LAHORE: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is set to take Pakistan to new horizons on economic front, said newly elected Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Punjab Zone Chairman Manzoorul Haq Malik on Sunday. The CPEC is geared to usher in new job opportunities, enhanced exports, foreign exchange and burgeoning trade activities, he said adding that as many as 2.3 million jobs for skilled and professional staff will be created through different ventures. “The Industrial phase of CPEC will bring new opportunities as well as challenges for the local industry, he said, adding: “Those of us (industrialists) who would not adapt to meet the needs of new environment will have to face difficulties,” he cautioned. “Most of our industrialists will gain substantially from various projects under the CPEC due to huge potential of growth in the country and its vast resources.” “We will have to introduce our brands and also adopt modern technology and technical skills to increase our profits. Chinese have achieved their current economic position due to latest education. Same is the way forward for us,” he maintained. He said that the apex body of commerce and industry in Pakistan would work hand in hand with the government and industry as well as commerce sectors to reap full benefits of the CPEC. Experts of Institute for Policy Reforms (IPR) believe that Pakistan has to make vigorous efforts to prepare work force for availing maximum benefits from the industrial phase and other ventures under the CPEC. A report recently issued by IPR says, “There is a need for urgent action to upgrade skills and improve research and development as well as governance.” “By not doing so, Pakistan will fail to fully exploit potential of the multi-billion project,” it added.