. Economic progress in Pakistan is strong, but significant challenges remain like unemployment, less competitive human resource, inequalities and women faced economic, social, and cultural challenges that limit their access to markets, quality jobs, and entrepreneurship. This in turn holds back whole economies.
At Centre of Excellence for China Pakistan Economic Corridor, we report on a very specific aspect of job creation & human resource development through China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Abstract:
This study explores the different early harvest initiatives of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) namely; Energy, Infrastructure, Gwadar and Industrial Cooperation and the related projects. For instance, around 42 major projects have been agreed under CPEC out of which 22 projects are on the fast track of development whereas ten of these are already completed. This study analyses the employment under the projects…
Author:
Dr. Shahid Rashid
Executive Director
CoE CPEC
Muhammad Muzammil Zia
Policy Head: Job Growth & Human Resource Development under CPEC
CoE CPEC
Shujaa Waqar
Research Assistant: Job Growth & Human Resource Development under CPEC
CoE CPEC
Keywords:
Employment Creation, CPEC, Projection of Employment, Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Abstract:
Developmental projects are backbone of an economy. Therefore, developing countries around the world are in need of such projects that enhance their regional and international connectivity, create employment opportunities and consequently improve their living standards. The concept of economic corridor was first introduced at the GMS (Greater Mekong Sub region) Eighth Ministerial Meeting in 1998 (Ishida, 2009). The basic idea behind economic corridors is to facilitate economic activity through accumulation…
Author:
Dr. Muhammad Nasir
Professor, PIDE, Islamabad
Reviewd By:
Muhammad Muzammil Zia
Policy Head: Job Growth & Human Resource Development under CPEC
CoE CPEC
Shujaa Waqar
Research Assistant: Job Growth & Human Resource Development under CPEC
CoE CPEC
Keywords:
Job Creation, CPEC Research
Abstract:
Identification of relevant trades/skills, in technical vocational education and trainings (TVET), for the need of prospective CPEC projects, both in short and long terms, are necessary for devising optimal human resource policies for job growth and economic development of all provinces of Pakistan. Baluchistan is the least developed province of Pakistan and its socioeconomic development requires focused and objective based policy options under CPEC for skill development, job growth, and human resource development. The system of TVET is not yet explored to know if it fulfills…
Author:
Dr. Aliya H. Khan
Professor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
Aziz Ahmed
Lecturer Economics, Baluchistan University of Information
Technology Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta
Reviewed by:
Muhammad Muzammil Zia
Policy Head: Job Growth and
Human Resource Development, CoE-CPEC
Shuja Waqar
Research Assistant: Job Growth and
Human Resource Development, CoE-CPEC
Keywords:
vocational skills, HR development, Balochistan, job growth, CPEC research
Abstract:
Special economic zones (SEZs) around the world are normally established with the aim of achieving various policy objectives: to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), to generate employment, and to be experimental with economic reforms via zone-exclusive trade policies. Pakistan has already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for an upward of nine SEZs throughout the country in collaboration with China under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) program. The purpose of this study is the assessment of socio-economic impacts of various SEZs in diverse…
Author:
Muhammad Muzammil Zia
Policy Head: Job Growth and
Human Resource Development, CoE-CPEC
Shuja Waqar
Research Assistant: Job Growth and
Human Resource Development, CoE-CPEC
Keywords:
Asian SEZ, Employment, Exports, FDI, Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
Abstract:
The role of infrastructure in economic development is of immense importance. Initial Infrastructure investment under China Pakistan Economic Corridor is US $ 13.58 billion out of US $ 46 billion. Our study has estimated the number of direct employment generated through CPEC and related infrastructure projects. The study also calculates the number of Chinese and Pakistani human resource hired on these projects. The primary data was gathered from six road projects through…
Author:
Muhammad Muzammil Zia
Policy Head: Job Growth and
Human Resource Development, CoE-CPEC
Shuja Waqar
Research Assistant: Job Growth and
Human Resource Development, CoE-CPEC
Keywords:
Employment, FDI, Infrastructure, Investment
Answer: China and Pakistan have reached consensus on the basis of “one corridor, multiple passages”, aiming to benefit the economic and social development of all regions in Pakistan and provide effective connectivity to Gwadar port. The western route is definitely a part of CPEC. Right now, enormous efforts are being made to advance road connectivity in the western parts of Pakistan, and the Chinese side is cooperating with the Pakistani side to create favorable conditions for attracting investment in western and northern parts of Pakistan. With the implementation of various projects, CPEC will play an increasingly important role in promoting the economic development and uplifting living standard across different parts of Pakistan.
