CPEC 2.0: full speed ahead

[ghazi52]

Agriculture R&D priority in CPEC Phase II, says Dawood

• Advisor to Prime Minister on Trade and Investment says focus to be on increasing agricultural yield, industrialisation and improvement in Railways' infrastructure

Ali Ahmed
09 Jul 2021

Islamabad and Beijing will prioritise research and development in the agriculture sector during the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), informed Advisor to Prime Minister on Trade and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood on Friday.

Aiming to enhance economic cooperation, the advisor in a series of tweets said that CPEC is entering it its second phase and the focus needs to be on enhancing agriculture yield along with industrialisation.

“The focus will now be on agriculture research and development to enhance the yield of crops, industrialisation, and upgradation of the railways.”

The multi-billion-dollar CPEC is part of the ambitious China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks to boost trade and stimulate economic growth.

Dawood added that Pakistan’s exports to China have risen by 30% since the operationalization of the second phase of the Free Trade Agreement.

“In Pakistan, 50% of the investments come from China and our exports to China have increased by 30pc following the operationalisation of Phase-II of the FTA. I am sure that our economic relationship will contribute greatly to the economic development of Pakistan.”

Back in 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan signed the second phase of the CPFTA which was put into force on 1 January 2020 and will last until 2024. Under the second phase, China and Pakistan aim to reach US$15–20 billion in bilateral trade.

Pakistan’s exports to neighboring ally China have shown impressive double-digit growth in fiscal year 2021, going above $2 billion. During FY2021, Pakistan exports to China increased by 34% to $2.33 billion as compared to $1.74 billion in the previous FY, increasing by $586 million.

 

[ghazi52]

This map shows China's economic projects in Pakistan.

 

[ghazi52]

CPEC Phase II to employ, train Pakistani professionals: SAPM Khalid Mansoor

September 5, 2021


BEIJING: Khalid Mansoor, the special assistant to the Prime Minister on CPEC affairs, has said that huge job opportunities will be created for the people under phase two of the multibillion-dollar project and special importance will be attached to their skill enhancement and for that purpose, vocational training institutes will be constructed in special economic zones.

“The strategy is that the unskilled people are going to be trained and hired in the project activity and thereafter, they will get opportunities to earn and support their families,” Mansoor told Chinese media.

On the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in Pak-Afghan cooperation, he said that BRI would unfold a lot of economic opportunities for landlocked Afghanistan, which will get the chance to enhance its exports through regional connectivity offered by the BRI.

“The BRI has got a clear-cut mandate for regional connectivity, whether it is in Afghanistan or other neighboring countries,” he said, adding that CPEC phase two will not only bring revolution to Pakistan but also benefit Afghanistan.


He said that due to CPEC’s special economic zones, his country is going to be a major manufacturing hub which will not only uplift Pakistan’s economy but will also create huge opportunities for Afghanistan to rebuild and revive its economy.

“Afghanistan is a landlocked country, so it will have to depend on Pakistan for its needs in terms of importing and exporting. So we believe that this regional connectivity through the BRI will be really provide opportunities for us to develop further ties with our brotherly country Afghanistan and also provide mutual opportunities for growth of the economy in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he added.



He said CPEC is one of the most important projects for the economic revival of Pakistan, Mansoor said.
“CPEC’s phase two will be developing an industrial hub in the country, providing many opportunities for local and foreign investors.”

Underlining the importance of CPEC to uplifting the agriculture sector of his country, Mansoor said that Pakistan is an agricultural country and its economy depends on the development of the agriculture sector, which meets most of the food requirements of the country.

“There are several areas where we can benefit from the excellent research and experience of Chinese agricultural sector, for improving the quality of the seed, and then benefiting from the research and development to improve our yield, and to improve and modernise our mechanical cultivation and harvesting.
He said that Pakistan is also working on upgrading its livestock sector and enhancing its meat exports, which can all be expected to achieve with the cooperation of China.

Talking about the commitment of the two countries to make CPEC a green corridor, the official said that they would be growing a number of trees along the CPEC route and “we want to make sure that as the industrial hub is going to be increased, it should not be detrimental for the people’s health and also make sure that it is not polluting the environment by producing emissions”.

Coal power plants working under CPEC in Pakistan are making sure that they use state-of-the-art technology to meet world standards in emissions, removing the apprehensions that they are hazardous to the environment, he said.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan and China are trying to prepare more produced rice types.

