The Ministry for Planning, Development and Reforms is going to organise a conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE) on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and regional integration from December 13-15, 2016. The theme of the conference is China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Regional Integration and it is a three-day long conference. The conference offers excellent learning and networking opportunities to participants and sponsors.
This year, the Planning Commission is organising the 32nd AGM and the conference of the PSDE from December 13-15, 2016. Chief Economist of Ministry for Planning, Development and Reforms Muhammad Nadeem Javaid on Friday said while briefing the media about conference that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a testament to the deep-rooted and enduring friendship between the two countries.
He said that the multi-faceted mega project is expected to be a game changer, not only for the people of Pakistan, but for the region as a whole by improving cross-country and regional connectivity from Gwadar to Xinjiang. The project priorities include transport and communications, energy infrastructure, industrial parks, special economic zones, and people to people co-operation.
He said the project activities are expected to galvanise Pakistan's economy and propel it onto a higher growth trajectory by lowering transactions costs, improving productivity, encouraging research and development, and spurring innovation. It is believed that the project will help strengthen the strategic relationship between China and Pakistan and bring lasting prosperity to the peoples of both countries, he added. Nadeem Javaid said its aim is to encourage rigorous and evidence based research on the potential benefits of the CPEC for Pakistan and China as well as its regional and global implications.
Besides the invited lectures, we have five panel discussions based on the sub-themes of the conference. These are: one belt one road; mainstreaming environment in CPEC; labour market dynamics in the project; socio-economic impact of the project and challenges to agriculture sector in CPEC.
Dr Asad Zaman of Planning Commission said the technical papers form the backbone of our AGM and this year 32 papers would be presented on the issues linked to CPEC and Regional Integration. He said that this year we are also having two report launching events. One report is on exports competitiveness by the World Bank, and the other on agriculture and rural economy of Pakistan by IFPRI.