ISLAMABAD: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains firmly on course, despite facing obstacles along the way.
Over the past decade, this ambitious infrastructure and economic development project has not only survived the test of time but has also adapted to unexpected challenges, primarily the COVID-19 pandemic.
CPEC, a crucial component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has proven its resilience and significance in transforming the socio-economic landscape of Pakistan.
During the last 10 years, USD 17 billion have already been invested in 26 projects while 30 projects worth USD 8.5 billion are underway. As many as 36 more projects worth USD 28.4 billion are in the pipeline and will be executed as planned.
CPEC has already significantly addressed Pakistan’s energy requirements by adding over 6,000 MW of electricity to the national grid and installing 886 km-long power transmission lines. Under CPEC, various infrastructure projects have been completed including 809 km long roads across Pakistan and the first metro line in Lahore.
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CPEC projects have directly or indirectly generated 200,000 jobs in Pakistan thus significantly contributing towards its economy. As a significant part of the Belt Road Initiative, CPEC is seen as the “symbol of a new era of connectedness and integration” for Pakistan.
Various projects are in the pipeline which include SEZs, ML-1 and projects in several other fields. Pakistan is committed to further cement and enhance the CPEC portfolios and further expand it. Peace in Afghanistan has further enhanced the expansion of CPEC to CARs which will soon materialize.
China and Pakistan just celebrated the 10 years of CPEC in August 2023 which speaks volumes about the bilateral commitments. Pakistan has already raised two Army Divisions and various Special Police Units to ensure security of the Chinese in Pakistan.
The recent peace agreement in Afghanistan has opened doors for CPEC’s expansion into Central Asian Republics (CARs), enhancing regional connectivity and trade opportunities. August 2023 marked a decade of collaboration in CPEC between China and Pakistan, reaffirming their strong commitment to the project and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
A beacon of hope and development as CPEC enters its second decade, it continues to be a symbol of hope and development, not only for Pakistan but for the entire region. The strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, driven by their joint commitment to CPEC, promises a future of prosperity and interconnectedness.
Over the course of the last decade, the CPEC has not only weathered various challenges but has emerged as a beacon of success and regional cooperation. Its ability to attract substantial investments, create jobs, and address critical energy needs in Pakistan underscores its transformative impact on the country’s socio-economic landscape.
As CPEC advances into its second decade, its significance transcends national borders. The recent peace agreement in Afghanistan has opened up new opportunities for the corridor to expand into the Central Asian Republics (CARs), fostering regional connectivity and trade prospects. This expansion further solidifies CPEC’s role as a catalyst for regional cooperation and development.
The decade-long commitment between China and Pakistan to CPEC reflects a profound partnership built on shared goals and mutual trust. Their dedication to the project not only signifies their joint pursuit of economic progress but also strengthens the bonds of friendship between these two nations.
CPEC stands as a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration, promising a future characterized by prosperity and interconnectedness, not only for Pakistan but for the broader region it serves.