During the Forum of International Cooperation and Development of Hangline Type Hybrid Rice, organized in the city of Lotian Province, it was announced that Punjab and Wuhan universities are using AI, Big Data, G and modern technologies, with great production. Working to jointly prepare hybrid rice types.
Remote Sensing. This joint project will help increase Pakistan's rice exports. It has been part of ongoing research that started in and has been allocated acres for testing so far.
Pakistan, China develop high-yielding rice varieties
During the forum of International Cooperation and Development of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice in Luotian, Hubei, it was announced that the universities of Punjab and Wuhan are working to jointly develop high-yield hybrid rice varieties using latest technologies like AI, big data, 5G and remote sensing.
This joint venture will help boost Pakistan’s rice exports. This has been part of ongoing research that started in 2019, and so far 80 acres have been allocated for trial.

 

[ghazi52]

Tripartite cooperation conducive to sustainable development of CPEC: Badar uz Zaman

Mon, 13 Sep 2021, 10:20 PM


BEIJING, Sep 13 (APP):..... As China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered the second phase, the new energy cooperation between Pakistan, ASEAN and China will still play an important role under the frame, said Badar uz Zaman, Commercial Counsellor of Embassy of Pakistan in China.

At the 70th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Pakistan & Bilateral Trade and Investment Forum, a sub-activity of the Expo, representatives of Chinese energy enterprises shared their successful experience of participating in CPEC.

Ren Hongbin, Vice Minister of Commerce of China said, “China hopes that Pakistan will make good use of CAEXPO and other platforms to promote sustained growth of bilateral trade and strengthen cooperation in sustainable development.”
Pakistan is also focusing on the products and industries related to new energy including solar, hydro, and wind, he said and added, In addition to that, we are already working on some industrial products, special economic zones and other projects regarding sustainable development. Therefore, the second phase of CPEC is a new stage in which we are focusing more on the environment and socio-ecology.

In order to ensure the sustainable development of CPEC and renewable energy growth under the context of COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan and China have taken numerous measures to ensure the projects go ahead.

Ning Jizhe, Director of China’s National Bureau of Statistics, also said during the Expo that strengthening international cooperation on environmental protection and jointly tackling climate change will be an important precondition for economic recovery and production capacity recovery in the post-COVID-19 era.

Badar said, we are complying with all the requirements, all the quality, and all the quarantine and systematic requirements of CDC. Thanks to the unremitting efforts of the builders from our two countries, the bilateral trade has been increasing, renewable energy projects have been signed and operated normally, and our productive capacity has been developed to cope with the worldwide public crisis.

He also agreed that the tripartite cooperation between Pakistan, China and ASEAN countries is conducive to sustainable development of CPEC, adding, China has Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with both ASEAN and Pakistan. BRI also provides favorable conditions for the three sides to reach a consensus on low-carbon transformation and renewable energy development.
During the Expo, China has also shown its consistent positive attitude towards developing clean energy and realizing sustainable development.

Zhang Jianhua, Chairman of China’s National Energy Administration, said,

At present, China’s new energy installed capacity accounts for one third of the world’s total. China has built the largest power network in the world with the strongest transmission capacity, the highest operational voltage level, the most new-energy interconnection and the best safe operation record.

China has endeavored to work together with BRI countries to push forward the power sector green and low-carbon transition and realize high-quality development, strive for mutual benefit through cooperation based on trust. China will also actively contribute her wisdom and strength to the sustainable development of BRI countries society and economy.

 

[ghazi52]

CPEC Phase II to focus on Green Development, people-to-people connectivity:

November 5, 2021




During an exclusive interview with a Pakistani news channel, China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong highlighted that as CPEC enters Phase II, it will focus on Green Development and ensure even greater people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.

He also said that Pakistan and China are iron brothers and their bond is like that of a family. He also highlighted that China wants to exist peacefully with all countries. Ambassador Nong said that he invites all third parties to join CPEC, including Afghanistan. He also expressed concern with regards to ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

 

[ghazi52]

https://nation.com.pk/NewsSource/web-desk
Web Desk
December 01, 2021


Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday emphasized that timelines specified for the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects should be adhered to.

The government was fully committed to the provisions of CPEC agreements, he said while presiding over a high level meeting held here to review the progress on CPEC projects.

