At an international seminar hosted by China Window Peshawar and IMSciences, Chinese investor Mr. Wang Xi announced that if transport issues and NOCs are resolved, China is ready to create 50,000 jobs in KP immediately.
Key Highlights:
The seminar addressed the critical role of CPEC Phase II, especially in KP’s Rashakai Special Economic Zone and other industrial hubs.
Senior KP leaders including Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Muzzammil Aslam, Abdul Karim Tor Dher, and MPA Asif Khan emphasized depoliticizing development and fast-tracking implementation.
Nabeela Jaffer’s Insights:
Nabeela Jaffer, a researcher at the Institute of Regional Studies, emphasized the need to shift from government-led initiatives to business-to-business (B2B) cooperation in CPEC Phase II.
She said that long-term industrial growth depends on improving production capacity, which will in turn boost exports.
Highlighted Pakistan’s demographic dividend, with 65% youth population, as an opportunity to invest in modern sectors like AI, IT, and automation.
Chinese Commitment:
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed full support for CPEC as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Wang Xi called for smoother investment procedures, particularly in mining and industrial access.
Security & Infrastructure:
Deputy Commandant SSU Tariq Iqbal assured that over 1,500 foreigners, including Chinese workers, are being provided foolproof security.
Government has streamlined 170 regulatory hurdles, cancelling 32 outdated regulations, according to Iqbal Sarwar from KP Board of Investment.
Way Forward:
Participants agreed that CPEC must now focus on tangible results, ensuring that benefits reach local populations, especially in less developed regions like KP.