The CPEC has been instrumental in reshaping Pakistan’s economic landscape since its inception. The first phase of CPEC focused on the development of critical infrastructure, particularly in energy and transport.
Now, as Pakistan and China embark on the second phase of this flagship project, the focus is shifting towards a knowledge-driven economy, leveraging technological advancements and innovation.
A Shift from Infrastructure to Intellectual Growth
At a recent seminar hosted by the IRS in Islamabad, experts and officials emphasized the critical role of intellectual infrastructure development in the second phase of the CPEC. This phase aims to strengthen technological collaboration, promote joint research initiatives, and enhance capacity building, ultimately positioning Pakistan as a significant contributor to the global knowledge economy.
Business-to-Business Collaboration and Digital Innovation
A defining feature distinguishing the first and second phases of the CPEC is the shift from government-to-government (G2G) collaboration to business-to-business (B2B) partnerships. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, emphasized that B2B cooperation plays a crucial role in driving digital innovation and reinforcing economic ties between Pakistan and China.
Revolutionizing Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing a significant portion of the labor force and contributing substantially to the country’s GDP. Asif Ali Khan, chairperson of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority, emphasized the need to modernize this crucial sector by adopting advanced Chinese agricultural technologies.
China has been instrumental in transforming its own agricultural sector through scientific innovations and precision farming techniques. By leveraging Chinese expertise, Pakistan can enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and ensure sustainable farming practices.
Over the past decade, CPEC has facilitated several agricultural projects aimed at modernizing farming techniques, and the second phase seeks to expand these initiatives further.
The Takeaway
The second phase of CPEC marks a shift from physical infrastructure to intellectual and technological advancements, emphasizing innovation, digital transformation, and B2B cooperation. This transition strengthens economic resilience and enhances workforce competitiveness in the global market.
As CPEC progresses, it reinforces the Pakistan-China partnership, driving sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity.