A joint study of the Asian Development Bank, Department for International Development of the United Kingdom, Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank has suggested the Pakistani government to take the required measures to reap enormous benefits of $60-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The report says that investment in roads, railways and ports, under the corridor project, offers enormous potentials for the country not only to boost its economy and reduce poverty, but also take the benefits of the regional connectivity. The Web of Transport Corridors in South Asia report also calls upon the relevant stakeholders to undertake complementary measures to improve local conditions to manage and plug the financing gaps in a sustainable manner. The study advocates for involving local population in the way of the corridor, saying the new transport infrastructure should have to come with means for the people to take full advantages of the improved connectivity right from the beginning. The corridor project has the potential to connect regional markets, create and increase demand for locally manufactured products and boost economy. The report came at a time when South Asia is passing through a critical period of its history where tension is high but political will to enhance cooperation among the regional countries is absent.
The world’s largest poor population lives in India and it is on the course of collision rather than convergence. Extremist elements have grabbed the government in India which has spoiled peace which is necessary for development of the regional economies. The report mentions that Asia is becoming an engine of growth and important driver of the global economic development with various corridor projects offering opportunities of collaboration. The benefits of investment in the corridor projects could only be reaped when economies are able to create export surpluses and spread the benefits of foreign investment fairly among the local population. The proposed Khyber Pass Economic Corridor would not only help consolidate regional connectivity but will also help boost cross border trade and local economic activities. Unfortunately, India and Afghanistan are the biggest hurdle in the way of economic development of the South Asian region. India has been fuelling insurgencies in various parts of Pakistan whereas Afghanistan harbours the enemies of Pakistan to launch terrorist activities in Pakistan. When millions of people suffer deprivation and the lowest standard of living, the Indian leaders are piling up arms and ammunition to fight against neighbours.
