The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project (CPEC), launched in 2013 as a flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, has transformed Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape.
In an interview, Muhammad Zamir Assadi, a political analyst and research fellow at China International Press Communication Centre, said that third-party inclusion in CPEC could enhance the project’s outcomes in the next decade of development and improve socio-economic development in Pakistan and the region. He explained that the investment could come from foreign governments or foreign enterprises.
He said;
“The CPEC is an open corridor, and both Pakistan and China will welcome the inclusion of any third party in this multi-billion-dollar deal.”
Moreover, Assadi highlighted that CPEC has expanded industrial cooperation and encouraged various Chinese enterprises to enter the Pakistani market. He also noted that the project has promoted Pakistan’s industries from assembling imported parts and components to localized production of parts, improving the development of energy-efficient sectors in the country. As CPEC enters its next phase, Assadi believes CPEC will generate more socio-economic benefits.
He said;
“The project has transformed Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape, and much more will be generated in the next phase.”
The inclusion of third-party investors could further enhance CPEC’s potential. The project focuses on the energy, transportation, industrial cooperation, and third-party inclusion, which could lead to more diverse investment opportunities and increased cooperation in other sectors.
Assadi’s comments suggest that CPEC is an exciting development opportunity for Pakistan and the region. The project has succeeded significantly, and third-party inclusion could unlock even more potential.
