The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is China’s ambitious plan to establish two new trade routes, connecting it with numerous countries. However, the BRI is not just about building roads and ports; it is also about enriching China’s trade connections, increasing its economic and political influence worldwide, and laying the groundwork for China to develop a high-tech economy.
The Belt and Road Initiative is a relatively new term. Initially, it referred to two separate projects, then as the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, and finally as the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Belt: The “Belt” part of the BRI refers to a plan to revive ancient trade routes that once connected Europe and Asia. These routes will be reconstructed primarily using Chinese expertise. The idea was first proposed by Xi Jinping during a visit to Kazakhstan in 2013, with Central Asia being the most critical region for the “Belt.”
The Road: In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans to create new sea trade routes along the old Marco Polo routes. This plan, known as the Maritime Silk Road, aims to connect China with Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. The route will bypass the Malacca Strait and include fuel stations, ports, bridges, industries, and other infrastructure throughout Southeast Asia and into the Indian Ocean. Pakistan is considered a key partner in this effort, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
Historical Background of CPEC: Since the 1950s, there have been plans to create an economic corridor connecting China’s Central Region to Pakistan’s ports on the Arabian Sea. The significance of this project grew after the Gwadar port was completed in 2006. However, the expansion of the ports was delayed due to political instability in Pakistan, including the downfall of General Pervez Musharraf and the disruption caused by the Waziristan war in northwest Pakistan.
In 2013, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signed an agreement to enhance connections between the two countries. These agreements were part of a long-term plan to create the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which would also be included in the Silk Road Economic Belt. Later, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with Premier Li Keqiang in China to discuss the projects in more detail, leading to the full announcement of CPEC.
The launch of CPEC was officially announced when China and Pakistan signed a $46 billion agreement, equivalent to 20% of Pakistan’s annual GDP. Once completed, CPEC will be part of the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, with the Gwadar port playing a key role.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a collection of infrastructure projects being built across Pakistan as part of the larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by the Chinese government. Originally estimated to cost $46 billion, CPEC’s value increased to $62 billion by 2017. The main goal of CPEC is to rapidly improve Pakistan’s infrastructure, including roads, energy projects, and ports, thereby boosting the country’s economy. The project also includes building special economic zones and developing a transportation network.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is significant for Pakistan as it strengthens trade connections between the two countries. CPEC, a major component of this initiative, is helping boost Pakistan’s economy by creating new jobs and improving infrastructure. This includes the development of roads, ports, and energy projects, which not only support economic growth but also increase employment opportunities for Pakistanis.
The strong friendship between China and Pakistan is evident in their close cooperation on this project. President Xi Jinping has actively worked with Pakistani leaders to advance CPEC. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal have been deeply involved in the project, closely monitoring its progress. Their efforts aim to maximize the benefits of CPEC for Pakistan and ensure it contributes to long-term economic development and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Without the CPEC initiative, Pakistan’s economic landscape would likely be very different. CPEC presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan, offering various benefits that would be difficult to achieve through other means.
CPEC has the potential to transform Pakistan’s infrastructure. The project includes building roads, railways, and energy plants, which are crucial for improving connectivity within the country and with its neighbours. Without CPEC, Pakistan might struggle to undertake these large-scale infrastructure developments on its own, which could limit the country’s ability to support economic growth and attract foreign investment.
Furthermore, CPEC is a major source of employment. The construction and operational phases of various CPEC projects create jobs for thousands of Pakistanis, providing not only income but also long-term skills development.
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Aqsa Sarfraz is a freelance journalist with a focus on political and diplomatic affairs. Her work often delves into the nuances of international relations and their effects on regional stability. She aims to provide deep, analytical insights into how policy decisions influence public opinion and shape geopolitical landscapes.
