Webinar on requirements of inclusive and cooperative development of CPEC
NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) held a webinar on the requirements of inclusive and cooperative development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Thursday, April 22, 2021.
Speaking at the session, Lt Gen (Retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa , Chairman CPEC Authority, said CPEC has inspired a new era of cooperation in the region. He said that the success of CPEC requires the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders.
Engr Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Rector NUST & Patron NIPS, appreciated the development of CPEC as a strategic, consultative, coordinated, and integrated cooperation platform for China and Pakistan, complete with a range of development philosophies, growth strategies and implementation models.
Ms Pang Chunxue, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, highlighted the business development potential of the multi-billion dollar projects of CPEC. She said China’s latest strategy of double circulation will further provide immense opportunities for enhancing China-Pakistan cooperation, particularly in the development of CPEC.
Vice Admiral (Retd) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, former Vice Chief of Naval Staff and former Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, stated that the regional security situation remains fluid. He said Pakistan is facing ceaseless cross-domain coercion and needs to focus on non-traditional security along with traditional and physical security in order to ensure smooth development of CPEC.
Ambassador (Retd) Riaz Khokhar, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, stressed the need for speedy multidimensional development of Gwadar city and port with the full construction of all components of coastal urbanisation.
Ambassador (Retd) Naghmana Hashmi, former ambassador of Pakistan to China, pointed out that a strategic approach towards CPEC requires the understanding that the concept of CPEC is greater than the projects grouped under CPEC. She said the key to success is to do the projects well and constantly deepen the concept.
Dr Shahid Mahmud, Group Chairman & CEO Interactive Group, said CPEC planners should prioritise the fourth industrial revolution and develop the digital potential of China-Pakistan partnership.
President KCCI Mr M Shariq Vohra stated that Pakistan needs to increase its exports to China. He said the focus should also be on the second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement to ensure CPEC’s long-term sustainable development.
Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan, Principal NUST School of Social Sciences & DG NIPS, stressed the need for continuous on-ground monitoring of CPEC projects for their efficient and timely completion.
Ambassador (Retd) Syed Hasan Javed, Director Chinese Studies Centre at NUST, who was also the webinar’s moderator, called for demand-side interventions and major policy reforms during CPEC Phase-II. The event was attended by veteran diplomats, eminent experts, professionals, policy researchers, academics and students.