Daily Times

Sir: China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is nowadays one of the most talked about issue on media. The fine prints of the agreement have inseminated seeds of felicity and confidence among nationals of both countries with its promising fruition.

The prospective corridor of opportunities costing approximately 51 billion dollars is on one side the biggest overseas investment incurred by China as a step to fulfil its One Belt One Road dream and the largest historic Foreign Direct Investment inflow into Pakistan, reflecting its significance through its inclusion in the next five years development plan of People’s Republic of China.

The fifteen year targeted mega project will connect Xinjiang, to the Arabian Sea through the Gawadar Port. CPEC project is not only going to open new gates of trade for China and Pakistan but also benefit the whole South Asian region. Trade and economy is likely to boost among Pakistan, China, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics through improved trade and connectivity amongst these countries. Pakistan being a developing country faces scarcity of capital resource.

The projects like CPEC is rewarding Pakistan with intense capital inflows against utilisation of its strategic location. In addition to this, propagation of more than 700,000 direct jobs between 2015–2030 is expected as a result of the 51 page agreement expecting to contribute 2 to 2.5 percent increase in Pakistan’s annual economic growth. By and large, CPEC is distinctly salubrious for national development. It will not only strengthen Pakistan China friendship but will also open new avenues of trade and investment.

FARWAH ANUM ZEHRA

Karachi