Answer: CPEC is for Pakistan as a whole and will bring benefits to the Pakistani people including the people from the western parts. Some CPEC projects in the western parts of Pakistan are making progress. For example, the KKH (Thakot to Havelian) phase Ⅱ and Suki Kinari Hydropower Station are located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The China-Pakistan Cross-border Fiber Optic Cable Project and ML1 Railway upgradation (framework agreement under active discussion as of December 2016) also pass through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Peshawar and Quetta are included in roads of CPEC as node points. CPEC Transport Monographic Study, approved in the 5th JCC, includes Burhan-D.I.Khan, Quetta-Sorab roads as short-term projects. The Gwadar Port, Gwadar Free Zone, Gwadar East-bay Expressway, Gwadar International Airport, Gwadar coal-fired power plant and HUBCO coal-fired power plant are all in Balochistan province.
These projects will help boost employment and tax collection, strengthen the provincial road connectivity, promote economic development as well as improve people’s living standard.
Answer: Industrial cooperation is an important field of CPEC. It is of vital importance to the uplifting of the level of economic cooperation and the expansion of the space for industrial cooperation between our two countries. It carries huge potential and a bright future. In this regard, China has advantages in experience, technology, financing and industrial capacity, while Pakistan enjoys favorable conditions in resources, labor forces and market. By carrying out industrial cooperation, both sides will achieve mutual complementarity and win-win results.
Under the CPEC framework, the two sides have identified two industrial cooperation projects, namely Haier-Ruba Economic Zone (2006) phase II and Gwadar Free Zone. On 1st September, 2016, Ground Breaking Ceremony was held for the Gwadar Free Zone, which has drawn much attention from the business community. China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd. (COPHC) is constructing Gwadar Free Zone expeditiously. The Chinese side is willing to provide high-quality industrial capacities to Pakistan and encourage reputable Chinese companies to make an investment in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Pakistani side is expected to carry out in-depth research on the locations of industrial zones and provide preferential policies and necessary services to mutually-agreed zones in this regard. Both sides will keep on communication with each other on the deepening of industrial cooperation, and hopefully, identify a series of win-win projects that can yield favorable economic and social benefits.
The Chinese Government decided to provide interest-free loans for the laying of Optical Fiber Cable from Rawalpindi to Khunjerab and construction started in April, 2016. Besides, the relevant Chinese company has finished the feasibility study on the utilization of Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcast in Pakistan. The two countries are working on the Long-Term Planning of CPEC and its draft has been completed.
Answer: Efficient and fast transportation network is of vital importance to the economic development. The CPEC shall essentially follow the North-south corridor in Pakistan. The existing road network shall be used in the beginning, developing the missing connections first, with the easiest one on priority, through scientific planning. Currently, two major CPEC transportation projects have been inaugurated and are under expeditious construction, i.e. KKH Phase-II (Havelian-Thakot section) and Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (Sukkur-Multan section). Preferential Chinese government loans are provided for these projects. At the same time, the feasibility study of Railway Line ML1 (Peshawar-Karachi) up-gradation project has been completed and governmental framework agreement is being actively discussed.
Answer: Energy is the source of power for economic development and a key factor in the sustainable development of the Pakistan economy. Efforts are required to speed up the construction of energy projects so as to help Pakistan relieve energy shortage and achieve sustainable development.
Under the CPEC framework, both sides have identified 16 prioritized projects with total capacity of 10,400MW as well as 8 actively promoted projects. As the end of 2016, Zonergy 300MW Solar Park in Bahawalpur Punjab has been completed, combined to the grid, and 50MW Dawood Wind Farm is completed and awaiting connection test. Construction is underway for 8 projects, namely , Sachal 50MW Wind Farm, Port Qasim 2×660MW Coal-fired Power Plant, Sahiwal 2×660MW Coal-fired Power Plant, 660MW HUBCO Coal Power Plant, 720MW Karot Hydropower Station, 100MW Jhimpir UEP Wind Farm, China Three Gorges Second Wind Power Project and 2×330MW Mine Mouth Coal Fired Power Plant at Thar Block II, Sindh with its matching mining project. Groundbreaking for 3 projects is expected to be achieved very soon, namely 873MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Station, Matiari (Port Qasim) to Lahore Transmission Line, and 2×660MW Mine Mouth Coal Fired Power Plant at Thar Block I, Sindh with its matching mining project.
Some other projects are being actively promoted, such as 1100MW Kohala Hydro-Power Project, Gwadar Coal-fired Power Plant and Matiari (Port Qasim) to Faisalabad Transmission Line.
