People
I like this forum because mostly its balanced discussion, trolls and the like are quickly dismissed.
I write this because as a Pakistani, I have huge concerns about CPEC, but would like your views and reassurance.
CPEC is $46 billion. 3/4s is power related the rest is transport, e.g motorways, rail or metro, with freebies thrown in like Gwader airport.
On power , coal projects are charging twice what India pays for electricity and solar is four times plus what UAE pays.
Is this a non issue if its cheaper than what we currently pay despite being higher than our neighbours? I thought the whole idea was to make us more completive?
I see CPEC as a north south corridor, that will benefit internal trade and maybe trade with South Afghanistan trade. Why do I say this? well China already has a train service from its industrial heartland to Iran and has already run trains on this route. The route of the train runs though all the major Central Asian states, bypassing Afghanistan, but still able to serve the north Afghanistan.
sovereign guarantees and other commitments are hidden, Gwadar port gives Chinese companies tax free status for 40 years, transit tolls are yet to be announced.
Thoughts please, preferably ones that will help me sleep easier please.