The prime minister stated that China has been a time-tested friend of Pakistan and that the government accords high priority to the implementation and operationalization of CPEC projects.

He highlighted that the continuity of policies was essential for long-term projects in order to achieve maximum benefits for the country.

Earlier, Special Assistant to PM on CPEC Affairs Khalid Mansoor briefed the meeting about the updated status of CPEC projects.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Ali Haider Zaidi, Asad Umar, Advisor on Finance Shaukat Fayaz Tarin, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood and senior officers

 

[ghazi52]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=305324571514697

 

[ghazi52]

Government focusing on second phase of CPEC

December 22, 2021


ISLAMABAD – Special Assistant to Prime Minister on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Khalid Mansoor said that government is now focusing on the second phase of CPEC, which will be all about expansion and development.

He spoke about the way forward on the process of industrialization in Pakistan under CPEC. He added that during this phase the four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are being focused with special attention given to textiles, IT, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. He also apprised on the recent improvements introduced in legal regime to facilitate investors by BOI & CPEC authority in regards to one window operations.

Federal Board of Investment (BOI), in collaboration with the Punjab government organised a B2B Investment Conference. Chairman BOI Muhammad Azfar Ahsan highlighted that CPEC Industrial Cooperation is an all-inclusive in its scope and open to third party participation and invited the business community from China and from all over the world to invest in Pakistan’s economic sectors. Ahsan stressed that Pakistan has a liberal investment regime and apprised the participants on the various investor friendly policies recently introduced by the incumbent government including electric vehicle policy, mobile manufacturing, construction sector policies, sole enterprise Special Economic Zone, regulations 2020, SEZ Zone Enterprise Admin and Sale/Lease/Sublease of Plot Regulations 2021.

The chairman also informed the participants about “Pak-China B2B Investment Portal” which has been developed by BOI in collaboration with the China Council for International Investment Promotion and both local and Chinese companies are being encouraged to register for creating the possibility of materializing potential JV opportunities.

“Pakistan accords top priority to the development of Special Economic Zones under CPEC,” chairman BOI said.

Ahsan further elaborated that currently, out of the nine CPEC SEZs, three are at an advance stage of development including Allama Iqbal Industrial City in Punjab, Rashakai SEZ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Dhabeji SEZ in Sindh and attractive fiscal incentives are being offered under SEZs which include a tax free period of 10 years and custom duty exemption on import of capital goods to both the developer and enterprises housed in the SEZs.

Secretary BOI, Ms Fareena Mazhar stated that there are ample opportunities for foreign investors to invest with 100% equity or joint ventures in various fields with repatriation of investment and profit allowed with legal protection provisioned under the Acts of parliament to foreign investment. The secretary further added that government has a uniform treatment for local and foreign investors along with 100 % repatriation of profits and dividends and there is no requirement of minimum investment for businesses startups.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

...

CPEC’s second phase to usher in a new era of industrialization, says PM Khan..​

Admin.
Mar 1, 2022

ISLAMABAD (PEN): In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that recent visits to China and Russia will have far reaching impact on the country’s economy. He highlighted that China has given the assurance of high quality and expeditious development of the second phase of the CPEC. He also mentioned that this phase primarily revolves around the development and industrialization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs)....

 

[khail007]

Achor Imran Khan recently himself went to Gawadar and shared some valuable information:

 

[ghazi52]

.,.,

CPEC Phase II: Analysing the Special Economic Zones​

April 8, 2022
Tauseef Javed

The Express Tribune




China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered Phase II of its implementation. The infrastructural foundation for roads and highways has been completed to give land connectivity in the first phase. The next stage emphasises the importance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to be completed in the next few years. It is pertinent to dissect those SEZs which are being conceived under CPEC. AidData’s policy brief released on 22 March 2022 on CPEC makes it more relevant for local and national research groups to contemplate the significance of SEZs for CPEC as SEZs would be the vehicles that could bring a real economic boost to Pakistan.

Moreover, this web analysis will shed light on the concerns raised about the geographic suitability of SEZs in Pakistan under CPEC by AidData. Theoretically speaking, it is comparatively easy to conceive any plan like CPEC. But at the implementation stage on the ground, several factors may hinder the timetable or different projects get delayed, as we have seen because of the security conditions in Pakistan. The whole process of CPEC is progressing despite some individual events, so it is crucial to appreciate the entire process of CPEC development in Pakistan.

