By kamran Raja
In a Conversation with Hassan Daud Butt CPEC Expert and CEO KP Board of Investment and Trade.
CPEC initiative besides cooperation in the infrastructure and energy projects is critical for Pakistan as through cooperation under Agriculture and science and technology joint working groups Pakistan is looking at not just joining Chinese research and development(R &D) but also benifiting from it. In the ongoing important phase of industrial development new and flexible ideas would be required so that investment flow can take place. the CPEC SEZs can be great model as center of excellence for industry relocation from China. however in this challenging times where global economy has been struck with pandamic, out of box solutions would be required. Morover, Pakistan will also have to have Innovative ideas with special focus on labour skills and productivity through vocational courses as there is a requirement to bridge this gap. Though frequent travel and interaction my not be possible due COVID 19, more webinars and online interaction needs to be done. Experts from Vietnam and Cambodia may also be invited to learn from their experience of creating the pull factor for chinese Industeries. it is believed that the industrial cooperation framework likely to be signed in 10th JCC tentatively scheduled in April 2021, will support short and medium term development and joint venture requirements and will also show Chinese government commitment to supporting industrialization in Pakistan. I believe Pakistan has the right potential and natural endowment to be a ground for chinese investment. The other area where cooperation needs to be enhanced is mining as well as marble and gem stone industies development where Pakistan especially less developed areas of KP and baluchistan have huge potential and value addition by Chinese and linking it to Chinese supply chains will adress many of the sectoral issues.KP government on its part is going it best so that Rashakai SEZ can be a favored destination for chinese investors due to its location and favorable policies. GoKP through KP BOIT is working on establishing one window service like wise KPEZMEC is also ensuring that processes in SEZs can be reduced to support invesment.
In Gwadar development is happening fast. the completion of East Bay express way this year and investment in FTZ will be major milestones for this year. I believe the Pak China vocational center needs to be constructed fast so that local HR can benefit from it.
All in all it is important time for Pakistan and through continuity of policies the cooperation can be enhanced manifold. With growth in industry and agriculture and growth in Gwadar there will be higher demand for logistics services in which JVs with Chinese would likely play a leading role for services such as cold chain logistics, port and dry port operation, warehouse services, freight forwarding, and trucking. The Textile and agriculture sector in particular can benefit from Gwadar port where capabilities of handling large ships is growing. Similarly, logistics hub in KP can support growth and transportation to Afghanistan and beyond.
All in all CPEC offer huge opportunities and through pragmatic planning and actions Pakistan can achieve the desired results.