Answer: Situated at the southern end of CPEC near the ocean mouth, Gwadar port is an important project of the CPEC. In order to improve the operational capacity of the port, China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd. (COPHC) has carried out repairs and up-gradation of the port facilities, and now the port has restored its designed capacity. Cargo liners are visiting the port every month since mid-2016. On November 13, 2016, ceremony for CPEC Pilot Project, First Trade Convoy at Gwadar Port was held. During this activity, a China-Pakistan joint convoy of trucks took goods from both countries to Gwadar port. This is the first time that a trade convoy successfully passed through the western part of Pakistan from the north to the south. This is the first time that Gwadar Port is exporting a large number of containers to overseas destinations. This is the first time that China and Pakistan co-organized trade convoy through Pakistan to Gwadar Port.
China and Pakistan are actively promoting the East Bay Expressway project and the New Gwadar International Airport project. Both sides are working together to develop a Gwadar smart port city master plan. Efforts are being made to improve the livelihood of the local people, particularly the construction of educational and medical projects such as China-Pakistan Friendship Primary School in Faqeer, Gwadar, Gwadar Hospital, Gwadar Vocational College, and Water Desalination Plant. Faqeer Primary School has become the first project completed under CPEC.
Answer: To promote the construction of CPEC, China and Pakistan have set up the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). There are five joint working groups under JCC, namely long-term planning, energy, transportation infrastructure, industrial cooperation and Gwadar port. The JCC secretariats are within the National Development and Reform Commission of China and Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms of Pakistan respectively. The two secretariats are responsible for communicating and coordinating with the line ministries related to the construction of CPEC. JCC is responsible for the overall planning and coordination of CPEC, and the joint working groups are responsible for the detailed planning and implementation of the projects within its field. As of November 2016, JCC has convened 5 meetings and reached a series of consensus, playing an active role in promoting CPEC construction.
Answer: According to the consensus reached by the two countries, both sides agreed to promote a “1+4” pattern of economic cooperation, featuring a central role of the CPEC and four key areas including the Gwadar port, energy, transportation infrastructure and industrial cooperation, so as to achieve win-win results and common development. In the medium-to-long term, both sides will explore and expand the cooperation fields to financial services, science and technology, tourism, education, poverty elimination and city planning, etc., so as to meet the demands of deepening and expanding of China-Pakistan all-round cooperation, and play a better role in leading and promoting substantive cooperation between the two countries.
Answer: As a large and systematic project, which covers 2013-2030, CPEC needs joint and unremitting efforts from governments, companies and all social sectors of China and Pakistan. In the process of its construction, both sides agreed on the principles of scientific planning, step by step implementation, consensus through consultation, mutual benefit and win-win results, as well as ensuring quality and safety. Both sides agreed to make the list of prioritized or early harvest projects as well as the long-term plan for CPEC.
The prioritized or early harvest projects mean the projects which will be completed before 2018 or 2020 (for hydropower projects). CPEC is a vision with the long-term planning up to 2030. In the process of planning and construction of CPEC, both sides agreed that the governments of the two countries should play the guiding role, and the companies as market entities should make an investment in line with market rules. Both the governments and the companies, with a clear division of work as well as collaboration, could work together to promote CPEC with constant progress.
Answer: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a major and pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative which is proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. CPEC has become the framework and platform for comprehensive and substantive cooperation between China and Pakistan. CPEC is the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. The leaders of our two countries have attached great importance as well as rendered active promotion to the construction of CPEC. It has also won across-board support from the political parties and peoples of our two countries, which provided profound and solid public support for CPEC.
In May 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed the initiative of CPEC during his visit to Pakistan, which immediately got positive response and support from the Pakistani government. In July 2013, during Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to China, an MOU was signed to start work on CPEC. Up to now, a series of major projects are being implemented in a steady manner, and are under smooth construction in general. CPEC has gradually entered into the state of full implementation from planning, which is playing an increasing role in leading and promoting the bilateral substantive cooperation between China and Pakistan.
CPEC is of great significance to the development of China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and the building of the community of shared destiny between China and Pakistan. CPEC will provide new opportunities, new vision as well as new impetus to China-Pakistan relations. CPEC is facing Pakistan as a whole and will bring benefits to Pakistani people. It will effectively promote the economic and social development of Pakistan. The construction of CPEC will enhance connectivity and integration of development strategies of China and Pakistan, which is in the fundamental interests of our two peoples. Both sides are committed to building CPEC and completing a number of major projects with high quality and on schedule, so as to achieve win-win results and bring benefits to people in China and Pakistan as well as other countries in the region.