CPEC to end economic disparity in different regions of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, May 25 (Gwadar Pro) – Senior journalists from Pakistan’s leading media highlighted necessary measures for success of the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The program titled ‘Understanding China for future cooperation and second phase of CPEC’ was organised by Asian Institute of Eco-Civilisation Research and Development (AIERD). Renowned anchors from Pakistan’s influential news channels participated in the discussion.

Saleem Safi, author of two books on CPEC and prime time anchor with Pakistan’s most viewed Geo news channel said, “CPEC will bring parity in development of different regions and will end economic deprivation in the country. Pakistani officials should work in cohesion with the Chinese authorities and observe merit in economic decision making.” The government should simplify the procedure for issuing visas to the Chinese investors and should facilitate them establishing industry, he stressed. He also called for reorganising the Pakistani side in Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of CPEC by giving more representation to provinces of China. He stressed the need of a centralised body to expedite various processes for Chinese investors.

Shakil Ramay, CEO of AIERD, highlighted various aspects of China’s political and governance models, saying that understanding China was essential for successful implementation of the second phase of CPEC. The second phase in about business to business cooperation, which needs a comprehensive strategy to attract the Chinese investors, he said. He said that road and rail networks, agricultural reforms and capacity building were the cornerstones of China’s strategy to end poverty in the country. He also highlighted the process of decision making in China and underscored that political representatives were at the helm in key decisions.

The Chinese governance model on education, healthcare, skill development, industry-community linkage and environmental protection could be learnt by Pakistan for successful implementation of CPEC, he elaborated.

Zahid Latif, financial expert and CEO of ZLK Securities, said that every country in the region wanted to participate in CPEC for better connectivity and economic uplift. He said that the day was not far when China, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and the Central Asian states will be connected through road and rail networks.