CPEC 26 projects completed 30 under construction: PES 2021-22

ISLAMABAD, June 10 (Gwadar Pro) - Pakistan Economy Survey (PES) 2021-22 reveals the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan and China have successfully launched 56 projects on the ground. Among them, 26 projects worth approximately $17 billion have been completed so far and 30 projects worth $8.5 billion are under construction. Moreover, 36 projects having an estimated cost of $28.4 billion are also under different stages of negotiations for inclusion in the CPEC framework.

According to PES 2021, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is taking CPEC forward with new vigor, promoting the multifaceted development of the flagship project of China’s ambitious BRI.

While terming CPEC a “Gateway of Prosperity” for both countries and the region at large, the Government of Pakistan believes that CPEC has the potential to serve as a corridor with multiple doors connecting China with Central Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe.

According to PES 2021, CPEC is being expanded in areas of Trade & Market Access; Industrial Development & Global Value Chains; Socio-Economic Development & Poverty Alleviation; Agriculture Modernization & Marketing; Sciences & Technology Cooperation; Blue Economy; Regional Connectivity & Third Country Participation.

CPEC Connectivity Projects: The Chinese and Pakistani workforce, in a large number, is employed to ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects and launch new projects such as Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6), Peshawar-D.I. Khan Motorway (M-14), KKH Alternative Route (Gilgit-Shandur-Chitral), Swat Expressway (Phase-II), Dir Expressway and Karachi Circular Railways.

Transport and Infrastructure:  The survey reveals that remarkable progress has been achieved so far in the Transport Infrastructure sector. Presently, Pakistan has 48 national highways, motorways, and strategic roads with a total length of 14,480 Km. Pakistan Railways comprised a total of 466 Locomotives for a 7,791 Km route length. On the Eastern Alignment, Sukkur-Hyderabad (M-6) section has been proposed on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

CPEC ENERGY PROJECT: Under CPEC, thirteen power generation projects of 11,648 MW are being facilitated by PPIB under CPEC. These include four hydropower projects of 3,428MW, five Thar-coal based projects of 3,960MW, four imported coal-based projects of4,260 MW and a 660 kV High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission Line Project. Out of these, three imported coal based power projects of 3,960 MW and one Thar coal-based power project of 660 MW have been commissioned, while ±660 kV Matiari-Lahore HVDC Transmission Line Project has also started operations on commercial basis with effect from September1, 2021. Furthermore, another nine IPPs of 7,028 MW which include four hydro IPPs of 3,428 MW, four Thar coal based IPPs of 3,300 MW and one imported coal based IPP of 300 MW are at different stages of processing.

Development of Gwadar: As per CSP 2021-22, the development of Gwadar is a priority for the Government of Pakistan. The commercial, political, socio-economic, and regional connectivity related benefits that can be realized once the port (and the city) reaches its full potential. Gwadar is a strategic warm water deep seaport being developed under CPEC. In the win-win cooperation framework between China and Pakistan, Gwadar projects have achieved significant progress. The Government is making all-out efforts to realize the planned CPEC projects in Gwadar at the earliest. The master plan of Gwadar city has been approved in the FY2020.

Moreover, Pak-China Vocational & Technical Institute in Gwadar was inaugurated in September 2021. Work on the Pak-China Friendship Hospital project at Gwadar is underway. Also, projects related to the provision of drinking water such as “Necessary Facilities of Fresh Water Treatment, Water Supply and Distribution” and “1.2 MGD Desalination Plant” are in the construction process. Measures are also underway to expedite Gwadar 300 MW Coal Power Plant, Construction of breakwater and dredging of berthing areas and channels.