As mentioned at the start, SEZs are pivotal in this whole economic undertaking of CPEC. So first, it is important to know what is an SEZ. An SEZ is a part of a country subject to different economic rules than the rest of the country. The economic laws of SEZs are generally favourable to foreign direct investment (FDI) and attract it. Any investment made by a company or person in one state into commercial interests in another country is FDI.

According to the UNCTAD’s World Investment Report issued in 2019, there are more than 5,400 SEZs in nearly 150 countries, up from 4,000 SEZs in 2015, indicating a 35% rise. While many countries have established SEZs, China has had the most success attracting foreign money through SEZs. Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Shantou in Guangdong province, and Xiamen in Fujian province, established the first four special economic zones in China in 1979. The above discussion is helpful to understand the definition and catalytic role of SEZs in the economic growth of a country. Thus, SEZs are of paramount importance for Pakistan, particularly for CPEC.

Every provincial SEZ, including the Rashakai prioritised-SEZ (pSEZ) in KP, the Allama Iqbal Industrial City in Punjab, Bostan SEZ in Balochistan, and Dhabeji SEZ in Sindh has been approved by the Board of Approvals and is at various stages of development.

The establishment of nine SEZs in Pakistan, seven provincial and two federal, was agreed upon during the 6th meeting of the Pak-China Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on CPEC, which took place in Beijing, China. The nine SEZs would be established under the framework of the CPEC Industrial Complex (IC). Every provincial SEZ, including the Rashakai prioritised-SEZ (pSEZ) in KP, the Allama Iqbal Industrial City in Punjab, Bostan SEZ in Balochistan, and Dhabeji SEZ in Sindh has been approved by the Board of Approvals and is at various stages of development. To expedite the development of these SEZs, the federal government has secured the provision of utilities to the specified zero-point of these SEZs. As a result, Rs 4 billion has been allotted to the Federal PSDP for the fiscal year 2021.

Figure 1 – Source: Pakistan Economic Survey 2020-21​

Pakistan has almost covered one decade of legislative evolution of SEZ since the passage of SEZ act of 2012, as shown in figure 1. The framework conceived in 2012 has laid the foundation for the protection and progress of SEZs in Pakistan.

The current analysis focuses on the SEZ under CPEC, so it is relevant to contemplate feasibility and cost-benefit. The Rashkai pSEZ is spread over 1000 acres, is 60 km to the east of Peshawar and 90 km to the west of Islamabad, and it is situated on the Motorway (M1) near the CPEC route. Rashakai is located 800 km south of Khunjerab Pass, 111.6 km from Torkham Border, and 39.6 km from Azakhel Dry Port, which provides it with a particular strategic advantage in serving the markets of KP, Punjab, Southwest China, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. It would facilitate the creation of a business-friendly climate to attract FDI and the relocation of high-tech industries from around the world and facilitate technology transfer. The Rashkai pSEZ’s location would likely compound the neighbouring areas’ economic culture. As a result of the economic zone’s advantageous location and abundant resource pool, the following industrial clusters and sectors have the greatest potential for investment:

• Processing and Manufacturing
• Home Equipment
• Pharmaceutical
• House Building Materials
• Automobiles and automobile parts
• Agriculture and Horticulture
• Wholesale markets

By analysing the importance of SEZs worldwide and their contribution to a country’s economic growth in terms of FDI, it is opined that Pakistan is moving in the right direction, particularly with SEZs like Rashakai under CPEC. Pakistan has already entered Phase II of CPEC, which is appreciable for both countries. Notwithstanding the concerns raised by AidData, the overall impact of CPEC would likely kick off from Phase II onwards. By keeping the overall time period and scale of CPEC in mind, it is no wonder if some time delays or project delays take place on the way because it is a real-world infrastructural project.

 

[ghazi52]

,..,,.

CPEC moves into second phase with ‘simple’ celebration​

Chinese VP He Lifeng, PM Shehbaz witness signing of six new documents; cultural show cancelled out of respect for victims of Bajaur atta

 

[ProudThamizhan]

CPEC 1st 10 years merely bankrupted Pakistan and made them beg.
Next phase will make them a slave nation to Beijing.

Do the public even know how much in interest alone is being incurred for so called CPEC?