On the Policy Orientation of CPEC in Pakistan: A Cynical View

Abstract

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is framed as a ‘Game Changer’ in Pakistan. There is no denial on the value of opportunities provided by CPEC, but local government has failed to develop and disseminate relevant policies for different sectors of economy. This study reviews available literature on CPEC and finds that there is a general stress on propagation of special economic zones, interregional trade, power generation, infrastructure development, and Gwader port; while studies related to policies relating to important sector like cargo and transportation, automobiles, housing, banking, shipping, and other relevant industries have not surfaced yet. Most importantly, there are no plan on vocational and technical training of local human resource to meet future demand in industries to be set up in special economic zones. This study provides a documentary analysis of the news coverage and official research reports on the CPEC and argues that although CPEC boasts infrastructural developments in Pakistan, playing blind to the industry level reforms, initiatives, and policies could result in many lost opportunities for Pakistan.