CPEC SEZs to become engines of growth for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD-The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) set up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are set to become the engines of growth for the economic stability of Pakistan.

Talking to WealthPK, Dr Fazal-ur-Rahman, Director of Pakistan Institute of China Studies at the Sargodha University, said, “CPEC and the associated projects will prove a historic initiative which will attract foreign investors and ultimately increase employment and business opportunities for the locals and international investors in Pakistan.” The SEZs and industrial parks are being designed with the promise of international opportunities and unlimited resources, taking the country to a journey of economic growth, he said.

He said the SEZs will take Pakistan to the path of progress and prosperity like Singapore setting records of progress and development by pursuing trade initiatives. Khalid Mansoor, former adviser to the prime minister on CPEC affairs, said Pakistan was focusing on projects that will create job opportunities for the people. “For the success of SEZs, it is imperative to combine the political, social and business elements to follow sustainable growth and lead Pakistan to the path of prosperity benefiting from the Chinese experiences,” he emphasised. Gwadar is termed the golden gate to Asia, and the CPEC is being seen as the most important route of Asian trade, said Khalid Mansoor, adding that a total of 28 mega projects had been completed in Pakistan under the project, out of which 18 were related to energy and 10 to infrastructure.