CPEC a game changer

Introduction:
China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a collection of infrastructure projects that are
currently under construction throughout Pakistan.CPECis a big business proposition with huge
Chinese investments spreading over 15 years having a total outlay of up to $62 billion as of
2017.$35 billion on the energy sector in the mode of IPPs (independent Power Producers)
and remaining investment for infrastructure development; like industrial zones roads and
railways etc. A good part of these investment projects comprises loans from Chinese banks.
Construction of 3,218 km long route from Chinese province of Kashgar to Pakistani port of
Gwadar, is seen as hallmark of this CPEC project. Through this shorter route, Chinese
goods will have easier access to the Middle East, SouthAsia, Africa via Gwadar port of
Pakistan. Currently these goods have to travel a long distance of around 10,000 km from
the South China Sea through the Strait of Malacca to reach the Gulf. The project is being
seen as game changer of the region amid the challenges faced by it. A special force of
15000 Pakistani troops would protect CPEC route.

Prospects of CPEC
China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a scheme of great potential not only for China and
Pakistan but also for the region. The prospects of this mega project can be studied in
following points;

 CPEC brings immense economic opportunities for Pakistan. The country has for
long faced economic crisis. In the wake of this project Pakistan will seek revenue
from port rents, trade tariffs and chance to establish its own trade links with the
Gulf States.
 CPEC will bring fortune to the people of the regions who will host its trade routes.
This will also lead to establishment of industry thus creating more jobs.
 An important prospect of CPEC is seen in the power-projects it is bringing for
Pakistan. Under the deal signed, China will install over 15 power plants in
Pakistan. They will double the energy production by 2020 which is going to end the
energy crisis in country.
 CPEC brings the prospect of uniting the region economically. China can lead an
economic bloc of Asia. Iran will also find this project favorable once this project
gets completion.
Challenges to Construction of CPEC
The challenges it faces are enumerated following;

 Militancy in Baluchistan – the province with destination of CPEC route.

 Indian Interference – India interferes in the construction and development of
project by raising concerns on the passing of routes via Gilgit Baltistan – an
unsettled territory linked to Kashmir.
 Militancy in Xinjiang region of China is itself threat to the construction of Chinese
part of the project in its Western part of the country.
 The global strategic competition between US and China can prove to be another
challenge as stopping this project will be in benefit of US to check Chinese access
to the Middle Eastern and African Markets.

CPEC – A Game Changer

CPEC is seen a Game Changer in the region in following ways;

 It will bring economic unity in Asia particularly among the countries of South Asia,
Middle East and adjacent states of Africa.
 It can bring stability in the region if countries are positively engaged in trade.
 CPEC can turn Gwadar port into an international trading point bringing fortune to
Pakistan.
 China will seek control on the markets of region expanding its ‘One Road, One
Belt’ initiative.
 Regional balance, which for long has been US-dominated, will gradually begin to
show a shift in alliances.

Conclusion
Dealing with the challenged ahead, CPEC can be constructed to exploit the maximum
of potential it carries. CPEC is a Game Changer economically as well as strategically.

Pakistan and china hold a great importance in the world.

Pak-china friendship is not only of political level but people of both countries shares a
special bond.

Pak -china friendship is terms as “stronger then steel ,sweeter than honey, deeper the
ocean ,higher then mountain.”