Pakistan, an important player in China’s ‘go global’ approach

As part of ongoing series of discussions on CPEC at IPS, Institute’s former associate and senior counselor in Pakistan Embassy, Beijing, Zamir Awan shared his vision on emerging trends in Pak-China Relations, focusing especially on the initiative of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The in-house session was held on July 09, 2015.

As part of ongoing series of discussions on CPEC at IPS, Institute’s former associate and senior counselor in Pakistan Embassy, Beijing, Zamir Awan shared his vision on emerging trends in Pak-China Relations, focusing especially on the initiative of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The in-house session was held on July 09, 2015.

The speaker viewed that while China’s post-1978 policy of opening up to the world yielded immense economic prosperity in the country, its ‘go global’ approach also engaged the world in mutually beneficial economic activities.

Sharing insights on the venture, Zamir said that the multibillion dollar projects under the long-term plans of CPEC had the potential of generating massive amount of economic activity, not only in Pakistan but also in rest of the region, as a large number of Chinese investors were willing to invest and benefit from the predictable potential. The strategic location of Pakistan and the mutual trust between the two countries had already made Pakistan an important player in China’s mega plans of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and Silk Road Economic Belt.

He also hoped that the CPEC generated activities will augment research, academic and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Shedding light on the perceived challenges associated with CPEC, Zamir said that a number of local and international players were overtly and covertly expressing their concerns over the initiative and the government of Pakistan was well aware of these internal and external reservations and provocations. He suggested that the think tanks and research institutions should also address these issues in their deliberations and recommendations.