ISLAMABAD: Economic experts and social scientists Wednesday stressed the need for expending the outreach of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) economic benefit to the under-privileged segments, which would also help eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.
Sharing their views on ‘Rebuilding Pakistan Better and Stronger’ on the second day of three-day ‘Islamabad International Counter Terrorism Forum (IICTF) 2018’ here, they said the economic benefits of the multi billion dollars project should reach local people so as to minimize the possibility of their involvement in terrorist acts.
The event has been organized by National Counter Terrorism Authority in order to portray the country’s positive and soft image.
Speaking on the occasion, Ye Hailin, Chief Editor of South Asia Studies, National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Pakistan had contributed too much towards the safety and security of the workers working on different developmental projects under the CPEC.
He said the involvement of the people of local areas would help bring change in their lifestyle and create a sense of shared prosperity and ownership of the projects, which would also strengthen the security of workers.
He rejected the Indian perceptions against the CPEC, saying the project would help connect the South Asia with Central Asia and Europe for economic integration, development and prosperity.
He said the CPEC was part of the One Belt One Road initiative, which was conceived by the Chines leadership with an aim to have shared prosperity. It was a game changer for the under-developed areas, as it would bring economic revolution, he added.
Director CPEC Hassan Daud Butt said the project was passing through its fifth phase. It was a part of the One Belt One Road initiative, which comprised six corridors that would help enhance the connectivity of South Asian region to Central Asia and Europe.
He said after the CPEC’s initiation, the national gross domestic product had achieved average annual growth of 2.5 per cent. At present the GDP growth rate stood at 5.8 per cent, which was the highest in last ten years.
He said the western corridor of the project would be completed next year, would create more job opportunities and economic growth, and help in complete elimination of terrorism from the country.
