BEIJING has engaged the World Bank for undertaking a study on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that will cover the implementation status of CPEC and its future prospects. According to officials, the Washington-based lender is conducting the study on six different aspects of CPEC and expects to complete the work by end of this year. The development comes at a time when Pakistan is urging China to expedite work on the CPEC projects being completed with Chinese assistance.
As our country lacks institutional capacity to conduct evidence based research to gauge the real potential of the $60 billion investment programme, the study by the world institution indeed will not only be authentic but also help divulge the real potential of multi billion dollars project that will also go a long way in dispelling the negative impression that is created every now and then about the corridor project. The analytical study will also lead and guide both the friendly countries how to further expand scope of the project. We have no doubt in saying that the CPEC has the potential to change the entire landscape of the region in terms of development and poverty alleviation by promoting greater connectivity and giving impetus to trade activities. As the project is now entering the most important phase of establishment of special economic zones, it will help create hundreds of thousands of job opportunities as well as help Pakistan meet most of its economic challenges by enhancing its exports. As the next phase also envisages development of social sector including construction of hospitals and educational institutions, we are confident that this will bring a real change in the life of the people and improve their living standards.
We expect that both Pakistan and China will continue to move forward on the mega corridor project with much more vigour and energy in order to fully realise the potential of the corridor project at the earliest. Some elements or detractors undoubtedly will try to undermine the project but as long as the leadership of both the countries are committed, nobody could derail this vital project.
Source:Â https://pakobserver.net/study-on-cpec/
