China-Pakistan Cooperation Flourishes with Fruitful Results from BRI
Published on: November 9, 2023.
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In the Thatta district of southern Pakistan’s Sindh province, wind turbines have been making a significant impact by delivering green power to rural households. This is part of a larger wind power project portfolio by PowerChina in Pakistan. Chief representative Yang Jianduo stated that all 12 wind power projects, with a total installed capacity of 610 MW, are now connected to the grid. Not only has this project portfolio created over 20,000 local jobs, but it will also produce 2 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually, resulting in a reduction of 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
These projects are part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The CPEC, launched in 2013, is a corridor that connects Gwadar port in Pakistan to Kashgar in northwest China. It aims to enhance energy, transport, and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The CPEC has already yielded fruitful results, according to Hassan Daud Butt, a senior advisor at the China Study Center of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute. By the end of 2022, the CPEC had brought a direct investment of 25.4 billion U.S. dollars to Pakistan. It has also created 236,000 jobs and contributed to the development of 510 kilometers of expressways and 8,000 megawatts of power supply. Butt expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating that most of the targets and projects had been achieved.
The Second Conference of Global Economic Development and Security Forum of Boao Forum for Asia, held in Changsha, further emphasized the importance of cooperation under the BRI. Over 2,500 representatives from government departments, international organizations, academia, and leading multinationals attended the conference, aiming to address global economic risks and structural problems.
In addition to the wind power projects, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is also under construction. As a landmark project of China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation, the dam is set to be the tallest roller compact concrete dam in the world with an installed capacity of 4.5 million kilowatt. Once completed, it will generate an estimated 18.1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
The impact of the BRI can be seen not only in infrastructure but also in personal experiences. Tabi Satti, who returned to Pakistan after studying and working in China, now works as a project manager for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Satti has witnessed firsthand the positive changes brought by the BRI to his hometown, including improved roads, easier travel, stable electricity, and increased job opportunities. He feels confident in participating in the BRI and acknowledges the broad development opportunities it has brought to Pakistan.
The past decade has seen the CPEC transform from a vision into reality in Pakistan. Exciting developments are on the horizon, such as the upcoming opening of the China-funded New Gwadar International Airport and Gwadar East-Bay Expressway. Additionally, the Rashakai special economic zone (SEZ) is receiving substantial investment in its first phase. Furthermore, China’s hybrid rice has significantly boosted Pakistan’s crop yield.
In conclusion, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has had a positive and transformative impact on Pakistan’s development. With ongoing projects in energy, infrastructure, and economic cooperation, the CPEC continues to play a vital role in shaping Pakistan’s future.
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