The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a framework for regional connectivity through building various infrastructure, power, and economical projects connecting Pakistan's western border with Indian Oceans. CPEC is a 47 billion US$ agreement, signed by Pakistan and China in 2003. The main projects in these agreements are the construction of Highways, train tracks, ports, and installing fiber optics, for improving connectivity through Pakistan while providing opportunities for foreign trade and investment. Despite being such an important developmental program, CPEC face delays due to slow legislative process, lack of coordination with provinces and security issue especially terrorist attacks in tribal areas. CPEC authority works by Cooperation Committee co-chaired by the minister and vice-chairman. There are 9 working joint groups representing 9 different departments in CPEC, these departments are planning, energy, transport, SEZs, Gwadar, security, international cooperation, social and economic development, and agriculture departments. Currently, Asim Saleem Bajwa is chairman and Asad Rafi Chandna is additional secretary of CPEC authority
Tuesday, 12 January 2021
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Under the authority of CPEC, extensive highways connecting Khunjerab from the western border to Gwadar near the Indian ocean are planned. The construction of highways connecting Multan to Faisalabad, Khuzdar to Sukkur, and Surab to Gwadar are under construction. Whereas in the next phase highways from Thakot to Burhan and from Multan to Sukkur will be completed on a priority basis. There are also some other highway projects which would be completed on a priority basis. These projects will improve Pakistan's road map and will also give China access to the Indian ocean and broadening trade opportunities for both countries.
China has also agreed on the construction of railway tracks under the CPEC agreement. A new line from Peshawar to Torkham, from Quetta to Kotla, and from Gwadar to Jacobabad will be constructed. While old tracks such as ML1 and ML2 will be reconstructed and upgraded in electrification, communication, and overhaul of the tracks. This will not only improve connectivity but also rejuvenate domestic and foreign trade.
Another milestone in the CPEC agreement is the establishment of an optical fiber network from Khunjrab to Punjab. 56% of the optical fiber line will be Gilgit, 35% in KPK, 5.8% in Punjab, and 2.2% in the federal capital. The total length of the optical fiber line will be 820 km and will help Gilgit which usually faces connectivity and communication problems in connecting to the rest of Pakistan and eventually the world.
CEPEC has also the initiative of bringing trade and other developmental opportunities for Pakistan by the development of different ports, energy sectors (coal and hydro), Gwadar International airport, social sectors, scientific societies, and 9 SEZs (social-economic zones). The SEZs are special areas having different economical laws with respect to other parts of countries that favor foreign and local investments due to low taxations and other economic opportunities. Under CEPEC Pakistan will construct 9 SEZs for which Pakistan has submitted its feasibility report and has started development on some SEZs. The proposed SEZs are located in Nowshera, Dhabeji, Bostan, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Port Qassim, AJK, KPK, and Gilgit Baltistan. The projects like the development of Gwadar port and airport will also help Pakistan strengthen its foreign trade.
A complete list of developmental projects can be found on http://cpec.gov.pk/.../upl.../psdp-projects/CPEC-2018-19.pdf
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