Gwadar is emerging as a key regional transit and trade hub under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). At a two-day international conference held by Sindh University’s Area Study Center, experts highlighted the need for closer integration with other Eurasian corridors, including the North-South and Lapis Lazuli routes. This move aims to expand trade from South Asia to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, enhancing Pakistan’s strategic importance.
The conference recommended speedy execution of ongoing CPEC projects and removal of bureaucratic hurdles to improve investor confidence. Experts also proposed establishing CPEC Centres of Excellence across Pakistan to build skilled human resources for Phase-II projects. Additionally, a dedicated ministry or division for CPEC with provincial offices and a centralised control room was suggested to monitor projects in real-time.
Other proposals included exploring Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor as a CPEC extension, aggressive marketing of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract investors, and aligning future projects with green energy and climate resilience trends. The conference emphasized that security, economic development, and sustainable energy solutions must go hand-in-hand to ensure long-term success of CPEC and strengthen Gwadar’s position as a regional trade hub.
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